The Director of Captive & Program Claims serves as the strategic leader for Innovative Risk Management's (IRM) third‑party claims administration operations, setting the vision for claims performance across all captive and program portfolios. This highly visible, client‑facing role is responsible for ensuring exceptional claims management while supporting the long‑term success of IRM's captive and program business. As a highly visible, client‑facing leader, the Director oversees all aspects of Commercial Auto, General Liability, Workers' Compensation, Commercial Property, and other commercial claims. The position blends technical expertise, operational leadership, litigation oversight, and proactive client advocacy to deliver superior claim outcomes and support long‑term program success. Working collaboratively with captive members, brokers, carriers, reinsurers, underwriting, and loss control teams, the Director ensures that every claim is managed with precision, transparency, and strategic intent.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Lead and oversee the day-to-day operations of the claims department and third-party administrators. Develop and execute claims strategies across all IRM programs and commercial lines, including Workers' Compensation, Commercial Auto, General Liability, Commercial Property, and Inland Marine. Supervise the investigation, evaluation, litigation management, and resolution of complex and high-value claims. Partner with legal counsel, carriers, reinsurers, brokers, and clients to develop effective claim resolution strategies while minimizing indemnity and litigation costs. Provide technical guidance on coverage interpretation, liability analysis, damages evaluation, and claim reserving. Direct litigation management, including assignments to defense counsel and subject matter experts. Participate in claim reviews, mediations, settlement negotiations, and client stewardship meetings. Prepare and present large-loss reports and claims analysis to senior management, clients, carriers, and reinsurers. Collaborate with underwriting and loss control teams to improve program performance and reduce losses. Establish, monitor, and continuously improve claims best practices, operational procedures, quality standards, and regulatory compliance. Lead budgeting, strategic planning, vendor management, and department performance initiatives. Manage, coach, mentor, and develop a team of approximately 22 claims professionals through hiring, training, performance management, and professional development.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 8-10
years of progressively responsible commercial property and casualty claims management experience, including leadership responsibilities. Extensive hands-on experience handling Commercial Auto and General Liability claims, including premises liability, construction-related losses, and risk transfer strategies. Strong working knowledge of Workers' Compensation and Commercial Property claims. Experience with captive insurance programs, self-insured organizations, insurance carriers, TPAs, or broker claim advocacy. Comprehensive knowledge of claims handling, policy interpretation, liability assessment, damages evaluation, litigation management, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Demonstrated success leading and developing high-performing claims teams. Strong analytical, strategic thinking, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities. Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to communicate complex claims issues to executives, clients, and business partners. Proven ability to build trusted relationships with clients, brokers, carriers, reinsurers, and internal stakeholders. Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Valid multi-state adjuster licenses preferred, with Texas as the preferred home state. Limited travel as business needs require.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
Insurance carrier claims management experience at the management or executive level. Prior captive insurance, account management, or claim advocacy experience. Experience working with self-insured retention programs and alternative risk financing structures.
EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS
Bachelor's degree required. CPCU, ARM, AIC, or similar professional insurance designation preferred. Juris Doctor (JD) is beneficial but not required.
COMPANY PROFILE
Innovative Risk Management (IRM) is a subsidiary of Brown & Brown Insurance and located in Dallas, Texas. IRM was founded in 1991 and is recognized as one of the top program managers in the country, providing agents, brokers, and self-insured entities with captive and alternative risk solutions. IRM is at the forefront of the development and management of captives and alternative risk programs. IRM provides a range of captive insurance solutions, designed to give participants control over their risk management and insurance programs. Our captives are tailored to meet the unique needs of each business, bringing preferred risks together into a shared alternative risk vehicle. This approach helps reduce long-term risk costs while safeguarding resources and profits. IRM also offers loss control and claims administration services to insurers, public entities, and self-insured organizations. IRM provides a collaborative environment for those seeking considerable career growth and making an impact on the future. You have a clear vision of where your career can go and we have the leadership to help you get there. At IRM we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important, ensuring the abilities of all employees are used to their fullest potential.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The target base salary range for this position is $185,000 - $230,000 annually. The wage range for this role considers many factors, such as training, transferable skills, work experience, licensure and certification, business needs, and market demands. The pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. We offer our employees a comprehensive and best-in-class benefits package that helps them and their family members achieve their physical, financial, and emotional well-being goals. In addition to PTO for company holidays, vacation, sick and personal days, 401k and discounted stock options through the parent company Brown & Brown
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS & TOTAL WELL BEING
We go beyond standard benefits, focusing on the total well-being of our teammates, including:
Health Benefits:
Medical/Rx, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance Financial Benefits:
ESPP; 401k; Student Loan Assistance;
Tuition Reimbursement Mental Health & Wellness:
Free Mental Health & Enhanced Advocacy Services Beyond Benefits:
Paid Time Off, Holidays, Preferred Partner Discounts and more. Not reflective of all benefits. Enrollment waiting periods or eligibility criteria may apply to certain benefits. Benefit details and offerings may vary for subsidiary entities or in specific geographic locations.
LEGAL DISCLOSURE
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future. IRM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. Before extending a formal offer of employment, all candidates will undergo a comprehensive criminal background investigation and a review of their social media profiles. Strategix does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters, recruitment vendors or employment agencies ("Recruiting Vendors"). No phone calls please.
Pay:
$185,000.00 - $230,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance Application Question(s): Which insurance licenses/designations do you have: CPCU, ARM, AIC, or similar professional insurance designation? Do you have experience in captive insurance, account management, or claim advocacy experience? Do you have experience working with self-insured retention programs and alternative risk financing structures? Do you have experience in managing TPA claims for the insured or self insured?
Education:
Bachelor's (Required)
Experience:
Commercial Claims Management:
7 years (Required) Workers' Comp and Commercial Property claims management: 4 years (Required) managing Commercial Auto and General Liability claims: 6 years (Required) Ability to
Commute:
Coppell, TX 75019 (Required) Willingness to travel: 25% (Preferred)