Sr. Workers Compensation Claims Manager

The Senior Workers' Compensation Claims Manager provides strategic leadership and operational direction for all workers' compensation claims at Bloomin' Brands, Inc. (BBI). This role is responsible for guiding claim management within BBI's insurance programs to achieve optimal outcomes, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive cost-effective performance. This leader oversees all vendors supporting workers' compensation activities, including the third-party administrator (TPA), panel counsel, medical case managers, brokers, and other service providers. The position develops and upholds BBI's workers' compensation claim-handling philosophy, policies, and performance standards, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and measurable results. The Senior Manager directly supervises a Claims Risk Analyst who supports the workers' compensation program through analytics, reporting, Return-to-Work coordination, and cross-functional risk initiatives, including support of the General Liability Early Resolution Program. This role leads quarterly claim reviews, advances cost-containment strategies, designs and implements a formal Return-to-Work program, and ensures compliance with all federal, state, and jurisdictional requirements, including OSHA reporting obligations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Oversight Provide strategic direction and performance oversight to BBI's third-party claims administrator. Develop and communicate formal claim-handling guidelines aligned with BBI's risk philosophy and financial objectives. Lead quarterly claim reviews with TPAs, brokers, and internal stakeholders to assess exposure, reserve adequacy, litigation strategy, and resolution timelines. Establish performance metrics and reporting dashboards to monitor trends, vendor effectiveness, and financial impact. Lead and develop the Claims Risk Analyst, ensuring alignment with departmental priorities and professional growth. Claim Management & Resolution Review and guide resolution strategies for complex and high-exposure claims. Participate in settlement negotiations to mitigate short- and long-term exposure. Ensure appropriate and timely reserve evaluation based on evolving claim information. Ensure proactive claim lifecycle management through consistent monitoring and action planning. Attend mediations, arbitrations, depositions, and trials as necessary to protect company interests. Vendor & Partner Management Evaluate and guide the performance of panel counsel, medical providers, TPAs, brokers, and managed care partners. Define service expectations, monitor performance, and address gaps collaboratively. Partner with Legal and Accounting to align litigation strategy, financial reporting, and accrual accuracy. Compliance & Reporting Ensure compliance with all applicable workers' compensation laws, regulatory requirements, and OSHA reporting obligations. Develop and maintain internal and external claim reporting protocols aligned with insurance policy requirements. Provide senior leadership with clear, concise, and actionable claim summaries, exposure forecasts, and trend analyses. Program Development & Cost Containment Design and implement a formal Return-to-Work program to reduce indemnity exposure and support employee recovery. Oversee Return-to-Work coordination and performance tracking with the support of the Claims Risk Analyst. Establish managed care protocols to ensure quality medical treatment while managing costs. Identify trends and implement proactive strategies to reduce claim frequency and severity. Cross-Functional Risk Support Support the Claims Risk Analyst in contributing to the General Liability Early Resolution Program, fostering coordination across risk functions while maintaining primary focus on workers' compensation excellence. Partner with Risk, Legal, Operations, and Finance to identify early intervention opportunities and promote consistent, proactive claim management practices. Encourage the use of shared analytics and insights to strengthen enterprise-wide risk management performance.

REQUIREMENTS

Education Bachelor's degree required 10 years+ of progressive workers' compensation claims management experience. Prior supervisory or team leadership experience preferred Experience/Skills Deep expertise in claim handling practices and multi-jurisdictional regulatory environments Demonstrated experience managing TPAs, outside counsel, and medical providers Experience leading or mentoring analytical or risk-focused staff Strong financial acumen, including reserve analysis and loss trend evaluation Ability to translate data and trends into strategic action Advanced knowledge of claims management systems and reporting tools Proven ability to negotiate effectively with external partners Excellent organizational, prioritization, and project management skills Strong executive presence with exceptional written and verbal communication skills High integrity, results orientation, and commitment to operational excellence Proficient in Origami RMIS, Microsoft Excel, and Word Bloomin' Brands offers benefits such as medical, dental, vision, and 401k. Further details around eligibility and additional benefit offerings can be found at BloominBrandsBenefits.com . We value diversity and are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing all individuals employment consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. #LI-TK1