This is an opportunity to join Ascot Group - one of the world’s preeminent specialty risk underwriting organizations.
Designed as a modern-era company operating through an ecosystem of interconnected global operating platforms, we’re bound by a common mission and purpose: One Ascot. Our greatest strength is a talented team who flourish in a collaborative, inclusive, and entrepreneurial culture, steeped in underwriting excellence, integrity, and a passion to find a better way, The Ascot Way.
The Ascot Way guides our people and our organization. Our underwriting platforms collaborate to find creative ways to deploy our capital in a true cross-product and cross-platform approach. These platforms work as one, deploying our capital creatively through our unique Fusion Model: Client Centric, Risk Centric, Technology Centric.
Built to be resilient, Ascot maximizes client financial security while delivering bespoke products and world-class service — both pre- and post-claims. Ascot exists to solve for our clients’ brightest tomorrow, through agility, collaboration, resilience, and discipline.

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Chief Claims Officer, U.S. the Vice President, Surety Claims Manager, will oversee all aspects of surety bond claims, including commercial and contract surety, from initiation to resolution. This role involves providing legal advice, transactional support and training to Ascot underwriters while also helping to establish and enhance claims processes and systems. The successful candidate will work closely with internal teams to ensure efficient surety claims management, mitigate risks and support business growth through strategic claims handling and process improvements. You will manage outside surety claims counsel and related resources, set well-reasoned reserves, and control claims-handling costs and expenses.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree, a JD preferred.
• A minimum of 10+ years of experience in surety bond claims handling in an insurance company required.
• Must have a strong understanding of claims handling concepts and practices, particularly in surety bonds, along with familiarity with insurance regulations across various jurisdictions.
• Interact and collaborate with the Surety Underwriting team, including drafting policy language, marketing and attending broker/client meetings.
• Strong negotiation skills, including strong problem solving and decision-making abilities.
• Must be positive, self-motivated, and possess strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong collaborative skills in a fast-paced team-centric environment.
• State Claims Adjuster license strongly preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Memberships in ABA/TIPS/FSLC a plus
• Experience in management of staff.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to effectively prioritize projects and assignments for multiple clients.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.

• Independently handle claims on complex contract and commercial surety bonds across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring timely, thorough, and professional resolution.
• Contribute to the establishment and enhancement of processes for the Surety Claims division.
• Select, retain, and manage external surety claims counsel and related resources to achieve the best possible claim outcomes.
• Set well-reasoned reserves and manage claims-handling costs and expenses effectively.
• Attend mediations, arbitrations, and trials as needed.
• Draft claim reports for underwriting and management.
• Assist in the creation or revision of surety claim and/or underwriting forms and documents as necessary.
• Support underwriters with the front end of surety transactions by drafting indemnity, collateral, and related agreements, and/or reviewing or customizing bond forms in a fast-paced environment with short turnaround times.
• Develop legal resources and training materials for Ascot.
• Provide education and training to surety underwriting on key legal issues involving surety bonds and claims, including lessons learned from past surety claim experiences and outcomes.
• Research, analyze, and provide timely updates on legal developments in the surety field.
• Ensure fair and ethical policies and practices in all relationships and operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.