Role Description

The Liability Program Manager serves as a subject matter expert responsible for the strategic oversight and day-to-day management of Panera's auto, general, and product liability claims program. This role partners with Panera's Third Party Administrator (TPA) to investigate, evaluate, reserve, and resolve claims within the company's deductible. The Liability Program Manager directly handles claims not requiring TPA submission, manages litigation activity, drives TPA performance and accountability, and provides data-driven insights to leadership on program trends and cost-containment opportunities.

• Oversee the handling of auto, general, and product liability claims managed by the TPA.
• Conduct periodic claim file audits to evaluate TPA adherence to best practices.
• Monitor TPA performance metrics and report results to management.
• Assist TPA in establishing appropriate action plans for claim resolution.
• Participate in TPA stewardship meetings.

Claims Handling and Resolution

• Approve appropriate loss and expense reserves and payments within stated authority limit.
• Approve settlements within granted authority.
• Evaluate coverage applicability, policy terms, and risk transfer opportunities.
• Work with internal and external customers in investigating claims.
• Directly manage and resolve liability claims that fall below TPA reporting thresholds.
• Manage subrogation recoveries; track recovery rates and pursue collection.

Litigation Management

• Attend legal proceedings as necessary for case resolution.
• Oversee the selection and performance of defense counsel in coordination with the TPA.
• Review and approve litigation budgets and legal fee invoices.
• Proactively manage litigated files to resolution.
• Evaluate exposure on litigated claims and recommend escalation to excess carriers.

Reporting, Analysis, and Communication

• Draft and present claim reviews to management.
• Analyze claims data to identify trends and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Prepare periodic portfolio reports for management and key stakeholders.
• Utilize RMIS to maintain accurate and current claim data.
• Partner with Safety, Operations and HR to communicate claim trends.
• Provide training and guidance to field operations and management.

Program Administration

• Coordinate with excess and umbrella carriers on claim reporting.
• Maintain current knowledge of legislative and regulatory developments affecting liability claims.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of relevant risk management experience or commercial casualty claims experience.
• Experience with complex and litigated claims.
• Demonstrated experience in TPA oversight.
• Experience managing defense counsel relationships and litigation budgets.
• Familiarity with insurance policy interpretation and coverage analysis.
• Proficiency with Risk Management Information Systems (RMIS) or similar platforms.
• Experience with subrogation identification and recovery tracking.

Requirements

• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret claims data.
• Effective negotiation skills.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to build productive working relationships.
• High level of professional integrity and ethical standards in claims handling.

Education and Certifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Associate in Risk Management (ARM), Associate in Claims (AIC) or similar industry designation preferred.

Working Conditions

• This position is fully remote with occasional travel for mediations, trials, and other events.
• Must maintain a dedicated, professional home office environment with reliable, high-speed internet.

Benefits

• Competitive Pay $100,038 to $111,807 annually.
• The actual pay offered will be determined by multiple factors.