Director, Auto Claims & Risk Programs

Vaco
$150,000.00 - $200,000.00 / yr
401(k), retirement plan
United States, New Jersey, Newark
Apr 05, 2025
Director, Auto Claims & Risk Programs Highspring has been engaged on a confidential search for a high-impact leadership role within a large, national organization. Details regarding the company will be shared with candidates who move forward in the process. Position: Director, Auto Claims & Risk Programs Location: Onsite, 5 days/week - Greater Newark, NJ Area (Morris County), local candidates or those who are willing to relocate within reasonable time frame. Base Salary: Target range of $150,000-$200,000, depending on experience and qualifications Annual Bonus: 35% of base salary Long-Term Incentive Plan: $25,000 awarded annually, vesting over 3 years (structured in equity or cash equivalents, subject to plan terms) Total Target Compensation: Up to approximately $295,000 About the Opportunity Highspring is partnering with a well-established, operations-driven organization to identify a Director, Auto Claims & Risk Programs to lead and oversee the company's internal vehicle claims function. This position reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and plays a key role in managing financial exposure tied to corporate vehicle liability. The successful candidate will take ownership of all auto liability claim matters-from vendor oversight and investigations to reporting, compliance, and strategic mitigation efforts. This is a highly visible, leadership-level role suited for someone who thrives in a performance-driven environment and brings both tactical claims experience and strategic risk thinking to the table. Key Responsibilities Direct all aspects of the corporate auto claims process-from initial report through resolution-ensuring timely, compliant, and cost-effective outcomes. Serve as the internal subject matter expert for auto liability matters and incident response protocols. Oversee relationships with external partners including third-party administrators (TPAs), insurers, and legal counsel. Review, assess, and approve reserve strategies and settlement proposals from TPAs. Drive investigations and evaluate liability exposures, financial impact, and appropriate response strategies. Ensure that all claims documentation meets internal standards and supports defensible outcomes. Track claims performance metrics and deliver actionable insights and reporting to senior leadership. Educate internal teams on claims reporting processes and post-incident expectations. Monitor changes in auto liability law and ensure organizational compliance across jurisdictions. Qualifications 5+ years of direct experience managing auto liability claims, ideally in a corporate or high-volume environment. Strong knowledge of claims processes, liability evaluation, and regulatory compliance. Proven ability to manage external vendors and contribute to effective settlement and defense strategies. Excellent judgment, analytical thinking, and written/verbal communication skills. Ability to navigate complex situations while influencing internal and external stakeholders. Proficiency with claims systems and data/reporting tools. Bachelor's degree in Risk Management, Business Administration, Insurance, or related field required. Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan. Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com . Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal. Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here. Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual's skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.