Senior Claims Vendor Specialist

The General, a subsidiary of Sentry Insurance, is looking for a Senior Claims Vendor Specialist to join our team! The Vendor Specialist is responsible for strategically developing, maintaining, and optimizing a high-performing network of external vendors, including adjusters, body shops, and estimators. This role leverages data analytics and reporting to drive decision-making, improve performance, and enhance service delivery. The Senior Vendor Specialist leads the strategic deployment of lean processes, both internally and across the vendor network, to optimize workflows, reduce costs, and ensure quality outcomes. Key responsibilities include auditing vehicle repair estimates, providing feedback and coaching to vendors and staff appraisers, and resolving conflicts. Additionally, the role focuses on continuous improvement, aligning vendor performance with company objectives, and driving business outcomes through effective relationship management and process optimization.

What You'll Do

As a Senior Claims Vendor Specialist, you will :

• Build, maintain, and expand a high-performing network of external vendors (independent adjusters, body shops, estimators, etc.) to ensure efficient service delivery.
• Lead the onboarding, training, and integration of new vendors to ensure alignment with company standards and objectives.
• Identify and deploy the best-fit vendors for specific market areas, ensuring the right balance of quality, cost, and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Claims, Operations, etc.) and external vendors to design and implement efficient, lean workflows that streamline claims handling and reduce operational costs.
• Continuously evaluate and improve work processes to enhance productivity and customer satisfaction across the vendor network.
• Develop and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level expectations, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Create and maintain comprehensive guidelines and best practices to ensure vendors adhere to the company's service standards and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct regular audits of vendor work products for quality, accuracy, and compliance with established guidelines.
• Provide ongoing coaching and feedback to vendors on performance, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with strategic goals.
• Cultivate strong relationships with key external stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and issue resolution.
• Lead business review sessions with vendors and internal teams to monitor performance, share feedback, and implement action plans for improvement.
• Foster a culture of accountability and collaboration to drive consistent performance improvements.
• Use data analytics (Excel, Tableau, etc.) to monitor vendor performance, identify trends, and inform strategic decision-making.
• Collaborate with leadership to develop and execute objectives and key results (OKRs) related to vendor network performance, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Lead market area analysis to identify opportunities for expansion, optimization, and vendor deployment based on geographic and market demands.
• Provide catastrophe (CAT) support and participate in CAT duty as needed to ensure business continuity and effective response during high-demand situations.
• Work closely with claims staff to address any appraisal inquiries, ensuring timely and accurate claims settlements.
• Lead negotiations with vendors, including body shops, estimators, and appraisers, to achieve positive outcomes that benefit both the company and the customer.
• Ensure that all negotiated terms align with company standards, ensuring consistency and fairness across the vendor network.

What it Takes

What You'll Receive

At Sentry, your total rewards go beyond competitive compensation. Below are some benefits and perks that you'll receive.

About Sentry

We take great pride in making Forbes' list of America's Best Midsize Employers. A lot of different factors go into that honor, many of which contribute to your job satisfaction.

Our bright future is built on a long track record of success. We got our start in 1904 and have been helping businesses succeed and protect their futures ever since. Because of the trust placed in us, we're one of the largest and financially strongest mutual insurance companies in the United States. We're rated A by A.M. Best, the industry's leading rating authority.

Our headquarters is in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, with offices located throughout the United States. From sales to claims, and information technology to marketing, we enjoy a rewarding and challenging work environment with opportunities for ongoing professional development and growth.

Get ready to own your future at Sentry. Opportunities await!

Equal Employment Opportunity

Sentry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy that there be no discrimination in employment based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, or sexual orientation.