Description Central Garden & Pet Company is looking to hire a Workers' Compensation Claims Manager to lead our multi-state National Workers' Compensation program and to provide some support to the Risk Management Department. This person should be hard-working and familiar with managing Work Comp claims start to finish, have excellent attention to detail, the ability to manage adjusters, and to make decisions about claims handling strategy. To be successful in the role, you will need to establish strong cross-functional partnerships, work closely with claims personnel, and manage expectations regarding claim costs. This position reports to the VP of Risk Management and is full time. MEASURES OF SUCCESS Work Comp Claim Work * Overall responsibility of a 30+ state Work Comp program with large deductibles. * Own the relationship with the TPA and all associated adjusters. * Communicate with Human Resource (HR) managers and adjusters regarding settlement authority and claims management. * Follow up with adjusters to move Workers' Compensation (WC) claims along towards closure. * Review daily claim reports for accuracy. * Maintain users and data integrity in the online reporting system. * Check site codes for accuracy, change if needed. * Prepare reports/tracking spreadsheets for Risk Manager. * Prepare claim summaries for HR and business unit leadership. * Provide guidance regarding settlements and claims handling of specific claims. * Review reserves for adequacy. * Identify claims trends and work with Risk Manager and Safety Group to implement strategies to reduce claim costs. * Participate in quarterly claim reviews with insurance carriers. * Provide technical WC training to HR as needed. * With Risk Manager's help, ensure WC compliance items are distributed to HR team. Risk Management Work * Assist Risk Manager with day-to-day Risk Management duties including: * Partnering with all departments regarding incident reports and claims or losses. * Investigating and resolving auto liability and product liability losses. * Working with insurance brokers to respond to requests for certificates of insurance. * Completing monthly claim allocation reporting. * Reviewing and approving invoices. IDEAL CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES * Bachelor's degree required, with a major in a business field preferred. * Minimum seven+ years Work Comp experience as a claims adjuster, supervisor, manager or related field. * Strong attention to detail, including diary systems, and follow up systems. * Applicant must have deep knowledge of handling Workers' Compensation claims, including, * Must understand how both medical and indemnity benefits are calculated and awarded. * Must have a good understanding of reserving practices and know how to set reasonable reserves on a per claim basis. * Applicant must have the ability to communicate well with adjusters, attorneys, business unit leadership and human resources managers. * Strong negotiation skills with a goal of settling claims at most reasonable outcomes. * Excellent written/verbal/interpersonal communication skills with an ability to translate Work Comp information into everyday language. * Strong Excel and analytical skills * Familiarity with Risk Management work, certificates of insurance, invoicing, analytics, claim systems is a plus, but we are willing to train here. WORKING CONDITIONS * Flexible working environment. Time can be spent working from home or in one of our office locations, Walnut Creek, CA, Schaumburg, IL, or Atlanta, GA. POSITION INFORMATION This positoin pays $95,000 to $120,000 annually depending on experience and location. BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS * Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance * Free Life and Disability Insurance * Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts * 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution * Paid vacation, holidays and sick time * Employee Assistance Program * Access to thousands of free online courses * Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more! * Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications) * Referral Program with cash bonus * Access to on-demand pay At Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ: CENT and CENTA), we believe home is at the center of our lives, and our employees are driven by our purpose to nurture happy and healthy homes. Our company is made up of thousands of people across North America, with an emerging footprint across the U.K., Mexico, China and Canada - all dedicated to helping gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger. We are united by our mission to lead the future of the garden and pet industries…one blade of grass and one wagging tail at a time. Visit our website at www.central.com to learn more. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. #LI-MJ1