Sr. Litigation & Claims Administrator

Sr. Litigation & Claims Administrator

Phoenix, Arizona Home Office 7736

Job Description

About the Team

The Legal & Corporate Affairs team is responsible for safeguarding the company’s reputation, ensuring we are operating with integrity and in line with our strategic initiatives. The Legal team provides high-quality legal services, ensures legal compliance and mitigates risks. The Corporate Communications team works to execute strategic and effective communication efforts that drive brand awareness, preference and reputation with internal and external stakeholders. In addition, the Corporate Social Responsibility & Belonging teams support the company’s environmental and social commitments with a strong focus on pets, people and the planet. The collective team supports the overall success and positive reputation of the company.

About the Location

Collaborative Work Environment: At PetSmart, teamwork and connection are core to how we thrive. This role is based at our Phoenix Home Office, with an expectation of working a minimum of four days in the office each week. In a standard work week, associates may work up to one remote “flex day” (with leader approval). Our hybrid approach is designed to foster strong collaboration while also supporting flexibility and individual success.

About the Job

This position requires broad working knowledge and experience in liability and insurance claim valuation, management, and resolution. The successful candidate should have a proven track record of taking on additional responsibilities typically handled by attorneys, paralegals and insurance claims specialists. This position also regularly facilitates efficiencies to streamline and improve business and department processes.

The position, which is part of the Risk Management Department, is responsible for directing work of outside vendors including law firms and third-party claim administrators to efficiently resolve PetSmart’s self-insured general liability claims and litigation matters across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The position also works very closely with and has accountabilities to the in-house Litigation Attorney on litigated matters. This position does not have direct reports but is responsible for directing the work of outside counsel and the third-party claims administrator. This position may represent PetSmart at mediations as determined by the Litigation Attorney; determines claims values and exposure, facilitates early settlement and resolution of claims and cases; coordinates discovery requests, including the identification of document custodians, the management of document collection and retention, conducting interviews of PetSmart witnesses, third party witnesses, and physicians; inspects property damages, prepares damages estimates, reviews and drafts documents and pleadings; recommends adjustments in reserve levels; manages general liability outside counsel network; prepares reports summarizing business results of our litigation portfolio; and occasionally manages special projects. The position is expected to work in close partnership with PetSmart’s third-party claims administrator, field personnel, Asset Protection and Safety, Store Operations and Legal Department, and possess significant experience in regular reporting on litigated matters, key developments and emerging trends.

• This position will be responsible for performing high-level work assignments, requiring excellent critical thinking and decision-making skills; organizational and project management leadership skills, as well as a proven ability to work with and manage to a successful result the efforts and activities of outside counsel and business partners.
• This position will be required to work with minimal oversight and must be able to make competent decisions affecting risk management, legal, and other business partners.
• Directs the work of Third Party Claim Administrator and provides regular reporting to Risk Management and the Litigation Attorney.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• In coordination with and at the direction of a licensed attorney, may serve as PetSmart’s official representative at mediations presenting the company’s position on pre-litigated or litigated matters including responsibility of presenting financial settlement authority for the company.
• Perform early case assessment and potential damages analysis
• Set and adjust reserves and ensure reserve adjustments are made on a timely basis. Advise stakeholders of changes in reserves and provide explanations of reserve changes to the Litigation Attorney, risk management and accounting stakeholders.
• In coordination with legal and risk management stakeholders, develop, require...