Director of Subrogation

Strala is seeking a Director of Subrogation to lead and grow our recovery function. This leader will own subrogation strategy, team performance, and operational execution - from identifying recovery opportunities through negotiation, arbitration, litigation, and collection. The Director will build a disciplined, scalable operation that increases net recoveries, shortens recovery timelines, and delivers clear results for clients. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong technical judgment, commercial awareness, and the ability to improve how people, processes, and technology work together.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the subrogation strategy and hit performance measures for gross and net recoveries, recovery yield, cycle time, aged inventory, and recovery expenses; Forecast recovery results and explain performance, risks, and improvement opportunities to leadership and clients; Oversee the full recovery lifecycle, including intake, investigation, liability assessment, demand preparation, negotiation, escalation, and collection; Set clear standards for file assignment, prioritization, documentation, settlement authority, and closure; Provide technical direction on complex, high-value, disputed, and litigated recoveries; Ensure evidence is preserved and critical deadlines are identified, tracked, and acted upon; Evaluate pursuit strategies based on recovery potential, supporting evidence, expected expense, and likelihood of success; Establish quality reviews and file audits to improve consistency and prevent recovery leakage; Recruit, coach, and develop subrogation professionals and managers; Set individual and team goals, balance workloads, and hold employees accountable for quality and results; Build training programs that strengthen investigation, negotiation, arbitration, and recovery skills; Serve as the senior subrogation contact for clients, carriers, and internal stakeholders; Lead recovery reviews and communicate strategies, outcomes, and material developments clearly; Select and manage outside counsel, collection agencies, investigators, and other recovery partners; Monitor vendor results, fees, service standards, and the financial value of outsourced work; Partner with Claims, Legal, Finance, and Account Management to protect recovery opportunities throughout the claims lifecycle; Improve claims-system workflows, data quality, reporting, and recovery identification; Partner with engineering teams to implement practical automation and analytics

Requirements

10+ years of progressive subrogation or claims recovery experience, including complex property and casualty recoveries; 5+ years of leadership experience, with demonstrated success building or improving a recovery operation; Strong automobile claims experience, including liability investigation, damage evaluation, and negotiation; Working knowledge of multi-state subrogation practices, arbitration, and litigation management; Demonstrated ability to improve net recoveries, operational efficiency, and team performance; Experience managing vendors, budgets, performance reporting, and client relationships; Strong analytical, communication, and decision-making skills; Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant professional experience

Nice to have

Experience in a third-party administrator, carrier, or claims services organization; Experience with commercial auto, rental fleets, or self-insured programs; Familiarity with Arbitration Forums, Inc.; Relevant professional designations, such as CSRP, CPCU, or AIC; Experience implementing claims technology, analytics, or workflow automation