[Hiring] Surety Engineer II @Liberty Mutual

Role Description

Responsible for technical engineering and construction analyses of large and complex performance, payment and non-contract surety bond disputes and claims. These functions include analyses, oversight responsibility and resolution. Leads teams of consultants, contractors and others in management and coordination of resolution of major claims. Assists Surety/SDI Claims and/or Underwriting Department in fulfilling objectives of the unit, including audit and administrative functions. Evaluates contractor internal controls structure and job cost systems specifically related to estimating, project management and job site visits on underwriting department engagements.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for technical and construction analyses of large and complex performance, payment and non-contract surety bond disputes and claims, with some oversight by the Manager, Construction Services or Manager, Construction Consulting Services.
• Prepares technical reports and evaluates the surety's loss exposures in all major bond defaults, including:
  • Site inspections of projects
  • Evaluation of contract plans and specifications
  • Expert reports
  • Construction schedules
  • Preparation of cost to complete analyses
• Supervises and coordinates consultants' investigation, analyses and preparation of default reports.
• Makes recommendations as to choice of remedies (default, cure, takeover or relet) and participates in establishing loss and expense reserves.
• Assists in drafting, negotiating and settling contractual agreements necessary to discharge surety's obligations, working with Surety Counsel.
• Manages project completions by consultants and/or completion contractors.
• Advises trial counsel on engineering and construction management issues.
• Assists in pre-trial preparation, mediation, arbitration, and alternative dispute resolution as appropriate, including:
  • Technical investigative research
  • Interviewing claimants and witnesses
  • Acting as an expert witness in technical matters relating to construction contracts, performance and payment bond claims, and financial analysis.
• Is a resource to the surety specialists and support staff in coordination with Surety Counsel in resolution of performance, payment and non-contract bond disputes and defaults.
• Participates in visits to contractors to assess internal control structure, job cost systems and reporting capabilities.
• Reviews project bid-spreads when significant variance is identified by underwriting.
• Investigates Subcontractor Default Insurance (SDI) claims by evaluating circumstances and causes of subcontractor default.
• Provides pre-bid technical analysis to Underwriting where the prospective project has unusual and/or atypical elements within the bonded scope of work.
• Supports corporate internal audit program to ensure accuracy and adherence to corporate policy and accounting procedures.

Qualifications

• BA/BS Degree in engineering or related field with a minimum of 7 years progressively more responsible surety claims or construction management experience.
• A minimum of 3 years (preferably 5 years) of construction management experience required and 5-7 years of proven surety claims management experience preferred.
• Proven analytical ability to evaluate and judge claim files.
• Demonstrated ability to reduce complex analyses and information into understandable prose and/or oral directives.
• Significant exposure to legal process anticipated.
• Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills required in dealing with claimants, outside counsel, consultants and members of senior management.
• Must be willing to travel and deal with periodic heavy workloads, in an expeditious and professional manner.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits
• Workplace flexibility
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunities provided through Employee Resource Groups