[Hiring] Manager, STD & Absence Management Claims @Symetra

Role Description

Symetra is seeking a Manager, STD & Absence Claims to lead a team of case managers responsible for short-term disability and absence management claims.

In this role, you'll combine people leadership, operational oversight, and technical expertise to deliver exceptional customer experiences while ensuring quality, compliance, and business results. You'll coach and develop a high-performing team, leverage data and reporting to drive continuous improvement, and help shape strategies that support organizational growth and evolving customer needs.

If you're a collaborative leader who enjoys developing talent, improving operations, and solving complex claims challenges, we'd love to hear from you.

What you will do

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of STD and Absence claims professionals to achieve quality, service, productivity, and customer experience goals.
• Use reporting, analytics, and trend data to identify opportunities for operational improvement and drive performance outcomes.
• Monitor workflows, workloads, and claim decisions to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant claim administration.
• Conduct audits and quality reviews, providing meaningful coaching and feedback to support team development.
• Partner with legal, sales, implementation, and other internal stakeholders to resolve complex cases and deliver exceptional service.
• Serve as a technical resource on STD, leave management, ERISA, state regulations, and claims practices.
• Balance customer advocacy with effective risk management and sound claim decision-making.
• Support broker and customer inquiries, finalist meetings, and education efforts related to claim philosophy and processes.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and inclusive team culture where employees can grow and succeed.
• Lead or participate in strategic initiatives and continuous improvement projects that enhance team effectiveness and customer outcomes.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; bachelor's degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in Short-Term Disability and Absence Management claims.
• Previous people leadership experience, including coaching, performance management, and talent development required.
• Strong analytical skills with experience using reporting and trend analysis to inform decisions and improve performance.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of an organization.
• Comfortable presenting to internal and external audiences and building trusted business relationships.
• Proven success leading change, driving process improvements, and managing multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint; Power BI experience is a plus.
• Experience with ClaimVantage, Salesforce, and/or FINEOS preferred.
• CLMS certification is a plus.
• Customer-focused leader with strong conflict resolution, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• Willingness to travel occasionally as needed.

Requirements

• All newly hired people leaders with direct reports are required to complete a comprehensive leadership development program within their first year. This program includes both virtual and in-person training. The in-person sessions will take place at Symetra’s corporate headquarters in Bellevue, Washington.
• Symetra covers all travel and accommodation expenses.

Benefits

• Flexible full-time or hybrid telecommuting arrangements.
• Plan for your future with our 401(k) plan and take advantage of immediate vesting and company matching up to 6%.
• Paid time away including vacation and sick time, flex days, and ten paid holidays.
• Give back to your community and double your impact through our company matching.