Director, Claims - Cowbell

About Cowbell

Cowbell is signalling a new era in cyber insurance by harnessing technology and data to provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with advanced warning of cyber risk exposures bundled with cyber insurance coverage adaptable to the threats of today and tomorrow. Championing adaptive insurance, Cowbell follows policyholders’ cyber risk exposures as they evolve through continuous risk assessment and continuous underwriting. In its unique AI-based approach to risk selection and pricing, Cowbell’s underwriting platform, powered by Cowbell Factors, compresses the insurance process from submission to issue to less than 5 minutes.

Founded in 2019 and based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Cowbell has rapidly grown, now operating across the U.S., Canada, U.K., and India. Supported by a Series C fundraising round of $60 million from Zurich Insurance and the backing of over 25 prominent reinsurance partners, Cowbell is poised to redefine how SMEs navigate cyber threats.

Role Overview

The Director, Claims involves leading a team of cyber claims professionals, setting departmental goals, developing strategies, and ensuring the accurate and timely adjudication of cyber claims. The Director works closely with internal stakeholders, external parties, and regulatory bodies to drive the claims process and deliver excellent customer service while adhering to industry best practices and legal requirements. This role is responsible for adjudicating cyber claims and providing outstanding customer service to clients, brokers, and insureds.

What You Will Do

• Perform claims handling and management tasks such as conducting coverage investigations and preparing coverage letters; management of external incident response teams; evaluation of coverage and liability issues; assessment of claims reserves; claims file maintenance; management of defense and coverage counsel; reinsurance reporting; and claim disposition.
• Proactively manage claims and litigation effectively while delivering outstanding customer service.
• Support the claims team and collaborate with company leadership.
• Provide regular communication with customers, brokers, and cross-functional departments.
• Prepare claim presentations, both written and oral; obtain authority and formulate appropriate action plans on complex claims.
• Assist with marketing claim services and conduct presentations to policyholders, brokers, reinsurers, and partners.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and digital transformation within the claims department.
• Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to evaluate claims department performance.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Stay updated on insurance regulations, laws, and industry best practices to ensure claims operations are in compliance.
• Develop and implement internal controls and processes to meet regulatory requirements and maintain high ethical standards.
• Review and analyze claim files, particularly complex or high-value claims, and provide guidance and expertise to adjusters to facilitate fair and prompt settlements.
• Monitor claim trends, identify emerging issues, and implement strategies to improve claims management efficiency, mitigate risk, and control costs.
• Foster a positive work culture, promote teamwork, and provide guidance for professional development of the claims team.

What Cowbell Needs From You

• Minimum of 5+ years of cyber claims handling experience required
• 2+ years of people leadership experience
• Strong skills in coverage, claim evaluation, and negotiation
• Exceptional organizational and presentation skills
• Experience working in a collaborative team environment and cross-functional teams
• JD preferred