Fire & Theft Team Leader

Description About GAINSCO Founded in 1978, GAINSCO offers property and casualty insurance with an emphasis on non-standard personal auto policies. It serves drivers nationwide by providing minimum-limits personal auto coverage, making insurance more accessible to a broader market. In 2020, GAINSCO, Inc. and its subsidiaries were acquired, making a significant milestone that strengthened GAINSCO’s ability to grow and expand its reach in the personal auto industry market while continuing to build on its decades of specialized expertise. Join a team that is dedicated to supporting your professional growth and long-term success. Who We Are At GAINSCO, we are a team driven by passion, creativity, and a commitment to excellence. We celebrate achievements, encourage innovative thinking, and recognize the unique strengths each person brings. Our people truly set us apart. If you’re seeking a company where your contributions are valued, your efforts have a visible impact, and your dedication is recognized, take the next step in your career with us. GAINSCO is seeking a Fire & Theft Team Leader to lead a specialized claims team responsible for investigating complex fire and theft losses, validating policy coverage, and identifying potential fraud. This role leads a team of Fire & Theft Claims Representatives within the Special Investigations Unit and is accountable for claim quality, inventory management, investigation cycle times, regulatory compliance, and customer service. The Team Leader will coach and develop team members, oversee complex investigations, strengthen fraud detection practices, and collaborate with internal and external investigative partners. What does a Fire & Theft Team Leader do? Lead, coach, and develop a team of 3 to 6 Fire & Theft Claims Representatives, strengthening their investigative, coverage analysis, negotiation, and claim management skills. Oversee complex fire, arson, and vehicle theft claims, ensuring timely investigations, accurate coverage decisions, appropriate reserves, and thorough file documentation. Conduct monthly quality assurance reviews, monitor inventory and cycle times, and hold the team accountable for consistent, compliant claim handling. Implement fraud detection practices and collaborate with SIU partners, law enforcement task forces, the National Insurance Crime Bureau, legal counsel, and investigative experts. Manage third-party vendors, pursue recovery opportunities, and coordinate title transfers to minimize storage costs and maximize salvage recovery. Lead staffing, recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and team engagement while supporting company initiatives and special projects. What is required? Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred License/Certification: To perform the essential functions of this job an active Texas or Florida Adjuster License will be required to comply with state and GAINSCO requirements. Upon hire, additional license(s) may be required. If that is the case, license(s) must be obtained. All licenses must be maintained in accordance with state requirements. Experience: Minimum of 4 years of experience handling complex property and casualty or auto insurance claims. Experience investigating and evaluating complex coverage issues, high-value losses, or potentially fraudulent claims is strongly preferred. Knowledge of state laws and regulations governing the automobile insurance industry. Prior supervisory or formal team leadership experience is required. Prior fire and theft, fraud investigation, or Special Investigations Unit experience is a plus. Insurance industry experience is required. Non-standard auto insurance experience is a plus. Other skills and abilities: Strong technical understanding of insurance policy coverage, claim investigation, reserving, documentation, and regulatory requirements. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Effective coaching, mentoring, and performance management skills. Strong negotiation, critical-thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Ability to monitor performance, manage competing priorities, and maintain appropriate inventory and cycle-time standards. Ability to exercise objective judgment and make sound coverage and claim decisions. Ability to influence others, collaborate across functions, and build consensus on key decisions. Ability to adapt to changing business, regulatory, and investigative needs. Customer-focused approach with the ability to deliver empathetic, transparent, and timely service during significant losses.. What else do you need to know? Hybrid Excellent benefits package medical & dental, vision insurance, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance. Parental Leave Policy 401K + Company Match PTO Plan + Paid Company determined Holidays. **Applicants are required to be eligible to lawfully work in the U.S. immediately; employer will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work authorization (e.g. H-1B visa) for this opportunity** All offers are contingent upon a successful background investigation (including employment, education, criminal and DMV verification- when applicable) and a pre-employment drug test with results satisfactory to GAINSCO. GAINSCO is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer