Senior Manager, Risk Management – Workers’ Compensation

Role Overview Sodexo is seeking a highly experienced Senior Manager, Risk Management – Workers’ Compensation with deep expertise in California Workers’ Compensation to lead and support critical risk management, claims, and insurance initiatives across the organization. This role is responsible for the oversight and direction of all aspects of Sodexo's Workers’ Compensation claims and related programs throughout the Western Region of the United States , with particular emphasis on California workers’ compensation claims. The ideal candidate brings deep workers’ compensation expertise, strong analytical abilities, and a proven track record of managing complex claims, driving successful return-to-work outcomes, and reducing organizational risk. This is a remote opportunity with candidates residing in the Pacific or Mountain time zones strongly preferred. What You'll Do Workers’ Compensation Claims Leadership & Program Oversight (30%) Provide strategic oversight and direction for all workers’ compensation claims and related programs in the Western Region. Evaluate and approve or deny adjuster requests to increase reserves and provide settlement authority. Serve as the primary subject matter expert on workers’ compensation laws, regulations, and benefit structures in assigned jurisdictions, with a strong emphasis on California. Respond to inquiries from Operations, Human Resources, Legal, Safety, Finance, and other internal stakeholders regarding claim status, strategy, and resolution. Provide guidance regarding claim investigations, litigation management, claim analysis, defense strategy, and claim resolution. Lead claim review conferences focused on claim closures, reserve adequacy, litigation strategy, and resolution planning. Oversee the claim audit process to ensure TPA adherence to Sodexo and industry claim-handling standards. Evaluate adjuster performance and participate in decisions regarding claim assignments and TPA branch office performance. Insurance, Financial & Risk Management (30%) Manage insurance-related programs, claims administration, and risk financing initiatives. Conduct reserve reviews and analyses to ensure appropriate funding and financial stewardship of the workers’ compensation program. Analyze claim trends, cost drivers, and loss data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and cost reduction. Support actuarial reviews, audits, compliance assessments, and leadership reporting. Develop recommendations that strengthen organizational risk management practices and reduce exposure. Advise business leaders on emerging risks, trends, and mitigation opportunities. Claims Strategy, Return-to-Work & Risk Financing (20%) Serve as the primary Sodexo resource for coordinating and facilitating successful Return-to-Work outcomes across assigned states. Partner with HR, Legal, Operations, and Safety teams to address ADA, FMLA, California Labor Code 132a issues, wage statements, and other employment-related claim considerations. Evaluate and coordinate subrogation opportunities and recovery efforts. Develop and implement strategies that reduce claim duration, improve claim outcomes, and minimize organizational costs. Contribute as a project leader or participant in initiatives aimed at reducing the impact and cost of workplace injuries. Monitor claim performance metrics and provide recommendations to leadership regarding program improvements and funding strategies. Due Diligence & Business Transactions (10%) Assess insurance and workers’ compensation risks associated with acquisitions, divestitures, business transitions, and new client opportunities. Evaluate liabilities and develop appropriate risk management recommendations. Support business growth initiatives through risk analyses, reporting, and integration planning. Contractual Risk Transfer & Stakeholder Management (10%) Review contractual risk transfer provisions, indemnification language, and insurance requirements. Maintain productive working relationships with TPAs, insurers, brokers, defense counsel, medical providers, and other claims service partners. Maintain and update Sodexo’s preferred attorney and vendor panels. Partner with global and regional risk management teams to align best practices and enterprise objectives. Develop and deliver presentations and training programs for managers, executives, and stakeholders regarding workers’ compensation fundamentals, claim management strategies, and risk mitigation initiatives. What We Offer Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include: Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions Paid Time Off and Company Holidays Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire. What You Bring Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. 5+ years of experience in workers’ compensation, risk management, insurance, or claims administration. Strong knowledge of California Workers’ Compensation laws and claims processes. Experience managing complex and litigated workers’ compensation claims. Expertise in reserve management, settlement negotiations, and claims oversight. Ability to analyze claim trends and develop cost-containment strategies. Experience supporting return-to-work and claim mitigation programs. Understanding of risk financing, budgeting, and insurance operations. Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills. Strong organizational, project management, and multitasking abilities. Proven analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities. Who We Are At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide. Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form. Qualifications & Requirements Minimum Education Requirement - Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experienceMinimum Management Experience - 5 yearsMinimum Functional Experience - 3 years