Risk Reduction Manager
FirstService Residential
Chicago, IL
Description
Job Overview:
As a Manager of Risk Reduction, you’ll be responsible for serving as the trusted risk reduction advisor to our property management teams and clients, providing expert guidance on loss prevention best practices, coordinating lunch and learn training sessions, pre -loss risk assessments, and acting as an advocate for our clients during the claims process. In this role you will act as a key point of connection between our strategic restoration partner, First Onsite, and the communities we serve, fostering collaborative partnerships that support effective communication and seamless service delivery during property loss events.
This hybrid opportunity reports to our downtown Chicago corporate office. This role requires both local and regional travel to attend property-walk throughs, incident sites, and client meetings.
Your Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a structured risk management program for our managed communities. Identify key risk areas (fire/water damage, safety and liability exposures) and devise strategies and processes to mitigate them, leveraging First Onsite and internal resources.
- Act as the primary liaison between our organization, our clients, and First Onsite (our disaster restoration partner) for all matters related to property restoration and repair. Cultivate a strong relationship built on tru st and aligned goals: industry leading response times, priority access to resources and equipment during catastrophic events, precise cost estimates, clear communication and daily reporting on jobs, and accurate, transparent invoices. Coordinate closely with First Onsite’s team before, during and after losses to ensure seamless service.
- Manage educational campaigns and social events with our property managers, regional directors and the local First Onsite team to educate our teams on preparedness and prevention. Initiate pre -loss risk assessments at properties. Work with First Onsite and sited teams to conduct inspections, identify vulnerabilities and recommend best practices. Champion proactive measures like emergency response plans, maintenance check lists and recurring resident education campaigns.
- Communicate regularly with boards, residents, and property management teams about the risk management program and ongoing initiatives. Translate technical insurance and risk concepts into clear messages, outlining the practical benefits. Facilitate educational sessions (lunch and learns, workshops, virtual meetings) to promote awareness and adoption of best practices.
- Establish strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Internally, work closely with VPs, Regional Directors, Community Managers and local operations and maintenance teams to integrate risk management into our daily management practices. Externally, network with industry groups, insurance professionals, and risk management organizations to stay abreast of emerging trends and solutions. Leverage First Onsite and FS Insurance Brokers to design and execute risk mitigation efforts including training, simulation drill and product or technology demos for our managers and boards.
- Advocate for our clients during the insurance claims process to achieve fair and timely outcomes. Liaise between boards, insurance adjusters, brokers and First Onsite project managers to ensure clear and responsive communication and quick resolution of claims. Monitor claim status on larger jobs and intervene if needed to remove roadblocks, minimize claim cycle time and ensure restoration and reconstruction work meets quality standards.
- Work closely with our outside partners to deliver quarterly reports for the Office of the COO and regional leadership, highlighting job/claim statistics, notable jobs/case studies performed and return-on-investment of risk initiatives. Conduct a quarterly program review with executive leadership and First Onsite to evaluate results and set goals for the coming year. Discuss feedback from clients and adjust strategies to improve effectiveness (expanding the program to new regions or introducing new service offerings needed within the communities.
- Stay updated on industry best practices in risk management and claims handling (e.g. new insurance products, IoT sensors for leak detection, updated building codes). Continuously refine program materials and procedures to align with the highest standards. Drive special projects assigned by the SVP or COO - such as piloting new technologies, developing a claims FAQ for managers, or coordinating an annual risk summit with First Onsite and other partners. Ensure that all efforts reinforce our company's commitment to exceptional service and protection for our clients.
Skills & Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree or higher, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
- 5+ years of experience in condominium, HOA or commercial property management as a Community Association Manager or Regional Director. Exposure to restoration services strongly preferred.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional efforts and influence without direct authority.
- Works effectively with coworkers, clients, customers, and others by sharing ideas in a constructive and positive manner; addresses problems and issues constructively to find mutually acceptable and practical business solutions.
- Must possess a high energy attitude and an ability to multi-task/prioritize different projects at any given time.
- Superior oral and written communication skills. Comfortable speaking persuasively in front of large groups (board meetings, training sessions, industry events) and one-on-one.
- Strong working knowledge of property & casualty insurance, claims processes, and risk mitigation techniques. Experience with insurance claim handling or risk consulting preferred.
- Valid driver’s license required.
Compensation:
$ 100000- $120000 / year
What We Offer:
As a full-time associate, you will be eligible for full comprehensive benefits including your choice of multiple medical plans, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance. You will also be eligible for company-paid life insurance and benefits from our employee assistance program. In addition, you will be eligible for paid time off, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, and a 401(k) with company match.
Disclaimer Statement
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. This is not an all-inclusive job description; therefore, management has the right to assign or reassign schedules, duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
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