Executive Workers Compensation Risk Management Jobs in Illinois

This is so much more than just a job! Come join a company where you have an opportunity to be an owner. We are a 100% Employee-Owned Company. It takes a special person to be an Associate with Huck's. Our standards for customer service and store cleanliness are extremely high. All our Associates are expected to give our customers fast, friendly service at all times. Our golden rule: "The customer is the most important person in all our stores."

The Director of Risk Management is responsible for overseeing and managing the company's enterprise risk, insurance programs, and claims administration across all operations. This role will provide strategic leadership in developing and implementing risk mitigation strategies while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The Director will supervise risk-related functions, including workers' compensation, general liability, employee-related claims, and safety programs, ensuring consistent application of policies and standards. Additionally, this individual will collaborate with cross-functional teams to reduce exposures, manage audits, and enhance overall risk performance, with a focus on protecting company assets, reducing costs, and supporting operational excellence.

• Lead, mentor, and supervise staff involved in risk, claims, and safety management.
• Develop and implement enterprise risk management policies, procedures, and initiatives, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
• Serve as the primary liaison with insurance brokers, carriers, legal counsel, and regulators.
• Provide executive leadership with strategic insights into risk exposures, claims trends, and mitigation opportunities.

• Oversee all corporate insurance programs, including Workers' Compensation, General Liability, EPLI, Auto, Property, and Cyber.
• Manage litigation, including high-dollar or complex cases, ensuring timely and cost-effective resolution.
• Direct the handling of active claims and investigations, including harassment, wrongful termination, EEOC, and other employment-related claims.
• Ensure accurate reporting of GL/WC accruals, reserves, and claim status to Finance and HR leadership.

• Coordinate and oversee audits, including EEOC, OSHA, Department of Labor, and Workers' Comp audits.
• Maintain accurate reporting for regulatory agencies, including labor bureau statistics and insurance census.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal employment laws, risk regulations, and insurance requirements.

• Lead safety initiatives across the company, ensuring inspections and corrective actions are performed consistently.
• Partner with Operations and HR to address workplace safety needs and outcomes.
• Develop emergency preparedness and business continuity plans, including storm, fire, and workplace response procedures.

• Provide training to managers and associates on safety, claims reporting, and risk prevention practices.
• Foster a culture of accountability and awareness regarding workplace safety and compliance.
• Keep leadership informed of changes in laws, regulations, and industry best practices impacting risk management.

• Monitor and analyze financial performance related to claims costs and insurance premiums.
• Negotiate insurance renewals, settlements, and vendor agreements to ensure cost effectiveness.
• Identify areas for cost reduction while maintaining appropriate coverage and compliance.

• Act as the key point of contact between corporate leadership, insurance partners, and external counsel.
• Collaborate with HR, Payroll, Benefits, and Operations on high-risk associate matters.
• Provide regular reporting and recommendations to the executive team regarding exposure and trends.

• Bachelor's degree in Risk Management, Business Administration, Finance, or related field. Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in risk management, insurance, or compliance, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience managing insurance programs and complex claims in a multi-unit retail or service environment.
• Strong understanding of employment law, workers' compensation, liability, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent negotiation, leadership, and communication skills.
• Financial acumen with experience in claims reserves, accruals, and insurance cost management.

• Results-driven, with a focus on reducing exposures and protecting company assets.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Ability to lead teams and collaborate across multiple departments.
• Deep knowledge of insurance, compliance, and safety best practices.

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurances, ESOP, 401K with match, paid time off, and paid holidays.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development within a growing company.
• Employee discounts for food and fuel.

The Requirements, Duties, and Responsibilities list is incomplete but is merely the most accurate list for the current job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description and to require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, or technical development).

Huck's is an equal opportunity employer. At Huck's we are committed to treating all Applicants and Team Members fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other classifications protected by law.