Director of Risk Management

Doral, Florida (On-Site)

DESCRIPTION

An industry-leading logistics and maritime transportation company headquartered in Doral is seeking a Director of Risk Management to lead all claims processing, insurance programs, and risk mitigation initiatives across its maritime operations. This high-impact executive role involves overseeing a comprehensive insurance portfolio, managing complex cargo and vessel claims, collaborating with legal counsel, and cultivating a proactive risk management culture across the organization.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive maritime industry expertise, a strong understanding of P&I club structures and marine insurance programs, and the executive presence to act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and ownership.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Claims Management

• Oversee the full lifecycle processing of all cargo claims, including damage, loss, delay, and associated disputes
• Handle vessel, operational, and incident-related claims
• Direct investigations into claims and incidents while ensuring full compliance with international maritime regulations (including Hague-Visby Rules and U.S. COGSA)
• Partner with external legal counsel on litigation, arbitration, and resolution of complex disputes

Insurance Program Leadership

• Manage the company’s multi-line insurance portfolio
• Negotiate with insurers, brokers, and underwriters to obtain optimal coverage, terms, and premium rates
• Lead annual insurance renewals and implement strategies to reduce overall risk exposure

Risk Management & Strategy

• Design and execute enterprise-wide risk management strategies to identify, evaluate, and mitigate operational, financial, and legal risks
• Deliver executive-level reports on claims trends, risk exposure, and financial implications
• Build and lead a high-performing claims and risk management team while promoting a culture of proactive risk prevention

Insurance Portfolio Scope This role will oversee a diverse portfolio that includes:

• Marine & Vessel: P&I Club, Hull & Machinery (H&M), Marine Cargo, Terminal Operators Liability, Bailee Liability
• Logistics & Warehousing: Warehouse Legal Liability, Warehouseman’s Liability, Container/Equipment Insurance
• Specialty Lines: Cyber Liability, Errors & Omissions (E&O)/Professional Liability, Crime/Fidelity, Commercial Auto/Fleet
• General Coverage: General Liability (with Marine Extensions), Commercial Property

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Risk Management, Insurance, Law, Maritime Studies, Business Administration, or a related field required
• Advanced degree (JD, MBA) or professional certifications (ARM, CPCU, Chartered Insurance Institute) strongly preferred

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive experience in claims and risk management
• Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role within maritime, shipping, or logistics
• Proven track record handling complex cargo, vessel, and operational claims
• Demonstrated success in managing insurance renewals and reducing risk exposure
• Experience collaborating with P&I clubs, marine insurers, and external legal counsel on complex claims and disputes

Knowledge & Skills

• Deep knowledge of maritime law, international conventions, and U.S. regulations governing ocean shipping
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with executive leadership and ownership
• Multilingual capability (Spanish or Portuguese) is a plus

Ascendo is a certified minority owned staffing firm, and we welcome and celebrate diversity. Ascendo is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, military service or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Contact information

John Edwards