Regional Head of Transport Claims in Essex

A leading international logistics and shipping group is seeking a senior claims professional to lead its central transport and freight liability claims function. This is a strategic, hands-on leadership role with responsibility for complex, high-value claims across multiple modes of transport and jurisdictions. Based within a centralised group claims structure, you will manage a geographically dispersed team and act as the key point of contact for insurers, lawyers, brokers and senior internal stakeholders. The role combines operational claims handling, people leadership, insurance programme oversight and risk advisory responsibilities at group level. You will report into senior leadership and play a visible role in shaping claims strategy, policy placement, systems development and risk governance across the wider group.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a multi-country claims team handling freight, logistics and transport liability claims across road, sea, air and warehousing.
• Oversee the investigation, negotiation and settlement of complex claims from first notification through to resolution and recovery.
• Act as primary liaison with insurers, lawyers, surveyors, brokers and external advisers.
• Manage and negotiate the group freight liability insurance programme, including renewals and insurer relationships.
• Provide expert advice on carrier liability, contractual risk and insurance implications to group offices and senior management.
• Support contract review and drafting where elevated liability or insurance risk is identified.
• Monitor and advise on high-risk or restricted cargo acceptance in line with internal and insurer guidelines.
• Produce claims, workflow and trend analysis reports for senior management and insurers.
• Drive training initiatives for group offices on claims handling, liability exposure and risk mitigation.
• Contribute to systems improvement and process development within the claims function.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in transport, freight or marine liability claims at a senior level.
• Deep technical knowledge of carrier liability regimes and conventions including CMR, Hague / Hague-Visby, Montreal, Warsaw, US COGSA and related frameworks.
• Strong understanding of marine cargo and freight liability insurance, including policy interpretation and coverage analysis.
• Proven people management experience, with the ability to lead and develop an international team.
• Confident operating at senior management and board level.
• High level of commercial judgement, negotiation skill and written communication.
• ACII qualification and/or a law degree are advantageous but not essential.
• Advanced competency with Microsoft 365 and claims or case management systems.
• Right to work in either Europe or UK.

Why This Role Matters

This is not a caretaker claims role. You will sit at the centre of a global organisation where claims, insurance and risk decisions directly impact commercial outcomes. The position offers genuine influence, senior visibility and long-term stability within a well-established international group, with scope to shape how claims and risk are managed across the business.