For more than a century, Ben E. Keith Company has been a leader in fine food and premium beverage distribution, and we strive to consistently exceed our customers’ expectations.

Our Food Division is a complete broad line multi-state distributor, and our Beverage Division operates throughout the state of Texas as a proud distributor of Anheuser-Busch products, craft and import beer brands, spirits, and wine.

We are dedicated to the growth and success of our business, our customers, and our employees—continuing our commitment to delivering quality since 1906.

Position Summary: 
The Senior Director of Risk is a pivotal leader responsible for shaping and executing the company's risk management and insurance strategies. This role will collaborate closely with Operations, Safety, Human Resources, Legal, and other internal departments to identify, assess, and mitigate risks across the organization. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President – Enterprise Risk, the Senior Director will play a critical role in safeguarding the company’s assets and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.

Core Responsibilities:
•    Conduct regular risk assessments across the organization, identifying potential threats and implementing proactive measures to mitigate them.
•    Oversee the design, procurement, and management of the company’s insurance programs, ensuring optimal coverage and cost-effectiveness.
•    Negotiate and manage contracts with insurance carriers, brokers, and other third-party service providers, ensuring favorable terms and high-quality service.
•    Utilize data analytics to monitor risk trends, prepare detailed reports for senior leadership, and recommend adjustments to risk management strategies as needed.
•    Develop, implement, and continuously refine a robust and efficient claims management process, ensuring prompt resolution and minimal impact on the company.
•    Identify risk factors that contribute to claim expenses and collaborate with other functional leaders on developing and implementing mitigation strategies.
•    In partnership with Third-Party Administrators (TPAs) and legal counsel, lead the development and execution of strategies to manage specific cases and resolve issues as they arise.
•    Oversee the efficiency and effectiveness of the workers’ compensation (WC) program, which includes a Texas Non-Subscriber Plan Review; identify inefficiencies and recommend/implement program improvements.
•    Establish and enforce compliance with performance metrics for TPAs, ensuring alignment with company standards.
•    Develop and lead the company’s crisis management and business continuity plans, ensuring preparedness for unforeseen events.
•    Ensure all risk management and insurance activities are in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of industry standards and legal requirements.
•    Manage the budget for the risk management and insurance department, including forecasting, expense management, and cost-benefit analysis of risk-related expenditures.
•    Provide strategic direction and mentorship to the risk management team, fostering professional development and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
•    Set clear goals, objectives, and work standards for the team, conducting regular performance evaluations to foster growth and accountability.
•    Act as the department’s representative at conferences, meetings, planning groups, mediations, and settlements, advocating for the company’s best interests.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements: 
•    Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Risk Management, or a closely related field. Advanced degrees or certifications (e.g., CPCU, ARM) are preferred.
•    A minimum of 12 years in risk management. Proven leadership experience with 7+ years in a managerial role.
•    Comprehensive understanding of:
•    Federal, state, and local regulations regarding workers’ compensation claims.
•    Workers’ compensation claims management practices and procedures.
•    Complex insurance program development and administration
•    Principles and practices of program planning, development, and implementation.
•    Medical and technical terminology relevant to injury cases.
•    Management and supervisory methodologies.
•    Contract administration and report preparation techniques.
•    Proficiency in relevant software applications (e.g., Microsoft Office, Origami).

Skills & Attributes
•    Active Learning - Understand the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making
•    Active Listening - Give full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, ask questions as appropriate, and not interrupt at inappropriate times
•    Critical Thinking - Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
•    Manage Conflict – Use respectful and professional communication to diffuse conflict under difficult circumstances to all parties involved
•    Problem Solving - Identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions
•    Collaboration – Partner with internal departments (HR, Legal, Safety, Operations, Transportation, etc.) to ensure alignment
•    Judgement and Decision Making - Consider the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the optimal solution
•    Negotiation – Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences
•    Training – Transfer knowledge and processes within the department and to other internal constituents 

Travel Requirements:
•    This position requires frequent travel.
•    Expected domestic travel is approximately 25% of the time, depending on project needs and business demands.

Direct Reports:
•    This position supervises 5 direct reports.

Physical Requirements: 
•    Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards. 
•    Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards
•    Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 lbs

Ben E. Keith (BEK) Company is one of the largest food and beverage distributors in the United States. We are a family-owned business with a long-standing tradition of supporting the diverse communities in which we live and work. Our competitive employee benefits provide health and financial protection to our employees and their families.

We have sought to create an environment in which the contributions of each employee at Ben E. Keith are fully valued. This means more than simply treating one another with respect; it also means considering how all our people can positively impact the quality of the decisions we make about our business.

Here at Ben E. Keith, we recognize that our workforce reflects the increasingly diverse nature of our society, and we want to do all we can to take advantage of that diversity with both our external and internal customers. We believe our differences are also our strengths and we want to do all we can to use those strengths to find more creative solutions for the business challenges we face. Ben E. Keith is an equal employment opportunity, affirmative action employer. VEVRAA Federal Contractor