Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) Job Title – Lead Claims Specialist Work Type – Full Time, Ongoing Join VMIA as a Lead Claims Specialist and play a key role in leading a high-performing team within our Medical Indemnity portfolio. In this role, you’ll combine technical expertise with people leadership to deliver high-quality, client-focused claims outcomes, while navigating complex and sensitive matters. Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, you’ll drive consistency, support continuous improvement, and help build a resilient, high-performing claims function that supports better outcomes for Victorians. Key Highlights Salary Range – $167,754 - $186,393 (total remuneration package inclusive of super). Hybrid work environment – Flexible working arrangement with 3 days spent in our office in Melbourne CBD. About the role As a Lead Claims Specialist at VMIA, you provide day-to-day leadership, operational oversight, and technical support to a team of Claims Specialists within the Medical Indemnity portfolio. You play a critical role in ensuring high-quality, consistent, and client-focused claims management, drawing on your expertise in medical negligence, duty of care insurance, and personal injury law. You are a visible and supportive leader who builds team capability, fosters cohesion, and promotes best-practice delivery. While you may manage a small number of complex claims where required, your primary focus is enabling your team to perform at their best—guiding decision‑making, managing risk, and ensuring alignment with VMIA’s claims framework. Working closely with the Portfolio Manager and Claims Operations & Insights team, you help embed consistent practices, uplift performance, and contribute insights that support continuous improvement across the division. Key responsibilities Lead, coach, and support a team of Claims Specialists to deliver high-quality, consistent, and client-focused claims outcomes Provide day-to-day operational oversight, supporting the team to navigate complex claims, stakeholder issues, and competing priorities Offer technical guidance on complex matters, escalations, and resolution strategies Monitor team performance, ensuring alignment with claims frameworks, policies, and defensible decision-making standards Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, legal providers, and key stakeholders Act as the first escalation point for team members and support resolution of sensitive or high‑risk issues Support continuous improvement initiatives, including process enhancements, projects, and digital solutions Contribute to reporting, insights, and performance monitoring to drive better outcomes Foster a high-performance, resilient team culture focused on wellbeing, learning, and collaboration Identify and elevate risks, ensuring compliance with governance, policies, and regulatory requirements Who you work with You will work closely with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders to support effective claims management and delivery. Internally, you collaborate with the wider Claims team, including Portfolio Managers and Claims leadership, as well as the Claims Operations & Insights team, Risk Services and Insurance colleagues, and teams across Insights & Analytics, Actuarial, and Finance. Externally, you engage with VMIA clients and Victorian Government stakeholders, along with health services and medical defence organisations. You also build strong working relationships with legal service providers and panel firms, as well as reinsurance brokers, underwriters, and other professional partners to support the timely and effective resolution of claims. What we are looking for A strong people leader who can coach, support, and develop a high-performing team Deep technical expertise in medical indemnity claims and complex personal injury matters Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to navigate sensitive and high‑stakes situations A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with the ability to manage competing priorities Sound judgment, discretion, and resilience in emotionally complex environments A collaborative approach, with the ability to influence and drive continuous improvement Strong analytical capability, using data and insights to inform decisions and improve performance Commitment to delivering excellent client outcomes and building trusted relationships Ability to embrace change and contribute to innovation across claims practices Qualifications Minimum 7 years’ experience in insurance claims management or a related field Demonstrated experience handling complex and sensitive claims, ideally within medical indemnity Proven leadership experience in a fast-paced claims or insurance environment Strong knowledge of public sector insurance principles and governance frameworks Tertiary qualifications in Business, Commerce, Allied Health, Law, or a related discipline (desirable) ANZIIF certification or equivalent (desirable) Fit and proper person under APRA guidelines Full working rights in Australia At VMIA, we believe diversity drives innovation. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. We offer Flex work: Hybrid working to support your best performance. Parenting support: Generous parental leave (14 weeks paid parental leave after six months of service for primary carers and 2 weeks for secondary carers). Learning & Development: Annual investment ($2,500) in your growth, with in-house training, and LinkedIn Learning access in addition. Wellbeing: Wellness sessions, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and ergonomic support. Culture & Lifestyle: Iconic office location, volunteer leave and life-stage support. VMIA encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, individuals with disabilities, culturally diverse communities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. How to apply We invite you to submit your CV and a cover letter. Use these to introduce yourself, highlight your fit for the role, and share why you are excited about joining VMIA. For any questions about the role or application process, please contact us at At VMIA, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace. We warmly welcome applications from people of all gender identities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, individuals with disabilities, and those from culturally diverse backgrounds. If you have any accessibility needs during the recruitment process, please let us know at Salary Information At VMIA, we offer competitive salaries based on the role’s classification and your skills and experience. Typically, new employees start at the minimum of the salary range, however, consideration may be given to starting above the minimum of the band should you demonstrate extensive experience in a similar role or possess unique and desirable skills and capabilities required to perform the role. Other relevant information Before starting at VMIA, preferred candidates will complete pre‑employment screenings. These assessments may include: Working Eligibility: Verification of your right to work in Australia. Employment History: Confirmation of your past employment details including employment dates and compensation. Academic Credentials: Verification of your educational qualifications to ensure they are accurate and legitimate. National Criminal History Check: A check for any criminal record, which may involve manual vetting by ACIC, potentially causing delays. Pre‑employment Misconduct Check: Used to verify the identity, integrity, and credentials of potential employees and verifies no past misconduct. Financial Background Checks: Applicable for certain roles, such as Heads of Departments and Finance team members. We value a collaborative work environment, so employees are expected to spend the majority of your working week in the office. Candidates from interstate must be willing to relocate to Victoria. #J-18808-Ljbffr