ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Core duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Estimating — Reconstruction (Core Claims)
· Visit new assignments, scope the full extent of structural and finish damages, and document thoroughly with photos, notes, and measurements.
· Write accurate Xactimate estimates for reconstruction scopes including demo, framing, drywall, flooring, roofing, painting, and specialty trades — with a target turnaround of 24–48 hours from assignment.
· Submit estimates to insurance carriers or property management companies and manage the approval process through to signed contract.
· Negotiate line items, supplements, and scope disputes directly with adjusters — advocating with clarity and confidence for the full, accurate scope of work.
· Prepare and execute construction contracts in accordance with company standards.
· Schedule and lead pre-construction meetings with the client and assigned Project Manager.
· Identify and communicate change orders and insurance supplements throughout the project lifecycle.
Estimating — Emergency Services & Mitigation
· Scope emergency services losses on-site — including water mitigation, fire/smoke cleaning, and mold remediation — with precision and urgency.
· Write mitigation estimates using Xactimate or Symbility, aligned with IICRC standards and carrier program requirements.
· Ensure scopes accurately reflect documented drying logs, equipment records, moisture mapping, and all labor performed.
· Coordinate directly with Mitigation Project Managers to ensure field conditions align with the written scope.
· Handle supplement requests and negotiate additional line items for any scope changes arising during mitigation.
Xactanalysis & Carrier Portal Management
· Own all day-to-day activity inside Xactanalysis — including file assignments, task completion, status updates, and SLA adherence.
· Monitor and respond to carrier reviewer notes and questions promptly, ensuring no file sits idle or falls outside program SLAs.
· Communicate with adjusters and carrier representatives via portal and direct correspondence — professionally, accurately, and without delay.
· Maintain clean, compliant file documentation across all carrier program portals as directed.
Supplement & Change Order Support
· Partner with Project Managers to identify, write, and submit supplements throughout active project lifecycles — this is a core function of the role, not an occasional task.
· Write and submit change orders as scope changes arise in the field, coordinating with the production team to ensure accurate, timely documentation.
· Anticipate supplement needs proactively — reviewing project status, drying logs, and field updates — rather than waiting to be asked.
· Track supplement status and follow up with carriers to resolution.
Client & Adjuster Relations
· Serve as the estimating team’s point of contact for clients and carriers from assignment through estimate approval.
· Set clear, realistic expectations with property owners regarding scope, timeline, and the insurance process — communicating proactively so there are no surprises.
· Build and maintain strong working relationships with insurance adjusters, brokers, and TPA representatives.
· Communicate difficult or sensitive information with professionalism, empathy, and honesty.
· Resolve estimate disputes and escalate when necessary — always with the client’s best interest and Merit’s integrity at the center.
· Manage a pipeline of active estimates and consistently meet carrier program SLAs and production team turnaround expectations — speed and accuracy are non-negotiable.
· Maintain complete and accurate documentation in DASH, Xactanalysis, and other platforms as directed.
· Ensure each project is set up to achieve minimum gross profit margins as determined by company standards.
· Participate in on-call rotation as required, serving as point of contact for new losses during evenings and weekends per the rotating schedule.
· Support the Accounting team as needed with job cost documentation, mortgage company correspondence, and invoicing details.
· Participate in company-sponsored marketing and networking events when requested.
· All other duties as assigned.