Description:

For more than 170 years, The Hanover has been committed to delivering on our promises and being there when it matters the most. We live our values every day, demonstrating we CARE through our values, Sustainability initiatives and inclusive corporate culture.

Our claims litigation management department is currently seeking a Strategic Panel Counsel Manager to join our growing team in the Worcester, MA , Itasca, IL or Windsor, CT office. We offer a flexible hybrid work model that supports a blend of in-office and remote work. Fully remote work arrangements are also considered. This is a Full Time/Exempt role.

Position Overview:
This position plays a key role in Hanover's panel management program, providing strategic oversight and operational leadership across a portfolio of outside counsel firms. The role serves as a liaison with Claims to align panel composition with litigation goals and business priorities. Responsibilities include evaluating firm performance, facilitating onboarding and engagement, and managing communications related to rate changes and strategic updates. The candidate will leverage data analytics and reporting tools to assess firm effectiveness, recommend improvements, and support cost control initiatives. Additional duties include maintaining the panel counsel database, overseeing the vendor e-billing registration process, and contributing to cross-functional initiatives that advance legal operations and litigation strategy.

In this role you will:
Strategic Oversight

Serve as a strategic liaison with Claims to align on evolving panel needs, litigation goals, and operational priorities.
Manage a portfolio of law firms, ensuring consistent performance, strategic fit, and alignment with business objectives.
Assess law firm performance against the Hanover's performance expectations and deliver actionable insights for continuous improvement.
Participate in cross-functional initiatives and enterprise projects to support litigation strategy and legal operations transformation.

Relationship Management

Facilitate regular engagement meetings with law firms to reinforce expectations, share feedback, and cultivate collaboration.
Draft formal communications to law firms regarding rate changes, performance feedback, and strategic updates.
Oversee onboarding of new law firms, including orientation to business expectations, litigation guidelines, and performance standards.
Mentor peers and serve as a subject matter expert on panel counsel operations, legal quality, and strategic engagement.
Build and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders across Claims, Finance, Legal Operations, Underwriting and other business units.

Data & Analytics

Analyze firm-level data and performance metrics to inform strategic decision-making and drive operational excellence.
Utilize advanced reporting tools to evaluate firm performance and recommend rate adjustments based on data-driven insights.
Maintain and enhance the panel counsel database to ensure data integrity, accessibility, and compliance.

Operational Excellence

Conduct legal quality audits of panel firms to assess performance, compliance, and strategic alignment.
Negotiate rates and proactively explore cost saving measures to ensure fiscal discipline and adherence to enterprise guidelines.
Coordinate law firm transitions and ensure seamless integration with claims systems, billing platforms, and operational workflows.

Process Improvement

Support the development, implementation, and enforcement of outside counsel processes, tools, and billing guidelines.
Identify litigation trends and recommend process improvements to meet evolving business needs and optimize outcomes.
Respond to internal requests and evaluate new firm additions based on strategic fit, performance history, and business needs.

What You Need to Apply:

Juris Doctor (JD) and 5+ years of experience managing or overseeing litigation matters.
Strong understanding of insurance claims litigation and related processes.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Power BI.
Demonstrated data analytics capabilities and sound business judgment.
Skilled in negotiation and conflict resolution, with the ability to influence without compromising relationships.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with experience engaging senior stakeholders and external partners.
Ability to remain calm and solution-focused in high-stakes or opposing-viewpoint discussions.
Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams.
Decisive and analytical, with the ability to assess complex issues and recommend actionable solutions.
Proven customer focus and responsiveness to internal and external stakeholder needs.
Excellent time management and ability to balance multiple priorities and deadlines.
Experience in project management, process improvement, and change management.
Comfortable working both independently and in collaborative, cross-functional environments.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

Ability to use a personal computer and other standard office equipment
Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods
Ability to work in a fast paced, changing or stressful environment
Ability to perform work in a noisy/loud work environment
Ability to travel (by car or plane) as needed

Career Development:
It's not just a job, it's a career, and we are here to support you every step of the way. We want you to be successful and fulfilled. Through on-the-job experiences, personalized coaching and our robust learning and development programs, we encourage you – at every level – to grow and develop.

Benefits:
We offer comprehensive benefits to help you be healthy, build financial security, and balance work and home life. At The Hanover, you'll enjoy what you do and have the support you need to succeed.

Benefits include:

Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
401K with a company match
Tuition reimbursement
PTO
Company paid holidays
Flexible work arrangements
Cultural Awareness Day in support of IDE
On-site medical/wellness center (Worcester only)
Click here for the full list of Benefits

EEO Statement:
The Hanover values diversity in the workplace and among our customers. The company provides equal opportunity for employment and promotion to all qualified employees and applicants on the basis of experience, training, education, and ability to do the available work without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, ancestry or any other status protected by law.

Furthermore, The Hanover Insurance Group is committed to providing an equal opportunity workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment based on national origin, race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information or any other status protected by law.”

As an equal opportunity employer, Hanover does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities who wish to request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, or to perform essential job functions, should contact us at:HRServices@hanover.com and include the link of the job posting in which you are interested.

Privacy Policy:
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Applicants who are California residents: To see the types of information we may collect from applicants and employees and how we use it, please click here.

Compensation:
The target hiring range for this role may vary based on geographic location and other factors, including merit or performance, demonstrated proficiency, skills for the role, education, travel requirements, and experience. Additional compensation may include an annual bonus (which could take the form of a general bonus, sales incentive, or short-term incentive), long-term incentive or spot recognition awards. The posted range reflects our ability to hire at different position titles and levels depending on background and experience.