Business Development Consultant

SUMMARY

Develops and manages independent agency relationship including the development of new business and retention of existing business in a region or territory. Reviews, analyzes, approves or rejects complex business within letter of authority.  Serve as liaison with company personnel regarding company business opportunities and problem resolution. Responsible for assisting in establishing the territories or region’s overall agency plan.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Calculates, prepares and develops premium quotations using corporate underwriting guidelines within letter of authority.
• Determines underwriting eligibility for prospective policyholders and develops appropriate pricing for new business, renewals, and endorsements.
• Analyzes and reviews prospective accounts for insurability and accepts or rejects within letter of authority.
• Develops and manages agency relationships.
• Develops agency plans in cooperation with other staff.
• Addresses agents’ and policyholders’ concerns/needs.
• Responsible for development of new business, profitability and retention of existing business in a given territory or region.
• Works with all internal departments to resolve problems and maintain company relations.
• Participates as necessary on special committees and task forces.
• Interprets and develops territory reports which reflect the status of the territory.
• Participates in promotional plans for both company and agent activities
• Analyzes and reviews production and loss information for agents, determines exposure and proper pricing to develop corrective action plans as needed to correct poor performance. 
• Prepares periodic reports as requested.
• Manages small territory or region under close supervision.
• Research and coordinate responses to agents, policyholders and regulatory entities.
• Appoints and trains new agents and new agency employees on the use of company specific automation systems.
• Reviews loss trends and develops action plans to correct problem areas.
• Gathers competitive and product information from the field.
• Represents company at trade associations and exhibits to promote corporate product.
• Conducts annual agency audits.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, insurance or related field. MBA or other advanced degree is preferred. Relevant combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Certification, or progress toward, highly preferred and encouraged.
• A minimum of three years of experience in an insurance organization with demonstrated technical knowledge in one or more of the following areas: underwriting, marketing, loss prevention, auditing or similar knowledge that provide the necessary skills and abilities.
• P&C insurance experience required.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and project management abilities.
• Ability to make competent, independent decisions.
• Ability and proficiency in the use of computers and Company standard software specific to position.
• Ability to exercise advanced judgment skills in evaluating and determining pricing for prospective policyholders using corporate underwriting guidelines.
• Ability to manage agency relationships and demonstrated ability to make sound underwriting decisions.
• Ability to calculate expected pricing, dividends, and premium quotations for agents and policyholders.
• Ability to analyze territory or region in order to identify problems and take the appropriate corrective action.
• Ability to comprehend the consequences of various problem situations and address them or refer them for appropriate decision making.
• Ability to effectively exchange information clearly and concisely, and present ideas, reports, facts and other information, and respond to questions as appropriate.
• Ability to be innovative and creative when presented with unique situations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with agents, policyholders and internal customers.
• Ability to analyze and solve practical