ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :
1. As agency manager, this role is the liaison between Encova and its appointed agency force. Duties include;
o Develop and maintain agency relationships through regular visits with agency leadership and production staff, encompassing :
Agency growth and profitability with Encova.
Agency progress towards Encova profit share program and Leaders’ Conference participation.
Encova updates and organizational changes.
o Facilitate growth between all Encova profit centers and assigned agencies.
2. Coordinate agency training when needed and demonstrate impactful improvement of agency performance with the tools needed to build agency book of business with Encova in order to increase profitable premium volume.
3. Gather competitive intelligence, and in response develop market positioning and product and process recommendations to optimize Encova’s profitable growth.
4. Stay abreast of current insurance laws and regulations.
5. Prospect and qualify new agents for potential appointments.
6. Submit written reports as required.
7. Attend industry events.
8. Determine the acceptability, quality, pricing, profitability and opportunity for new and renewal business.
9. Complete thorough risk analysis on designated accounts using appropriate Encova, NCCI, ISO and industry rules, policies, procedures, guidelines, etc.
10. Identify, create and initiate new business opportunities within current book of business, developing innovative techniques with producers and agency principals.
11. Gather and analyze information necessary to make an accurate evaluation of risk.
12. Determine appropriate pricing based on risk exposures, risk quality, loss potential and coverage provided.
13. Utilize available resources including company underwriting guidelines, business unit strategies, and consultation with others to ensure adequate understanding of risk exposures.
14. Prepare and lead presentations of proposals to producers and insureds. Negotiate terms and conditions.
15. Ensure the proper issuance of policies, certificates, filings and notifications.
16. Effectively utilize industry rules and guidance to ensure proper policy construction.
17. Seek the guidance of management on risks exceeding assigned authority levels.
18. Identify underwriting issues; recommend and develop plans for problem resolution and implement them where appropriate.
19. Manage existing and prospective accounts by actively participating in account renewals, new business presentations and discussion with agents.
20. Lead discussions regarding monitoring and analyzing performance of assigned agents; initiate actions and recognize consequences of alternative actions.
21. Account management including coordination of service delivery of various disciplines within the team : claim review, safety and loss services, customized reporting, etc.
22. Monitor agent results (production, pricing, loss ratio, hit ratio, etc.) for the purpose of managing performance and developing / implementing corrective actions where necessary in accordance with company underwriting standards and
procedures.
23. Coordinate new agent training with the assistance of the Commercial and Personal Lines Divisions and Training and Development department to allow the agency to become self-sufficient and provide ease of doing business with Encova.
24. Conduct / coordinate sales and training sessions and orientation of new products, programs, and systems for assigned agents.
When requested, lead discussions on new underwriting approaches, coverage enhancements / changes, and underwriting projects.
25. Create white papers and / or training material for increased underwriting knowledge and industry awareness to enhance profitability.
26. Serve as a mentor / informal leader with other Production Underwriters through verbal and written communications.
27. Act as a subject matter expert for other Production Underwriters, Territory Managers and other agency facing roles.
OTHER FUNCTIONS :
1. Special developmental projects as assigned by Regional Vice President.
2. Responsible for automobile travel within territory traveling to agents’ offices. Car travel represents a meaningful portion of associate’s time.
3. Non-essential function : other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :
- Minimum 7 years of progressive commercial lines underwriting experience in package lines and / or worker’s compensation in the Property and Casualty insurance market strongly preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree preferred, demonstrated significant underwriting experience may substitute.
- Demonstrated working knowledge of commercial multi-line underwriting, pricing and coverage.
- Demonstrated knowledge of effective sales / marketing and agency relationship techniques including the ability to partner with independent insurance agents.
- Demonstrated strong writing skills with an emphasis on advertising or marketing.
- Ability to be creative and entrepreneurial in the approach to sales and marketing initiatives.
- Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and tight timelines while meeting established guidelines.
- High-level interpersonal, oral communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Critical thinking : Ability to assess an individual situation and select applicable rules from an array of options, resulting in the most appropriate and sustainable decision.
- Thorough knowledge of laws and rules and their application for the assigned territory.
- Thorough working knowledge of policy and procedures regarding risk administration and risk management; underwriting and loss control.
- Thorough knowledge of the insurance industry and the business environment in which it operates in order to develop an effective business strategy and remain technically current.
- Thorough understanding of business exposure calculations, classifications, experience rating or other plan modifications.
- Ability to develop and implement account, territorial, producer and book strategies to acquire and retain business.
- Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a team environment.
- Ability to initiate, build and maintain effective working relationships and tailor services to meet customer needs.
- Ability to use sound logic and decision-making skills to identify complex problems, analyze alternatives, then develop and implement effective solutions.
- Ability to effectively plan and lead meetings : ensure an agenda is created, appropriate materials are ready in advance, the meeting stays on task, the clients issues are addressed, and follow-up action plans are noted.
- Ability to present ideas and information to individuals and groups in a clear, concise, influential, organized, and diplomatic manner and address concerns or needs.
- Proficient in electronic mail system; use of intranet and internet; Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word.
- Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and must hold a valid driver’s license.