Job Description

The Strategic Business Developer will be responsible for unemployment program production growth and management of sales and distribution strategy for both agency and direct channels. They may:

Implement policies, procedures, and strategies under the direction of management but with minimal supervision. 
Possess a high and extensive level of technical knowledge and skills, including product and industry. 
Be recognized as the company expert in the field. 
May have regional, zone or company-wide scope. 
May be the highest level of escalation for making risk and coverage determination. 
Rely on experience and judgment to accomplish goals. 
Use communication skills to build and leverage excellent customer relationships and to successfully market products and services. 

The person hired for this position can work from home or GAI office location and must be able to travel at least 30-80% of the time, overnight travel, to visit agents and clients.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

Oversees the development of productive agency plant(s)/territory(ies) and leads sales and/or relationship management activities with insurance brokerage clients and prospects.

Accountable for the development of marketing plans for assigned territory(ies), taking into consideration the strengths and weaknesses of the agency plant(s)/territory(ies) and competitors, divisional objectives, and overall market conditions.
Originates new client relationships and focuses on expanding and retaining existing relationships.
Develops target markets.
Oversees staff in prospecting, appointing, and managing agency relationships and prospective clients and in achieving production and profitability objectives.
Oversees resolution to problems between company and producer.

Has responsibility for marketing and providing strategic training on company products and services to existing and prospective agencies/clients.

Serves as a technical expert in and ensures staff is able to interpret, explain, and educate agencies/clients on products (features, market placement, techniques to market/sell, etc.), facilities, practices, and services and technology solutions and/or integration needs.
Gathers, analyzes, and maintains competitive information.  Makes appropriate recommendations based on competitive landscape and industry trends.

As appropriate for line of business: 

Has accountability for own profit-oriented risk selection/rejection, pricing decisions, within designated authority, and those made by members of the team/unit.
Empowers employees to use independent judgment and initiative to support business goals.
Monitors aggregate quality and pricing for assigned territory(ies).
Ensures a high level of customer service.
Binds and/or oversees the binding of risks in the field, within level of authority. 
May take an active role, as needed, for large and/or complex accounts during upstart and/or critical periods in order to assist agents in producing business.

Ensures that effective business relationships with internal and external customers/coworkers are developed and maintained in order to attract and retain profitable business.

Ensures consistency across the team when communicating with/responding to agents and clients.

Identifies opportunities for and may spearhead development of new business and/or programs.
Administers and applies insurance laws and regulations and as appropriate administers, applies, and may update underwriting rules and guidelines, and rating manual rules. 
Analyzes quality and quantity of risks underwritten and prepares reports to communicate this information.
Ensures that the team meets performance targets.
Responsible for performance and coaching of staff and decisions regarding talent selection, development, and performance management.  Ensures new members of the team receive proper training.
Performs other duties as assigned. 

Job Requirements

5 or more years of related experience
Sales and marketing experience within Unemployment Insurance or Unemployment Cost Mitigation Services is preferred
Ability to travel
Strong written and verbal communication skills, necessary to work effectively with external customers and internal business colleagues
Property & Casualty License required