Business Development Associate

Overview Business Development Associate at AF Group. Company: AF Group Location: Westerville, USA Level: Non-Manager Compensation: Competitive Compensation and Benefits Package. Estimated pay range: $54,000 - $90,550. AF Group’s focused and passionate team uses industry-leading best practices, analytics and resources to manage risk and minimize loss for our policyholders while strengthening businesses with our valued independent agent partners. We strive to continuously increase the long-term value of our organization by outperforming our industry peers and fostering a culture of underwriting and claims excellence. The Business Development Associate plays a critical role in reviewing, analyzing, approving or rejecting complex business within a letter of authority, serving as liaison with company personnel regarding business opportunities and problem resolution, and providing temporary assistance to field BDC and input as part of the territory’s or region’s overall agency plan. Responsibilities Calculate, prepare and develop premium quotations using corporate underwriting guidelines within letter of authority. Determine underwriting eligibility for prospective policyholders and develop appropriate pricing for new business, renewals, and endorsements. Analyze and review prospective accounts for insurability and accept or reject within letter of authority. Support agency relationships. Support agency plans in cooperation with other staff. Address agents’ and policyholders’ concerns and needs. Develop new business and retain existing business in a given territory or region. Explain and emphasize benefits of workers’ compensation insurance products and services to customers (agents and policyholders). Work with all internal departments to resolve problems and maintain company relations. Participate as necessary on special committees and task forces. Interpret and develop territory reports which reflect the status of the territory. Participate in promotional plans for both Accident Fund and agent activities. Analyze and review production and loss information for agents. Prepare periodic reports as requested. Research and coordinate responses to agents, policyholders and regulatory entities. Analyze agency performance and develop corrective action plans as needed to correct poor performance. Analyze accounts to determine exposure and proper pricing. Gather competitive and product information from the field. Be responsible for profitability of territory. Train agency employees on the use of company specific automation systems. Review loss trends and develop action plans to correct problem areas. Support schedule for large account service plans with claims, loss control, premium audit, and other departments as needed. Provide input for agency advisory council meetings. Assist in the development of regional goals. This position description identifies the responsibilities and tasks typically associated with the performance of the position. Other relevant essential functions may be required. Education Bachelor’s degree in marketing, insurance, or related field. Combinations of relevant education and experience in underwriting, marketing, loss prevention, and/or auditing may be considered in lieu of a degree. Continuous learning required, as defined by the Company’s learning philosophy. Certification, or progress toward certification, is highly preferred and encouraged. Experience One year of relevant experience that provides the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities is required. Agency management and marketing experience is preferred or with proper education and successful completion of the trainee program. Skills / Knowledge / Abilities Ability to perform other assignments at locations outside the office. Ability to exercise good judgment in evaluating and determining the proper pricing for prospective policyholders using corporate underwriting guidelines by accepting or rejecting risks for the purposes of issuing workers’ compensation insurance coverage. Ability to initiate insurance transactions in compliance with all policies, procedures, legal and ethical guidelines. Ability to negotiate while establishing a personal rapport and maintaining an effective working and client relationship. Knowledge of workers’ compensation insurance and the independent agency system. Ability to apply creative and persuasive techniques to generate new, and maintain, existing business and to be creative when presented with unique situations. Ability and proficiency in the use of computers and company standard software. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to create and maintain mutually beneficial relationships. Ability to work with minimum supervision and balance demands of a field position by supporting agents while keeping current with underwriting workload. Ability to support agency relationships and to make sound underwriting decisions. Knowledge of appropriate jurisdictional workers’ compensation laws. Ability to calculate expected pricing, dividends, and premium quotations for agents and policyholders. Ability to analyze territory or region 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 analyze and solve practical problems which deal with a variety of variables. Ability to make and implement competent, independent decisions and to build consensus. Ability to understand and implement audit procedures and processes for agencies. Ability to relocate. Working Conditions: Work is performed in the office and occasionally in the field with minimal hazards. Minimal travel is required with occasional overnight stays. May be required to lift and carry computer equipment and other marketing promotional items weighing up to 35 lbs. Must be willing and able to relocate. #J-18808-Ljbffr Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan