Practice Leader - Life & Health Insurance Sales bei Choice Insurance

Description

WHY JOIN CHOICE INSURANCE, A VIZANCE COMPANY?

Vizance has nearly 300 associates in 15 locations throughout North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin and is among the top 1% of all insurance agencies in the United States, based on agency revenue. We are an independent insurance agency with a proven track record of success and have earned several awards, including Top Workplaces, Best Places to Work, Future 50, and Fastest Growing Firms, and we are proud to be a Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE). Our vision is to be the leader in associate loyalty and client relationships. 

The Employee Benefits Practice Leader serves to advance the company’s vision, values, and strategy through leadership to the associates of the Employee Benefits & Individual Health practice group and assumes responsibility for the department’s overall strategy, performance, and culture. The Practice Leader will be expected to develop and maintain a comprehensive prospecting and sales plan that will help drive new business and retention, manage a book of business, and mentor Sales Advisors in meeting their professional and personal goals. 

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Develop and maintain strategy for the department

• Set 12 - 24 month strategy and execution for the department
• Communicate department strategies and processes to Regional President, Director of Insurance, Sales Team Leaders, and Service Team Leaders
• Provide oversight for shared resources for the department
• Keep pulse on industry trends and competitors and research/suggest value added resources as warranted
• Advocate for the department and provide ongoing feedback to Executive Leadership
• Promote revenue, profitability, and growth to meet or exceed goals and benchmarks
• Ensure that the department is adhering to the Strategic Plan set by the Leadership Team
• Oversee department operations to ensure production, efficiency, quality, service, and cost-effective management of resources
• Participate in product and process development, including new products, programs, and value-added services
• Develop niche and association products

Promote revenue growth

• Engage in prospecting and business development
• Develop and implement strategies and strategic partnerships for generating resources and/or revenues for the department
• Acquire new accounts and retain clients, working in partnership with a service-oriented team
• Participate in, and contribute to, developing effective marketing and sales strategies, tactics, and systems for the department
• Utilize a unique structured sales process which differentiates us from other agencies 
• Align clients with the right insurer while providing a consultative approach 
• Develop a strong knowledge of our resources and services and promote cross-selling opportunities 
• Advance toward becoming a Vizance shareholder 
• Provide mentoring to new advisors
• Accompany advisors on sales calls, renewal appointments, and service calls as requested by Regional Presidents and provide constructive feedback
• Assist in leading sales training sessions as requested 

Maintain profitability

• Maintain EBITDA margin of 20% or greater for the department (NUPP fixed as a percent of Total Revenue)

People management, recruitment, and development

• Meet or exceed annual goal set for hiring additional advisors for the department
• Participate in personnel and staffing level decisions within the department
• Serve as a resource for Regional President regarding personnel issues
• Support career development and succession planning for team members
• Regularly monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and conduct annual performance reviews
• Collaborate with Executive Leadership in the interest of reaching agreement for personnel changes being recommended, including hiring and firing decisions
• Participate in recruiting, conducting interviews, hiring new staff, and providing orientation
• Ensure appropriate service staff levels are maintained in department to provide excellent client service

Promote the company’s culture within the department

• Put our Associates First
• Communicate the company vision and plans into the department, utilizing Executive Leadership, Sales Team Leaders, and Service Team Leaders as necessary to effectively communicate
• Consistently communicate and practice our culture - promote a climate where the truth is heard, and promote high morale among associates
• Ensure that the department adheres to high ethical standards
• Help resolve escalated conflicts as requested 
• Promote practices and procedures that allow autonomy within the system and empower associates to use their talents and take action
• Participate in community functions and give back to the communities in which we live and work
• Present a unified front to associates regarding company positions and decisions; take ownership of the decisions as if they were your own, regardless of discussions held privately

Ensure the department follows the system

• Monitor key financial and performance data
• Implement leadership strategies that build effective team leaders and create an organized, cohesive, and effective structure within the department
• Fully support the company’s position on the importance of documented procedures and their consistent use by all associates
• Communicate and suggest ideas for improving department processes and procedures, equipment, tools, and resources, or any other ideas that would benefit the department
• Ensure the system allows advisors to focus on selling new business consistently and ensure that advisors are correctly following the sales team workflows
• Monitor and analyze weekly sales activities and reports
• Ensure that department meetings are occurring and attend as warranted
• Provide input for performance reviews for associates as requested by Regional President and participate as warranted

Ensure the department follows the system

• Determine carrier strategy for the company along with Regional President and Director of Insurance
• Cultivate relationships with carriers at all levels, particularly at the higher levels
• Assist Director of Insurance and Regional President in establishing incentive programs with carriers, monitor progress, and execute to maximize results
• Address conflicts with carriers on behalf of department associates
• Establish and commit to annual production and profitability goals and monitor results
• Review carrier universe and seek to add or terminate carriers as warranted

Other

• Other duties as assigned

WHAT YOU WILL ENJOY

• Unlimited income potential: compensation begins with salary plus commission, and transitions to commission-based 
• Annual bonus potential and yearly sales incentive trip 
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance      
• 401(k) match 
• Paid training and education
• “Associate First” culture with multiple events throughout the year 
• Security of working for a stable, independent agency with a strong history of growth and a defined path for internal succession 
• A supportive team environment that celebrates success
• Opportunities for growth

Requirements

WHAT YOU WILL BRING

• Effective leadership and strategic thinking
• A minimum of five years of experience with Life & Health insurance sales 
• Prior experience in people management 
• Active Life & Health Insurance license
• A proven track record of closing sales
• Desire to create and nurture relationships with clients
• Expert knowledge of Life and Health insurance coverages
• Strong interpersonal communication and negotiation skills
• Entrepreneurial and growth mindset
• Bachelor’s degree (preferred)