Crop Insurance Business Development Representative

About the Role

AgriSompo is seeking a Business Development Representative to achieve insurance sales by establishing and maintaining working relationships with independent insurance agents within a specified region. In addition to serving as the primary point of contact for agents, the Business Development Representative is responsible for servicing a book of business which meets growth, maintenance, and profitability goals year over year.

Responsibilities

• Assist in forging relationships with new and existing crop insurance agents with the goal of both maintaining and attracting profitable business.
• Work with peers and agents as a primary resource by helping interpret government regulations associated with the Federal Crop Insurance Program.
• Work as part of a larger team which may span across territories and/or regions to ensure all customers are trained adequately on all business processes and platforms, including web-based, mobile, and mapping tools. Attend and/or present at company trainings and meetings.
• Execute established training programs to both peers and agents to provide appropriate feedback to the training department on agent training needs.
• Research agent concerns and provide timely, professional follow-up resolutions.
• Assist in the development and implementation of strategic marketing plans and forecasts to achieve corporate objectives for products and services.
• Assist in reviewing and analyzing agents’ business, production, and results. Implement and recommend appropriate corrective measures, including modification of agreements or cancellation of agency appointments.
• Evaluate market research and adjust marketing strategies to meet changing marketing and competitive conditions, including making recommendations based on the competitive landscape.
• Monitor and collect required agent/agency compliance documents.
• Build and maintain effective business relationships with internal and external customers and coworkers to attract and retain profitable business. Customers include industry groups such as grower groups, commodity groups, trade associations, and legislators.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or business-related field preferred.
• 2 years of agriculture experience required; 4 years of agriculture and crop insurance experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.

Skills

• Knowledge of sales and agriculture.
• Professional knowledge of farm economics, grain marketing, and risk management tools (futures, options, crop insurance).
• Strong computer skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills with the ability to interact with all levels of people within and outside the organization.
• Understanding of regulatory and operational processes.
• Strong decision-making, negotiation, and conflict management skills.
• Strong coaching and teaching skills.
• Strong time management and prioritization skills, with the ability to remain flexible to changing priorities.
• Ability to perform sales job responsibilities face-to-face.
• Ability to quickly learn and promote company products and services.
• Ability to work effectively both autonomously and within a team environment.
• Ability to develop new skills, learn new techniques, and software while ensuring assigned customer base receives excellent services.

Physical Requirements & Work Conditions

• Ability to lift/push/pull up to 30 lbs. occasionally; including ladders, bushels, ramps for off-road vehicles.
• Ability to walk in agricultural fields, up to 3 miles.
• Ability to climb agricultural storage bins, up to 75 feet.
• Ability to climb, crawl, stoop, kneel, and balance.
• Ability to climb ladders and perform work at significant heights.
• Ability to perform work in confined spaces.
• Ability to work outside in extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to work in an environment with high dust levels around grain and other bulk products.
• Ability to meet requirements of and utilize all applicable PPE, when applicable.
• Ability to work extended hours, weekends, holidays, and/or as needed.
• Uses peripheral vision and depth perception for tasks being performed.

The physical environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions. Frequently required to use personal protective equipment.

Schedule

Travel is required up to 80%; most travel is within 2-4 hours driving distance of the assigned home office. Some out-of-town travel may be required for trainings/meetings. This is a remote position based out of Kentucky or Tennessee.

Pay

Actual compensation for this role will depend on several factors including the cost of living associated with your work location, your qualifications, skills, competencies, and relevant experience. The total compensation opportunity includes a combination of base salary and incentives adjusted based on overall company performance and individual performance.

Benefits

• Two medical plans to choose from: Traditional PPO & a Consumer Driven Health Plan with a Health Savings account (competitive employer contribution).
• Pharmacy benefits with mail order options.
• Dental benefits including orthodontia benefits for adults and children.
• Vision benefits.
• Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Company-paid Life & AD&D benefits, including the option to purchase Supplemental life coverage for employee, spouse, and children.
• Company-paid Disability benefits with competitive salary continuation payments.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with competitive employer contributions.
• Competitive paid-time-off programs, including company-paid holidays.
• Competitive Parental Leave Benefits & Adoption Assistance program.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Tax-Free Commuter Benefit.
• Tuition Reimbursement & Professional Qualification benefits.