Commercial Insurance Branch Manager
Insurica, Inc.
Branch Manager Job in Palmdale, CA
The Branch Office Manager is responsible for the supervision of the service, claims, and administrative staff, ensuring complete customer satisfaction, as well as planning/organizing workflow and monitoring performance standards. The Branch Office Manager will be responsible for assisting in the production of new and renewal accounts, in keeping with agency and individual producer goals, as well as assisting clients with service and sales needs, making changes to existing accounts, meeting service and sales delivery standards, and performing essential functions to achieve the quality service and sales standards developed by the agency. The Branch Office Manager will assist the Producer(s), as needed, in handling and processing new and renewal commercial business and maintaining high service standards.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Staff Supervision
Provide supervision to all assigned colleagues, including cross-training, performance management, training and development, coaching, and disciplinary action
Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and quality of staff production, to ensure excellent internal and external customer satisfaction
Proactively address, resolve and monitor staff issues, demonstrating and fostering good morale within the department
Evaluate, update and report on recruiting issues, such as workflow, staff, etc.
Provide a confident leadership presence, demonstrating a positive outlook and motivating employees, by promoting individual excellence and achievement, as well as a team concept
Serve as the escalation point for difficult customer situations with staff, and provide direction and coaching, intervening where warranted
Work with building management company to ensure a safe, clean and attractive work environment; arrange for repair of office equipment
Provide management and staff with reports, as required, to assist in workflow, production, and profit
Assist with budget development and administration of office expenditures, layout, and ordering of office supplies and furniture
Assist with the development of workflows, procedures, and policies affecting staff; monitor implementation to ensure high-quality service and compliance with agency standards; perform audits and address any problem areas with staff
Keep abreast of all new sales programs and effectively communicate with staff
Provide team leadership skills for Account Managers and Assistant Account Managers and assist in Mentoring and Training program
Assist department in meeting training and overall department education objectives
Account Management
Market, service, develop and retain assigned accounts; meet established account development and retention objectives, as well as a targeted mix of business, underwriting guidelines, and volume commitments
Meet with clients, when necessary, and perform risk analysis surveys, obtain renewal information, complete applications, obtain markets, deliver policies, coordinate efforts of loss control or other services, and resolve service problems
Effectively use agency management systems to maintain client files and to perform all transactions
Request renewals, endorsements, and other needed data from the companies and insureds
Solicit Producer assistance, as needed, in order to issue proper coverage in a timely, efficient manner; bind coverage within agency underwriting authority
Check new and renewal policies, endorsements, audits, and cancellations and promptly handle for accuracy in rating, coverage, and input in the system to generate billing invoices and quality products for our customers
Obtain renewal information, complete applications, obtain markets, deliver policies, coordinate efforts of loss control or other services, collect payments, and resolve service problems
Retain and develop accounts by making recommendations regarding the risk to the customer for the most cost-effective and proper insurance coverage, preparing proposals, evaluating and recommending other lines, and providing additional resources for the client as needed
Negotiate with the insurance companies for the most proper coverage options and competitive price
Assist the Producer in preparing/making presentations on insurance programs on key accounts/prospects
Refer current and prospective clients to Employee Benefits Department and to the Personal Insurance Department for solicitation of those lines of business
Participate in seminars and other training to maintain required licenses and for knowledge and skill development
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
This job description is intended to describe the level of work required of the person performing the position. Essential functions are outlined; however, other duties may be assigned, as needs arise, or as necessary to support the essential functions. Specific performance objectives may be developed each year to measure the performance of the tasks and functions listed in this job description.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Thorough, demonstrated understanding of commercial underwriting and coverages
Possession of strong commercial lines product knowledge and knowledge of insurance markets and reference to markets/underwriting
Strong PC skills, with a focus on the Microsoft Suite of products (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc.) as well as the ability to effectively utilize agency management systems
Thorough understanding of agency workflow and processes
Ability to work within a fast-paced, changing priority environment
Ability to maximize staff results by communicating job expectations; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; coaching, counseling, and disciplining staff; encouraging and supporting professional development; coordinating and ensuring effective utilization of systems; ensuring adherence to policies, procedures, and productivity standards
Self-motivated, with the initiative to prioritize and be self-directed
Regular and punctual attendance is required
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally, and in writing
Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with both colleagues, and managers, across all levels
Ability to promote, and maintain a team
QUALIFICATIONS:
5-7 Years previous account management and/or underwriting experience in commercial lines preferred
3-5 Years of previous supervisory experience preferred
Bachelor's degree in business/management preferred
Possession of, or the ability quickly obtain, all licenses as required by the State Department of Insurance required
CPCU or CIC designation(s) preferred
WORKING CONDITIONS AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS:
Fast-paced, multi-tasking, office environment with periodic high disruption and changing priorities
Ability to perform approximately 80% sedentary work, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and negligible force frequently
Ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally
Requires operation of a computer workstation, including keyboard and video display
All requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate physical or mental impairment
Compensation and Benefits
The expected base compensation for this role is $68,006 to $118,172.The base compensation offered will be determined on a case-by-case basis accounting for the applicant's experience, skills, certifications, education, and location. In addition to the base compensation, this position may be eligible for additional performance-based incentive compensation which can be discussed during the interview process. In addition to compensation, INSURICA offers a competitive total awards package including health and welfare benefits, paid time off, volunteer time off, tuition assistance, 401(k), and employee assistance plans. Thanks to our colleagues, INSURICA also provides an award-winning culture, being named the Best Independent Agency to Work for in America by Insurance Journal in 2022