Careers

Collins and Associates of Traverse Bay Corporation, an established national insurance agency with a history of steady growth and strong commercial insurance focus, seeks a sales oriented Account Executive requiring advanced communication, relationship building and consultative sales skills. Previous experience and insurance industry knowledge is preferred. Candidate must be capable of pursuing and closing sales of new and existing commercial lines accounts and retaining assigned book of commercial lines business.

Location: Harbor Springs, Michigan

Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday – Thursday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Friday (Memorial Day-Labor Day 8:00am-4:00pm).

POSITION FUNCTIONS

1. Prospect for new business from new and existing clients.
2. Contact prospects for the purpose of providing a quotation and making sales appointments.
3. Survey prospects to determine insurance needs, evaluating current insurance policies and coverage limits and establishing risk management plans.
4. Collect detailed risk and underwriting information including survey data and loss history.
5. Develop and deliver formal proposals of insurance including details of coverages, limits, deductibles, coverage recommendation and other pertinent information according to agency standards for both new and renewal business.
6. Work with Underwriters and service team to complete company submissions and selection of potential markets.
7. Introduce service person to clients as an integral part of team and work together to create customer centric service plan.
8. Stay informed of all claims or service issues and become involved in resolution when required.
9. Promote agency in the community.
10. Keep informed of industry developments through review of trade press and by attending insurance carrier training meetings on new products, etc.
11. Develop trust and ongoing relationship with key insurance carriers.
12. Perform other specific duties and projects as assigned by agency management.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Meet all performance and behavior expectations outlined in the company performance appraisal form or communicated by management.
2. Perform responsibilities as directed achieving desired results within expected time frames and with a high degree of quality and professionalism.
3. Establish and maintain positive and productive work relationships with all staff, clients and business partners.
4. Demonstrate behavioral and technical competencies necessary to effectively complete job responsibilities.
5. Take personal initiative for technical and professional development.
6. Follow the company HR policy, and all department procedures, including protecting confidential information, attending work punctually and regularly, open communication ad high morale.
7. Designation from the National Alliance – CIC, CRM preferred.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

1. Bachelors and/or advanced degree preferred.
2. Ten years successful sales experience, commercial lines insurance sales experience preferred.
3. Proven ability to pursue and close sales.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Fast-paced multi-tasking environment.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to see, hear, and project voice well enough without amplification. There is frequent need for the employee to stand, sit, walk, use hands and fingers, employ repetitive small motor activity, and reach with hands and arms.

The employee is occasionally required to lift and carry up to 30 pounds; to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and to ascend and descend stairs.

This position requires a high energy level and ability to handle stress-related situations on a daily basis.

GENERAL

This job description is intended to describe the level of work required of the person performing the job.

Essential functions are outlined; other duties may be assigned as needs arise or as required to support the agency’s essential functions.

This description is not intended as a contract and is subject to unilateral change and revision by management.

Any written contractual agreements will supersede this job description.

Salary and Benefits: We offer competitive salaries and benefits, including: medical/dental/vision plans, life insurance, short term and long term disability, 401(K), educational expense reimbursement, and more.

Collins and Associates Corporation is an established and growing national insurance agency with locations in Grand Rapids, Kingsley, Harbor Springs and Indian River, Michigan. We are searching for a Commercial Lines Senior Account Manager to handle mid-market, large commercial and captive accounts, working with multiple producers and with our Operations team.

Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday – Thursday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Friday (Memorial Day-Labor Day 8:00am-4:00pm).

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Our candidate will be educated, skilled, and capable of building, cultivating and managing client, internal team and carrier relationships.  They are currently working for a company and on a team that handles large commercial accounts, including group captives. Their experience includes handling “A-Z” servicing, account rounding, marketing and managing the renewal process on their book of business. Servicing includes negotiating renewals, processing audits, endorsements, cancellations, completing proposals, processing policies, handling claims, and all related invoicing.  Our candidate is experienced in commercial lines, including but not limited to surplus lines, property, umbrella and excess liability, general liability, workers compensation, auto, cyber liability, bonds and executive liability for a variety of industries. They will hold an active property and casualty license and a National Alliance designation such as CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) or CRM (Certified Risk Manager) and will be interested in pursuing additional insurance education to continue their personal and professional growth.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary function of this position is meeting the overall insurance needs of our internal team and clients as outlined above.

• Provide prompt, accurate and courteous service to our clients, team, carrier and broker partners in order to retain and grow our commercial lines book of business.
• Monitor monthly expiration lists closely and follow-up activities for all assigned accounts.
• Review existing accounts for additional or extended coverages and renew accounts as appropriate.
• Maintain a professional relationship with clients, co-workers and company personnel.
• Prepare complete and accurate applications through the agency management system.
• Utilize company website portals for quoting new lines of business, requesting changes and for monitoring policy activities.
• Maintain up to date customer files, both paper and electronic files in WINTAM.
• Follow department policies and procedures closely and prioritize work according to established guidelines.
• Complete various duties and special projects as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree Preferred
• Minimum of 10 years of experience handling middle market, large and captive commercial accounts
• Property and Casualty license appropriate to the position and ability to meet bonding requirements.
• CIC, CRM Professional Designation desired.
• Understand, review and analyze insurance forms, and policies verifying accuracy.
• Above average mathematical skills and ability to rate insurance policies.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Work normally scheduled hours and additional time when necessary.

JOB-SPECIFIC QUALITIES

• Courteous and professional telephone manner and appearance.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Pleasant and friendly personality, focused on client needs.
• Proficient with MS Office suite of products. (MS Word, MS Excel)
• Must be self-motivated and be able to work independently without close supervision.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Attention to detail, thorough and accurate.
• Professional work ethic.

BUSINESS IMPACT/SCOPE

This position’s primary responsibility is to provide superior customer service to our clients.  High impact on retention of core business. No budgetary authority, no direct reports. Directly effects client satisfaction and retention of business.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

We offer competitive salaries and benefits including medical/dental/vision plans, employer paid life insurance, Flexible Savings Account, short term and long term disability, 401K, with a match, cell phone reimbursement, educational expense reimbursement, paid vacation, paid personal time, paid holidays, possible relocation package and more.

Collins and Associates, an established national insurance agency with a history of steady growth, seeks an experienced, highly organized Group Employee Benefits Account Manager with strong people, problem solving and communication skills in the greater Grand Rapids area.

Locations: Grand Rapids office.

Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday – Thursday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Friday (Memorial Day-Labor Day 8:00am-4:00pm)

Reporting Relationship: Group Benefits – Account Executive

Overall Purpose:
As an Account Manager, you will build and maintain strong business relationships with new and existing clients to help meet established sales goals, targets and objectives for your assigned area(s) of responsibility. The position requires excellent oral and written communication skills, including excellent people skills and sales aptitude. Thorough knowledge of insurance products and carriers. Must be detail-oriented, a self-starter, and have effective decision making and negotiating skills in a fast-paced environment. Time management skills and the ability to multi-task are key components to this position. The position is responsible for ensuring the clients overall service needs are met which will result in an increase in sales revenue, profitability and retention.

Main Tasks

• Builds, enhances and maintains effective relationships with clients to ensure client satisfaction and increase sales revenues/profitability.
• Cultivates, directs, and maintains client relationships within assigned area(s).
• Identifies clients with retention risk, develops and executive more complex plans to retain clients, and notifies management.
• Meets or exceeds all department and/or sales goals/targets for his/her assigned clients.
• Provides feedback and intelligence to internal partners on clients.
• Provides information, education, training, and advice on company’s products and services to assigned clients.
• Build and maintain rapport with co-workers, clients and company personnel.
• Maintain underwriting and company knowledge by attending training with carriers and vendors within the industry.
• Develops information and recommendations for prospective accounts, may present proposals and adheres to agency policies and procedures for writing a new account.
• Establishes servicing procedures when necessary for designated accounts.
• Proactively manage the renewal process working in advance of the renewal, meeting the specific deadlines established by the Account Executive.
• Ability to Excel to spreadsheet several coverage options with multiple lines of coverage in a clear and concise format, using complex formulas.

Objectives / Performance Standards:

1. Actively supports and incorporates company mission and core values into daily activities.

2. Maintains a positive and respectful attitude with colleagues.

3. Works as a team member to achieve department goals and overall company goals.

4. Demonstrates positive sales and customer service skills, internally and externally, with effective communication, respect, and integrity.

5. Maintains confidentiality of all information related to clients, customers, employees, carriers, or as appropriate, other information.

6. Consistently reports to work on time prepared to perform duties of position.

Office Equipment / Software Used:

• Windows-based desktop computer, Telephone; Fax; Copier; Printer
• Inter-office network; Internet access; e-mail – internally, with carriers, and with prospects/clients/others
• Agency Management System and related programs
• Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience with Employee Navigator

Qualification Requirements:

• Possesses an energetic, supportive and responsive manner with internal and external customers.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• Holds a Life and Health agent’s license.
• Three plus years of insurance experience working in Employee Group Benefits. 
• Has ability to perform multiple tasks in complex working environment accurately and efficiently.
• Possesses above average computer knowledge and skills.
• Handles enrollments and renewals.
• Plan comparisons.
• Strong working knowledge of voluntary benefits and enrollment platforms
• Experienced in working with small-mid size groups ranging from 2-500 lives.
• Ability to work with clients, answer their questions pertaining to their policies, solve any current or outstanding issues and recommend applicable coverage as needed.
• Committed to pursuing an appropriate insurance designation within 6 months of beginning employment. (Agency paid)

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to see, hear, and project voice well enough without amplification. There is frequent need for the employee to stand, sit, walk, use hands and fingers, employ repetitive small motor activity, and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to lift and carry up to 30 pounds; to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and to ascend and descend stairs.
• This position requires a high energy level and ability to handle stress-related situations on a daily basis.

Salary and Benefits:

We offer competitive salaries and benefits, including: medical/dental/vision plans, life insurance, short term and long term disability, 401(K), educational expense reimbursement, possible relocation package, and more. Salary range $35-50K.

Collins and Associates Corporation is an established and growing national insurance agency with locations in Grand Rapids, Kingsley, Harbor Springs and Indian River, Michigan. We are searching for a Commercial Lines Senior Account Manager to handle mid-market, large commercial and captive accounts, working with multiple producers and with our Operations team.

Location of work: In our Grand Rapids, Michigan office.

Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday – Thursday, 8:00am – 4:30pm Friday (Memorial Day through Labor Day we close at 4:00pm on Friday)

Title: Senior Account Manager – Commercial Lines

Reports to: Michelle Collins – Chief of Planning and Operations

Position Qualifications:

Our candidate will be educated, skilled, and capable of building, cultivating and managing client, internal team and carrier relationships. They are currently working for a company and on a team that handles large commercial accounts, including group captives. Their experience includes handling “A-Z” servicing, account rounding, marketing and managing the renewal process on their book of business. Servicing includes negotiating renewals, processing audits, endorsements, cancellations, completing proposals, processing policies, handling claims, and all related invoicing. Our candidate is experienced in commercial lines, including but not limited to surplus lines, property, umbrella and excess liability, general liability, workers compensation, auto, cyber liability, bonds and executive liability for a variety of industries. They will hold an active property and casualty license and a National Alliance designation such as CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) or CRM (Certified Risk Manager) and will be interested in pursuing additional insurance education to continue their personal and professional growth.

Principal Responsibilities:

The primary function of this position is meeting the overall insurance needs of our internal team and clients as outlined above.

Provide prompt, accurate and courteous service to our clients, team, carrier and broker partners in order to retain and grow our commercial lines book of business.

Monitor monthly expiration lists closely and follow-up activities for all assigned accounts.

Review existing accounts for additional or extended coverages and renew accounts as appropriate.

Maintain a professional relationship with clients, co-workers and company personnel.

Prepare complete and accurate applications through the agency management system.

Utilize company website portals for quoting new lines of business, requesting changes and for monitoring policy activities.

Maintain up to date customer files, both paper and electronic files in WINTAM.

Follow department policies and procedures closely and prioritize work according to established guidelines.

Complete various duties and special projects as assigned.

Education/Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree Preferred

Minimum of 10 years of experience handling middle market, large and captive commercial accounts

Property and Casualty license appropriate to the position and ability to meet bonding requirements.

CIC, CRM Professional Designation desired.

Understand, review and analyze insurance forms, and policies verifying accuracy.

Above average mathematical skills and ability to rate insurance policies.

Strong written and oral communication skills.

Work normally scheduled hours and additional time when necessary.

Job Specific Qualities:

Courteous and professional telephone manner and appearance.

Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

Pleasant and friendly personality, focused on client needs.

Proficient with MS Office suite of products. (MS Word, MS Excel)

Must be self-motivated and be able to work independently without close supervision.

Ability to remain calm under pressure.

Attention to detail, thorough and accurate.

Professional work ethic.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Business Impact/Scope:

This position’s primary responsibility is to provide superior customer service to our clients.High impact on retention of core business. No budgetary authority, no direct reports. Directly effects client satisfaction and retention of business.

Salary and Benefits:

We offer competitive salaries and benefits including medical/dental/vision plans, employer paid life insurance, Flexible Savings Account, short term and long term disability, 401K, with a match, cell phone reimbursement, educational expense reimbursement, paid vacation, paid personal time, paid holidays, possible relocation package and more.