SMS is part of the Alliant family of companies. SMS is a full-service insurance marketing organization (IMO) dedicated to helping independent insurance agents leverage time, make more money, and put their business in a position of distinction. With products and agents in all 50 states, SMS offers the industry's most complete IMO experience. We support every facet of an agent's business, from our comprehensive senior product portfolio to our technology, services, and marketing programs.
SUMMARY
Responsible for providing a wide variety of support services to promote the company's product portfolio and develop and support the Marketing Department to increase company revenue and profit; and has a leadership role with less experienced marketers and carrier relations; and participates in setting the strategic direction of the department and represents the company professionally at outside events.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Agent Support Functions: Promote the company’s product portfolio at a “proficient” level to qualify for the Senior Marketing Consultant position within product area and the ability to cross-sell, educate and promote all company products and services. Have proven ability to operate at an expert level when working with the technology required to produce at a high level. This includes, but is not limited to the software, hardware, tools, websites and web-based programs that the company utilizes to execute this position.
Team Roster: Develop assigned marketing plans and provide service assistance to agents; Handle 50–100 telephone calls per day with agencies and agents on all aspects of assigned products; Recruit, train, service and assist agents to enable agents to produce at highest level possible; Assist agents with issues including recruit kits for carriers, training, contracting, certification, transactional issues such as electronic signature, telephonic signatures and app-by-email; Communicate with agents regularly regarding product information, rate changes and key agent benefits; Monitor compliance with program reporting rules and sales requirements; Provide technical support training, sales and marketing coaching; Identify and cultivate top producers; Identify problem agents; Recruit agents to participate in special opportunities, such as new lead sources, alternative methods of enrollment (e-commerce, e-signature, tele-app., etc.). Develop a Team Roster of agents/agencies and maintain regular contact/support. Manage Team Roster and excel in managing book of business. Show a proven pattern of managing complex relationships and the ability to support/educate/establish credibility with biggest producers. It may also require the ability to help train the field, as well as internal employees, on compliance and suitability requirements to do business with certain carriers. Normally there should be no communication directly with the end consumer; all communications with the end consumer should be made by and through the Agent. There can be exceptions to this rule based on specific circumstances and requests. For example, a marketer cannot participate in the closing of a sale or make recommendations. However, it may be possible to lend support regarding specific product information. This needs to be reviewed and approved by a marketing supervisor prior to the conversation taking place.
Leadership Responsibilities: Demonstrated expertise in all aspects of the job including task management, carrier knowledge, technology, problem solving, negotiating and marketing strategies. Represents company at carrier meetings, teleconferences and has authority to contact selected carrier reps to resolve problem situations. Serves as a resource for newer marketers in mastering the role. Follows all company procedures and fully capable to manage the most sensitive relationships. Develops strong relationships between departments and communicates effectively in writing, phone and stand-up presentations. Has assigned regional responsibilities for carriers that are managed regionally. Regularly leads discussions at Department marketing meetings and is respected by peers, carriers and producers.
Department Support Functions: Update and maintain system information in accordance with policies and procedures; Manage Team Roster; Update and maintain task list. Have working knowledge of Who Quit Writing, Debit Balances, MGA reports, lead distribution/lead management, incomplete contracts, certification process, moving agents and agencies into production, able to conduct webinars and display/introduce SMS technology tools. Ability to conduct agent webinars, product introductions, special projects and prepare information for internal marketing meetings. Assist with training of new employees. Ability to travel on behalf of the company to attend meetings.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE
High School Diploma or GED
Bachelor's Degree in Marketing or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Five (5) or more years of General Insurance Industry or related field (financial Services, marketing, web-based business, business-to-business customer service or call center
Valid Life/Health Insurance License within 90 Days
SKILLS
Enhanced knowledge of insurance services industries and specific current knowledge of product lines assigned to the marketer.
Fully proficient in SMS products, technology and services.
Highly experienced in working effectively with inbound and outbound callers/ customers.
Proficient at negotiating and problem solving to resolve internal and external conflicts.
Proven skill in initiating change needed to help Department improve processes and achieve business goals.
Proven skill in the use of office equipment including computer, fax, printer, telephone system, etc.
Proficient in the use of time management and organization skills and leads by example in terms of documentation, Contact Manager usage, etc.
Experience in maintaining effective working relationships with all customers, employees and the general public. Maintains confidentiality of discussions including SMS business strategy, carrier data, employee personal information; and any Nondisclosure Agreements that are entered into by the Company.
Excels in project management.
Proficient computer skills (Microsoft/Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, MS Outlook software preferred) including conducting effective webinars with producers.
Proven ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in a constructive manner and properly document information such as contracts sent, conversations with agents and agent or company commitments in the Contact Manager.
Proven ability to approach and communicate with a wide range of personalities in a professional and courteous manner.
Proven ability to engage in effective interpersonal interaction, verbal communication and written communication.
Proven ability to persuade.
Successfully able to maintain a high level of organization and attention to detail while remaining flexible and responsive when faced with multiple urgent requests.
Proven ability to read, write and communicate English effectively and articulately.
Proven ability to maintain all company policies, including all confidentiality and safety policies.
Effectively and actively contribute to team effort.
Proven ability to work independently, exercise independent judgment, make and execute decisions.
Proven ability to be a self-starter motivated and accomplish goals and tasks within a given time frame.
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We are proud to provide comprehensive, high quality employee programs to meet employees' needs now and in the future, including a very competitive financial package. We encourage you to explore what we have to offer.
For immediate consideration for this position, please click on the "Apply" button.
Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on their qualifications and ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, age, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including California law.
Applicants are protected under Federal law from discrimination. If you need an accommodation to complete the application process or would like to review these materials in an alternative format, please reach out to [email protected]
For more information on Alliant Insurance Service's benefits, please visit www.alliant.com/about/careers/benefits
