Commercial Lines Team Lead

Job Summary

The Commercial Lines Team Lead is accountable for the leadership of the commercial lines department employees, including, but not limited to, planning, delegating, organizing, quality standards, and operating activities in the department, as well as ensuring complete customer satisfaction.  The Team Lead position also performs duties as an Account Manager, on assigned accounts, and aids both internal and external customers with service needs.

Essential Job Functions

• Assist in developing strategies to accomplish and support the Commercial Lines Department’s action plan; implement and monitor those strategies with the Manager.  Assist in preparing reports for the annual budget and strategic planning.
• Supervise the daily activities of department employees, as well as monitor and evaluate the productivity of staff.  Manage employee personal time off and professional time daily to ensure internal and external customer satisfaction. 
• Prepare and deliver performance evaluations on a timely basis.  Develop formal training programs with staff, to increase knowledge, skills, and backup responsibilities.
• Address and resolve staff issues and foster good morale within the department.
• Conduct department meetings, as needed, to inform, obtain input, and train staff on procedures, companies, current developments, etc.
• Evaluate, update, and report monthly on department issues, such as workflow, personnel, etc.
• Present a positive outlook and motivate employees by promoting a team concept environment, in addition to individual excellence and achievement.
• Assist, as needed, with new producer training in commercial lines areas.
• In conjunction with the Branch Operations Manager, develop workflow, procedures, and policies affecting commercial lines, and monitor implementation within the department.  Perform monthly audits and address any problem areas with staff.
• Provide direction in evaluating and selecting the proper commercial companies for the Agency.  Maintain relationships with appropriate company representatives through proper contacts and effective communication.  Profile businesses and make recommendations regarding the management of companies.
• Respond to phone calls from clients and companies and comply with requests, and keep producers informed.  Handle difficult customer or claims situations with staff where warranted.
• Market business, contact clients when needed, create proposals, and handle all activities in conjunction with the producer to service clients assigned to the position.  Keep producers informed of important activities on their accounts.  Refer current and prospective clients to Life/Benefits and Personal Lines departments for solicitation of those lines of business.
• Perform all actions relating to customers and companies in a manner that will avoid issues involving potential errors and omissions.
• Stay informed as to market availability, competitive markets, and continuously expand knowledge of markets.  Share knowledge with department and Agency staff.  
• Participate in seminars and other training to maintain required licenses and for knowledge and skill development.
• Perform other duties as related to the Commercial Lines Team Lead position, as assigned by management 

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 required 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.

Telecommuting opportunities vary by location, department, and business need and are subject to change, as needed. Each manager will provide details on any telecommuting opportunities, as well as scheduling, within their department. 

Job Qualifications

• 5-7 Years of commercial lines experience preferred
• 2-4 years of previous supervisory experience preferred
• Property and Casualty license preferred
• 4 Year degree preferred
• CPCU and/or CIC designation preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Imaginative and creative, with the ability to influence others
• Thorough understanding of personal and commercial underwriting and coverages
• Possess commercial product knowledge
• Strong PC skills with the ability to effectively utilize agency management systems
• Knowledge of rating procedures, coverage, and industry operations to effectively manage, maintain and write assigned client and prospect lists
• Full knowledge of insurance markets and reference to markets
• Knowledge of underwriting procedures
• Ability to work within a fast-paced, changing priority environment
• 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 environment, willing to find accommodating solutions for our customers, companies, and the Agency
• Ability to successfully adhere to company policies and procedures, as well as maintain strict confidentiality

Work Conditions and 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