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Role Description

The Business Development Representative achieves 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. By upholding the below responsibilities, the Business Development Representative will support the company’s profitable market share approach. Successful candidates will be self-starters with strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills who are passionate about agriculture.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist in forging relationships with new and existing crop insurance agents to maintain and attract profitable business.
• Work with peers and agents as a primary resource to help interpret government regulations associated with the Federal Crop Insurance Program.
• Collaborate with a larger team across territories and/or regions to ensure all customers are trained adequately on business processes and platforms, including web-based, mobile, and mapping tools.
• Attend and/or present at company trainings and meetings.
• Execute established training programs for peers and agents, providing 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.
• Review and analyze agents’ business, production, and results, implementing and recommending appropriate corrective measures.
• Evaluate market research and adjust marketing strategies to meet changing marketing and competitive conditions.
• Monitor and collect required agent/agency compliance documents.
• Build and maintain effective business relationships with internal and external customers and coworkers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

Education

• Required: High school diploma or equivalent, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or business related field.

Experience

• Required: 2 years of agriculture experience.
• Preferred: 4 years of agriculture and crop insurance experience.

License/Certification

• Required: Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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 excellent service to assigned customer base.
• Travel is required up to 80%.

Physical Requirements & Work Conditions

• Ability to lift/push/pull up to 30 lbs. occasionally.
• 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 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 requirement 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.

Environmental Conditions

• Work environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in various weather conditions.
• Frequently required to use personal protective equipment.
• Up to 80% travel required; 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.

Benefits

• Two medical plans to choose from, including a Traditional PPO & a Consumer Driven Health Plan with a Health Savings account.
• 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.
• 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.