Dir, Contracts & Commissions

Job title: Dir, Contracts & Commissions

Company: Citizens

Job description: Job Description:Committed to providing life insurance solutions since 1969 in the United States and globally since 1975, Citizens, Inc. is a publicly traded company (NYSE: CIA) that has maintained a listing on the New York Stock Exchange since 2002. Operating through our insurance subsidiaries, we strategically offer traditional insurance products in niche markets to capitalize on competitive advantages. With a dedicated team of employees located in Austin, Louisiana and a global network of agents, our reach extends to Latin America, Central America, and Asia.THE OPPORTUNITYTitle: Dir of Contracts & CommissionsJob Type: Full-Time ExemptReports to: VP Accounting OperationsLocation: Austin, TX (Corporate Headquarters located in the Domain) In OfficeAt Citizens, Inc., we’ve curated an exceptional work environment that goes beyond the ordinary. Our open-plan workspace offers panoramic views of the Domain with multiple conference rooms readily available. Start your day with complimentary coffee in our large break area, enjoy walks on the scenic trails nearby, or hit our onsite gym. Our Lunch Drop service provides the luxury of delivering delicious meals directly to our suite for a stress-free lunch break. For financial needs, the onsite bank is at your service. Furthermore, enjoy the convenience of free covered parking in our garage, featuring charging stations for electric vehicles. Participate in our various monthly employee events designed to enhance our cultural engagement. At Citizens Inc., we prioritize strong employee involvement to foster a dynamic workplace culture. Elevate your career with us, where your workplace is more than just an office; it’s a destination for growth, innovation, and a flourishing community.Summary: Citizens is looking for The Director of Agent and Producer Services. This role will be responsible for operations and contracting duties for Citizens, Inc. Through our domestic insurance subsidiaries, we are licensed to provide insurance benefits to residents in 39 U.S. states and through our international subsidiaries, we provide insurance benefits to residents in over 75 different countries. This area is responsible for processing new agent contracts and state appointment requests for sales agents/producers and independent marketing organizations. The role will also have oversight of agent commissions. This important position will report directly to the VP of Accounting Operations.WHAT YOU WILL GET TO DO1. Leadership:

• Reviews and approves all aspects of the operations and agent contracting process for our US Life and International life insurance business.
• Implement operational frameworks designed to build and enhance the agent experience with a focus on customer service, ease of doing business and building long-term relationships with Agents, Producers, and cross-functional teams.

• Supervise the licensing process i.e., onboarding, reinstatement, or termination of agents and producers. Ensure accuracy or improve data quality of agent information in Vertafore (Sircon) & Citizens internal applications and systems.
• Serves as the Team’s primary point of contact for all agent/producer related inquiries including but not limited to appointments, licenses, compliance with state requirements, and act as a liaison between independent agents and internal stakeholders.
• Implement commission/incentive processing policies and procedures
• Serves as subject matter expert on company contracting policies, commission payment structure, policy application related fees, bonuses and return items.
• Reviews all independent consultant commission disbursements generated by Citizens following appropriate internal controls for domestic, home service and international market. Ensure accuracy of agent adjustments, if any.
• Supervise and provide mentorship to junior team members. Create key operating procedures to support knowledge transfer and back-up functions.

2. Project Management:

• Proactively identify opportunities for process improvements and collaborate with internal partners to execute changes. Ensure timely delivery of any project related user acceptance validation results or request for SOX quality control check.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant regulations, industry trends, and best practices.
• Manage and resolve conflict in constructive and professional manner to maintain good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Create and maintain key performance metrics, develop reporting/dashboards to Senior Management on a regular basis.
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED [Qualifications; see examples below]

• Required: Bachelor’s Degree (4-year degree)
• At least (8) years of previous work experience in Client Services, Customer Service, Agent Service, etc.
• At least (6) years of team leadership and people management experience
• Life Insurance: Knowledge of life insurance products, market segments, and marketplaces; ability to apply knowledge of life insurance products, market segments, and marketplaces to meet business goals and objectives.
• Proven back-Office Operations knowledge and experience
• Ability to manage SLA’s and KPI’s
• Requirement: Experience with Vertafore (Sircon) and Oracle ERP
• Experience with Agent Web Portals is a plus
• Proven ability to multi-task and lead a diverse workforce
• Ability to maintain performance standards under pressure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with internal partners, agents, clients, and management.
• Outstanding organizational skills, including prioritizing and follow-up and the ability to handle competing demands and priorities.
• Must be fully proficient with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus.

BENEFITS (the fun stuff)As an employee of Citizens, we promise you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our customers, communities, and one another. We believe in fostering a culture of camaraderie, where your ideas are valued, and collaborative efforts drive innovation. Our commitment to rewarding work extends beyond professional growth to recognize your individual contributions and achievements.We take a complete approach to our employees’ well-being. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, AD&D, group term life insurance, and a matching 401k to secure your financial future. Our benefits plan allows for Virtual Visits and access to our Employee Assistance Program, showcasing our commitment to your health and work-life balance. Enjoy the added perks of generous Paid Time Off and holidays, ensuring you have the time to recharge and savor life outside of work. Join us and embrace a workplace that values not only your professional growth but also your personal fulfillment.At Citizens, our employees and customers are at the heart of everything we do. Our success as a company begins with our team of employees and departments to service our customers. That’s why we strive to create an environment where employees are equipped and challenged to reach their full potential.Citizens is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual is valued, and all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Expected salary:

Location: Austin, TX

Job date: Sat, 20 Jul 2024 03:30:31 GMT