This position will be responsible for guiding the strategic direction, making critical business decisions, and ensuring profitability of the consulting services function. Will leverage insurance and/or financial services expertise to manage the day-to-day operations of the consulting services to include resource allocation, service delivery, quality, and timeliness. Will build and lead a team to provide comprehensive back-office operational support, general underwriting services, actuarial guidance, and other key services to mutual insurance companies. The ideal leader will thrive in creating and implementing business plans based on customer needs while managing relationships within the consulting ecosystem. Will build a consulting team from the ground up and will oversee planning, pricing, delivery, implementation, and ongoing support. Must be an open and engaging leader with high integrity able to communicate with internal and external stakeholders to form a strategic partnership. This position is responsible for overall program strategy, design, and implementation to achieve goals.

This position qualifies for our flexible workplace options. Work at our Grinnell, Iowa, headquarters or from a home office in any of the following states:

Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Please note that candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. without Grinnell Mutual sponsorship.

• Develops and implements the overall business strategy in alignment with Grinnell Mutual's objectives.

• Leads the company towards achiveing its mission of providing exceptional consulting services and operational support to mutual insurance companies. 

• Identifies and pursues new business opportunities to expand the client base and service offerings.

• Builds and maintains strong relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, industry partners, and internal teams at Grinnell Mutual.

• Develops and executes sales and marketing strategies to drive profit margin.

• Oversees the day-to-day operations ensuring efficient and high-quality service delivery.

• Develops and implements standard operating procedures (SOPs) to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

• Monitors and manages the company’s financial performance, including P&L accountability, budgeting, and forecasting.

• Identifies what positions are needed to meet customer needs and profit targets. Recruit, hire, and onboard key team members.

• Provides strong leadership, mentorship, and development opportunities to build a high-performing team.

• Fosters a collaborative and innovative company culture that aligns with Grinnell Mutual values and goals.

• Provides support for strategic partnership activities, including identifying potential synergies, supporting due diligence, and overseeing integration.

• Manages strategic partnerships, ensuring operational excellence and alignment with strategic objectives.

• Develops and implements performance metrics and management reports to ensure success of consulting operations.

• Regularly reports on the company’s performance to the SLT team and other key stakeholders.

• Utilizes data and insights to make informed decisions and drive continuous improvement.

• Fosters a culture of innovation, experimentation, and appropriate risk-taking within the startup team.

• Leads team to question assumptions, explore new ideas, and pursue solutions to problems.

• Cultivates a startup team, characterized by openness, transparency, and a bias towards action.

• Builds a team that facilitates communication and decision-making.

• Travels to mutual clients and other business meetings. 

• Performs all other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in business, finance, insurance or a related field. An advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) is preferred. Ten (10) or more years experience in consulting, sales, insurance or financial services with a proven track record in leadership and business development; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Prior experience as a consultant, general manager, or mutual manager in insurance or financial services is preferred.

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.

• Excellent sales and business development skills, with the ability to identify and pursue new opportunities.

• Proven experience in managing profit and loss statements, budgeting, and financial forecasting.

• Exceptional leadership and team-building skills, with a focus on mentorship and development.

• In-depth knowledge of underwriting principles, strategic partnership activities, and portfolio management.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.

• Proficiency in data analysis and performance measurement.

• Ability to use general office equipment including PCs, telephone, copier/scanner, and demonstrate basic knowledge of Microsoft Office suite products including MS Word and Outlook. Advanced knowledge of Excel is beneficial.

• Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license and travel to Customer’s offices or meeting sites. Overnight travel may be required approximately 20% of time. Ability to adhere to the Fleet Safety Policy.

• Experience managing exempt and non-exempt staff required; demonstrated ability to achieve results through people.

• Responsible for decisions over all aspects of the consulting teams strategic plans and implementation

• Responsible for significant projects, predictive analysis, and consulting relationships. Reporting responsibilities to the VP of Reinsurance and possible review with the President, COO or Board of Directors.

• Requires regular and predictable attendance to meet the customer needs of the position. 

• Must be able to maintain confidentiality and proprietary information.

• Demonstrated ability to adhere to all Grinnell Mutual policies.

• Demonstrated ability to incorporate Grinnell Mutual core values in all areas work.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Manages team of subject matter experts who deliver business results for clients and are responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of assigned functions. Carries out leadership responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; develop and set goals with team; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Working Conditions and Physical Efforts:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each job duty and responsibility satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform job duties and responsibilities.

• The location of the position is flexible depending on the individual and state of operation. The position is physically located in a remote home office or the Grinnell Mutual campus with a work environment of a typical office setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

• May be required to work overtime to meet deadlines associated with the position.  Occasional weekend and work outside of typical work hours may be required.

• The position is primarily performed on the computer, phone or in person. The position may require frequent and extended time on the telephone and visual acuity to work on the computer for extended periods of time. The position requires an individual to sit for long periods of time and to travel. 

This job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned, but rather to give the employee a general sense of responsibilities and expectations of the position. As the nature of the business demands change, so too may the job duties and responsibilities.

Grinnell Mutual is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, veteran status,  or disability status in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.