Carrier Relations Lead

UNICO Group; La Vista (NE); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

UNICO Group in Nebraska seeks a Carrier Relations Lead to drive strategic partnerships with our carrier network. You will lead development, analysis, and management of carrier relationships to optimize efficiency and growth.

This role demands strong collaboration with executives, negotiation skills, and a focus on governance, compliance, and long-term value creation for clients and the firm.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in an insurance brokerage environment.
• Exposure to carrier negotiations preferred.
• Experience supporting or leading growth initiatives preferred.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn new systems.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with carrier partners.
• Work with Client Executives, Client Managers, and Advisors to develop strategies.
• Represent UNICO in client-facing and carrier-facing meetings with strong communication.
• Share insights with stakeholders and update on carrier trends.
• Partner across teams to maximize value of carrier relationships.
• Manage carrier appointments, contracts, and agreements.
• Governance and compliance for carrier partnerships.
• Track and ensure delivery of meeting deliverables by deadlines.
• Develop internal channels to share carrier information.

Skills

Relationship management

Negotiation

Strategic partnerships

Communication

Project management

Attention to detail

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field

College degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

The Carrier Relations Lead is a highly strategic and relationship-driven role within the organization, responsible for cultivating and maintaining strong partnerships with our carrier network. This position leads the development, analysis, and overall management of our carrier and intermediary relationships, with a primary focus on optimizing operational efficiency, long-term strategic alignment, and organizational growth. The ideal candidate is a partner-focused professional who thrives in a highly collaborative environment and excels at building trust, influencing partners, and strengthening connections on behalf of UNICO.

Responsibilities

Relationship Management & Collaboration

• Build and maintain strong relationships with carrier partners
• Work closely with Client Executives, Client Managers, and Advisors to develop and execute strategies for new and existing business
• Represent UNICO in client-facing and carrier-facing meetings, demonstrating strong communication and business acumen
• Share key business insights with stakeholders and provide leadership with updates on carrier trends and developments
• Partner across teams to ensure alignment and maximize the value of carrier relationships

Carrier Partnership & Growth

• Serve as the face of UNICO in advancing strategic carrier and intermediary partnerships
• Facilitate high-growth opportunities by negotiating competitive commissions and contingency agreements with carrier markets
• Develop and evaluate business cases for go-to-market strategies and partnership opportunities
• Collaborate with teams to drive long-term, organic growth with carrier partners
• Assist with market research to understand carrier trends, opportunities, and competitive positioning

Operations & Program Management

• Manage all carrier appointments, contracts, and agreements
• Serve as a gatekeeper for carrier partnerships, ensuring governance and complianceOversee carrier contract management and optimization
• Track, follow up on, and ensure execution of carrier meeting deliverables to meet established deadlines
• Develop and maintain communication channels to effectively share carrier information internally
• Leverage carrier resources to enhance organizational efficiency

Requirements

Education | Experience

• At least three years of experience working within an insurance brokerage environment
• Exposure to carrier negotiations preferred
• Experience supporting or leading growth initiatives preferred
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and comfortable learning new systems and technologies
• Education: College degree preferred but not required. Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field preferred.
• Licensure: Must hold a state Property & Casualty insurance license or be willing to sit for licensure exam within 45 days of employment.

Knowledge | Skills

• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, anticipate needs, and maintain a high level of attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects
• Understanding of carrier appetites within the commercial insurance market and ability to align strategies accordingly preferred but not required
• Demonstrated persistence and resilience in achieving results

Physical Demands

• This role’s physical exertion is sedentary and within an office environment.
• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Substantial movements and repetitive motion of the wrists, hands, and fingers.
• Individuals should have close visual acuity to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing, viewing a computer, and extensive reading.

Professional. Team Player. Positive. Trust.

UNICO Group is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, UNICO Group will take steps to ensure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, contact People Operations at [e-mail]