The Group Sales Support Specialist I assures that workflow is conducted in an effective and efficient manner in accordance with policies and procedures outlined. This position reports to the Team Leader and is responsible for assisting with the promotion, sale, service, and retention of group cases of all sizes and acts as a product/process expert in providing support to the sales rep on all size cases. The incumbent works closely with all functions of the Group Division (actuarial, marketing, sales, claims, and administration), Corporate Services, Information Services, Law and Partnering relationships to assure appropriate steps are taken during the sales process. Essential Functions: The candidate, as the initial contact with customers provides prompt, courteous & excellent customer service to all external and internal customers. They support and consistently meet customer service. The incumbent is responsible for building and maintaining smooth cooperative working relationships with Agents/Brokers, Sales Reps, Peers, and Superiors. This associate works with Rep/Team Leader to recommend appropriate plan designs to meet customer needs. The incumbent processes all proposal requests with <100 lives, coordinates with the Sales Rep on case sizes 100 - 200 lives, and coordinates with the Sales Rep and UW departments on case sizes of 200+ lives. This position is responsible for the submission of all new cases by completing field underwriting and correct paperwork. The candidate coordinates the implementation of policy which may include communication materials (highlight sheets are reviewed by Team Leader), enrollment planning, attendance (when required) at enrollment meetings, and the preparation of electronic case submission to be submitted to the Group Issue Department. The associate will conduct follow-up investigation on any outstanding proposal to work with Sales Rep on possible solutions to closing a sale or determining the reasons for missed opportunities and follows up on behalf of the Sales Rep on smaller case sizes. Marginal Functions: The candidate may study to obtain an insurance license. Due to the sensitivity of the clients being served as well as the financial impact, this position must be extremely flexible, have a strong customer-service focus, initiative and ability to work on their own. Technical knowledge of rating, risk assessment, and products is essential in this position. Because of the various responsibilities, the incumbent must exhibit a high degree of organizational abilities and independent problem solving. The incumbent must possess superior interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. A background in group insurance is helpful. This position requires a great deal of "salesmanship." The incumbent must be proficient in a variety of software programs. Some of the software used in this position is included Excel, MS Word, a state of the art quoting system, electronic Sold Case submission, Power Point, and Access. Excellent telephone skills are required due to the daily contact with sales reps, Agents/Brokers, Policyholders and various