Vantaggi
Great deal of autonomy in the field. Have the authority to "negotiate" (from a position of strength), Underwriting decisions for business reasons and leverage. Can generally run the field operation in my area as I like. Quality peer group who are all invested in seeing the company do well. Good incentive plan and compensation. Flexibility within authority level to handle claims situations and service issues. Management is brilliant ... from the CEO down, the organization knows the industry and the communications is good, particularly to the field. The organization is field (Client) driven ... which is the only type of organization you want to work for in a Marketing / Sales position.
Svantaggi
With the authority, comes accountability. Quarterly RVP meetings are grueling. Despite the "pro's" indicated. the Senior Management "Bubble" exists. (Find a way to tell them what they want to hear). If one is not well versed in saying things the "correct" way (generally positive), one will find themselves quickly demoted or worse. Candid feedback about operation issues with impact results is not of particular interest - even when these issues are causing credibility issues with the client base. Concern about CEO leaving in the next 12 months ... he has been a very strong leader and it is imperative for continuity of operations that the board finds a viable replacement.