Director of Sales, Independent Distribution Channel

WoodmenLife•Omaha, NE

65d•Hybrid

About The Position

WoodmenLife is looking to hire a Director of Sales, Independent Distribution Channel to join our team! In this role, you will play a crucial role in increasing sales production through effective communication of Annuity, Life, and Medicare Supplement product knowledge. This position will support the independent distribution channel (IDC) a number of ways, including IMO account management, and by positioning the company’s products through sales ideas, providing illustration support, resolving inquiries, and delivering timely responses to our independent producers. This foundational role will involve proactive inside and outside sales activities, as well as reactive inquiries from IMO’s, independent producers and their uplines appointed with WoodmenLife. The individual will collaborate with the Vice President of Additional Distribution to bridge the gap between the independent field force and Home Office resources. This role is highly valued for its knowledge, responsiveness, and ability to positively impact sales, as well as assisting in the expansion and development of the independent distribution channel for WoodmenLife. WoodmenLife is one of the best places to work in Omaha with over 135 years of service. As a member of the WoodmenLife family, you’re joining others who share your commitment to family, community and country. Through WoodmenLife, you’ll have opportunities to give back locally and honor those who make an impact. As a not-for-profit life insurance company, we’ve been helping to protect the financial future of families, making a difference in hometowns across America since 1890. We offer a variety of benefits ranging from health, dental, vision, 401K, life insurance and much more. Apply today to learn more!

Requirements

Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent experience required, with at least 5-10 years of experience in Life insurance (knowledge of Annuities and Medicare Supplements is a plus)
5-10 years prior experience with external sales, inside sales, and sales desk activities
5-10 years managing a team
Prior experience working with independent distribution channels (producers & IMOs)
Must have or obtain a life/health license within six months
Must obtain FINRA Series 6 or 7 license within one year.
Strong interpersonal, oral communication, and business writing skills
Demonstrated initiative, ability to work independently, leadership, problem-solving skills, and adaptability
Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams), illustration software, and presentation platforms (Webex, Zoom, etc.)
Driven for results
Strategic thinking
Self-motivation and ability to perform with little supervision
Strong relationship-building skills
Strong listening skills
Comprehensive knowledge of the company’s distribution channels, product lines, industry, and direct competition
High integrity and honesty, earning respect from others
Ability to multitask and shift focus quickly when needed
Must always maintain a positive attitude

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain a strong working relationship with the VP to ensure key IMO accounts and their downlines receive adequate support
Proactively contact key IMO leaders, marketers, and producers in assigned accounts to offer assistance, ongoing training on products, promote company value propositions, and provide illustration software support
Communicate messages, ideas, and concepts to the field through various technological sources for ongoing sales development
Track and communicate illustrated, submitted, pending, and paid cases
Monitor sales in assigned accounts and respond proactively to variances from expected performance
Maintain continuous communication to develop strong working relationships with assigned accounts beyond transactional interactions
Stay informed about the competition and effectively position WoodmenLife products against them
While not primarily travel-based, be prepared to travel for business 20-25 times a year
Field incoming calls and emails from IMO leaders, marketers, and agents, offering product support for sales-related questions
Act as a central resource and home office liaison to resolve issues related to licensing, commissions, software, new business, and in-force business
Maintain ownership of all referred calls and ensure timely responses
Document issues and results in the CRM platform
Develop an expert understanding of all WoodmenLife products and value propositions
Perform other duties as assigned by the department and team, including ongoing projects from management
Continuously enhance skills through professional development activities such as reading, formal/informal education, training classes, and special projects