National Distribution Leader (Affinity) & Head of Strategic Partnerships

Zurich Insurance Group•Los Angeles, NY

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Head of National Affinity Distribution & Strategic Partnerships accelerates revenue growth through the direct origination and execution of enterprise-level corporate partnerships, while expanding Zurich North America’s US A&H Affinity distribution strategy across key intermediary channels. This market-facing leader, dedicated subject matter expert, and player-coach drives disciplined execution across the business development team to cultivate durable, direct relationships with corporate enterprises, while optimizing downstream distribution through specialized brokers and MGAs/MGUs. The role serves as a primary brand ambassador within A&H Affinity, digital ecosystems, and direct-to-entity consumer markets; contributes to financial planning, forecasting, and budgeting in consultation with the US Head of Distribution; and acts as executive relationship lead to designated strategic partners in coordination with the US Head of Distribution and Global Head of A&H.

Requirements

Bachelors Degree and 7 or more years of experience in the Sales area OR High School Diploma or Equivalent and 9 or more years of experience in the Sales area OR Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 7 or more years of experience in the Sales area
Leadership experience of multidisciplinary teams internally and externally

Nice To Haves

Proven track record of driving high-impact revenue growth
Results-oriented mindset and a deep focus on execution and teamwork
Deep expertise across affinity, broker, and alternative distribution channels
Strong executive presence with experience engaging stakeholders at all levels

Responsibilities

Own execution of the US A&H Affinity distribution strategy across channels, while contributing to the development of our US A&H Affinity distribution strategy in partnership with the Head of Affinity, US Head of Distribution, and other key stakeholders
Drive new gross written premium (GWP) growth through development of enterprise-level partnerships and distribution channels
Build and maintain a robust, high-quality pipeline with known relationships and partners, while working with US distribution staff to identify and develop opportunities with new relationships and partners
Partner with underwriting, product, operations, and distribution leadership to bring solutions from concept through launch
Lead cross-sell initiatives with internal market basket leaders to drive high-opportunity wallet share expansion within Zurich North America
Pursue sales to customers and partners within our Group Affinity appetite from pipeline to execution
Act as a player-coach, assisting business development generalists with product awareness, training, processes, and the conversion of leads into completed sales
Provide leadership on deal strategy, pipeline management, and partnership execution for designated Market Basket
Instill best practices in prospecting, relationship management, and strategic selling as appropriate for designated Market Basket
Assist business development staff with lead generation, relationship management/targeting, and behaviors conducive to success in the US Affinity space
Conduct regular meetings and dialogue with business development staff to ensure consistency of approach with appetite and strategy, awareness, and instructions
Serve as a visible industry leader and brand advocate in client, broker, and partner engagements
Build durable, executive-level relationships with decision makers across target accounts and strategic partners
Support marketing and thought leadership efforts to position the organization as a leader in A&H and Affinity solutions