Regional Director of Sales

Pekin Insurance Careers•Chicago, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Looking for more than just a job? You’ve found it. At Pekin Insurance, you’re not a number—you’re part of something bigger. For over 100 years, we’ve built a community where people are valued, supported, and empowered to grow. Here, you’ll find a workplace where collaboration is real, ideas are welcome, and the work you do truly matters. We’re proud to help people through life’s toughest moments—and it’s our people who make that possible. From day one, you’ll be encouraged to bring your whole self to work, take on meaningful challenges, and grow in ways that matter to you. This is your opportunity to belong, thrive, and make a difference—right here at Pekin Insurance. The Regional Director of Sales leads the sales development team for the company in a designation region for Personal, Commercial, Life, and Voluntary Benefit products. This position is responsible for leading the overall strategic direction of the sales management team charged with continuing to build on the strong existing network of independent agents who serve as the company’s primary distribution channel within the assigned region. The Director is responsible for providing direction, managing assigned departmental objectives, overseeing assigned staffing and expenses, ensuring the development and engagement of employees, and directing implementation for long-term strategic needs and initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in business-related field
Typically requires 8+ years of industry experience
Typically requires 5+ years of prior supervisory or managerial experience
Required to have obtained at least one of the following designations: Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), or Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI)
Demonstrated skill in: personnel resources management through motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job
Demonstrated skill in: communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience
Demonstrated skill in: talking to others to convey information effectively
Demonstrated skill in: using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
Demonstrated ability to: manage a budget and work within the constraints of that budget
Demonstrated ability to: process and handle confidential information with discretion
Demonstrated ability to: work evenings, nights, and weekends as necessary
Demonstrated ability to: build client relationships
Demonstrated ability to: handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure
Demonstrated ability to: maintain effective interpersonal relationships
Demonstrated ability to: exercise sound judgement in making critical decisions
Demonstrated ability to: learn coverage forms and underwriting/rating policies and procedures and apply these concepts to the job
Demonstrated knowledge of: project control and cost estimating techniques
Demonstrated knowledge of: project planning and implementation
Demonstrated knowledge of: all lines of insurance: Commercial Lines, Personal Lines, Life Insurance, Long Term Care Insurance, Annuities, Health Insurance
Demonstrated knowledge of: industry standards, marketplace environment, pricing, rates, and product offerings
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in business-related field

Responsibilities

Oversees the overall relationship between the company and independent agents via management of the sales team and their territories
Assists with developing, underwriting, pricing, and proposing commercial new business within the assigned region and within assigned authorities
Engages and interacts with independent agents through regularly scheduled business meetings
Reviews and approves new agency appointments and manages overall regional performance expectations
Leads the sales management team to accomplish desired product growth and profitability objectives for assigned regions
Develops and delivers sales department management training and participates in agency training when necessary
Monitors agency and regional performance results and implementation of corrective plans as needed
Participates in regional discussions and makes recommendations surrounding actions taken to improve profitability and production for the organization
Participates in the development, implementation, tracking, and communication of agency incentive programs in conjunction with the sales department
Monitors marketplace environment and competitor trends, reporting significant activity and/or changes to current practices to relevant company leadership
Conducts annual and semi-annual agency reviews and monitors the various programs for improvement
Attends and participates in industry seminars and conventions, representing the company at various Agent Association Conventions
Participates in company award banquets for assigned region, attends field meetings for assigned region, and represents company on incentive trips
Assists with administration, leadership, coaching, and feedback to direct reports which includes but is not limited to performance management, employee relations, creating development plans, and achievement of goals
Serves as a role model and change champion, developing strong teams to maximize resources and capability to deliver business results
Oversees the execution of multiple large and complex plans and projects aimed to achieve strategic goals for one or more functional area
Engages key stakeholders to proactively support strategic initiatives and departmental objectives
Assists with development of departmental policies and standards for the company
Fosters positive relationships with key business stakeholders (internal and external) by understanding business priorities
Performs any other related duties as required or assigned