Specialty Markets Sales Support Cons

Northwestern Mutual•Milwaukee, WI

22d•$78,190 - $145,210

About The Position

Role Summary Serve as a subject‑matter expert and partner to Financial Representatives in the corporate, bank, and large‑case markets. You’ll provide advanced case consultation, direct enhancements to our executive benefits systems and processes, and coach partners across the Field and Home Office to strengthen Northwestern Mutual’s position in nonqualified executive benefits and large‑case life insurance. Primary Duties & Responsibilities Field sales & case support Provide advanced technical expertise, advice, and guidance to Financial Representatives serving corporate, bank, and large‑case clients. Consult directly on cases with Financial Representatives, clients, and third‑party advisors to maintain and grow NM’s presence in executive benefits and large‑case life insurance. Produce customized, in‑depth illustrations based on thorough inquiry and evaluation of prospect and case information. Conduct financial reviews of business clients to inform design recommendations. Subject‑matter & product leadership Serve as a recognized functional, technical, and product expert on nonqualified and qualified plans and life insurance in the corporate/bank markets. Provide expertise to Home Office partners (e.g., Advanced Planning, Marketing, Compliance) on complex cases, special projects, and new products. Stay current on market developments and legal/regulatory changes affecting plan design, marketing, and sales. Systems & process ownership In partnership with CDX, drive the design, implementation, and continuous enhancement of systems supporting the sales and service of nonqualified benefit plans. Direct development, enhancements, and maintenance of NGIS/NM Executive Benefit Software and related service support systems with CDX and Advanced Markets Operations. Collaborate with Underwriting and Actuarial to negotiate underwriting requirements and plan design for large nonqualified executive benefit cases. Use deep knowledge of Executive Benefits and related system software to assist IS with resolving complex technical issues and supporting implementations. Analyze complex business/system problems, evaluate solutions, and select enhancements to improve new and existing processes. Challenge legacy processes and clearly articulate the value and outcomes of improvements. Training & enablement Design and deliver training for Executive Benefits software/NGIS and the Executive Benefits Seminar; teach at NM schools and seminars (e.g., Business Markets School, Advanced Sales Presentation School). Coach and mentor department staff, service areas, and Field partners to elevate technical, product, and sales capabilities. Cross‑functional partnership & leadership Act as a resource and consultant to other Home Office departments on sales and service of nonqualified/qualified plans and corporate/bank market life insurance. Independently lead or complete departmental projects and initiatives; assist in setting project/support objectives. Represent Specialty Markets in the VP’s or Director’s absence. Build strong relationships with business clients and Field partners to align expectations, negotiate, and influence change.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or related field (or equivalent experience).
6+ years in financial services with in‑depth understanding of the sales cycle, insurance products, and financial planning; prior experience as a Northwestern Mutual Financial Representative is a plus.
FINRA Series 6 (or ability to obtain within three months of hire).
Proven ability to consult, present, and educate on complex insurance and planning concepts to diverse audiences.
Strong grasp of regulatory policies and broad knowledge of markets, insurance, economics, and financial planning.
Demonstrated collaboration and project leadership across departments; strong professional presence and influence skills.
Insurance Products (NM) - Leverages knowledge of the general components, characteristics, principles, philosophy, and advantages of specific Northwestern Mutual insurance products to inform approach to situations such as innovation, development, and improvement.
Financial Planning (NM) - Develops comprehensive strategies to manage an individual or organization's financial resources by analyzing financial information, identifying financial strengths and weaknesses, developing budgets, and determine plans to optimize income, manage debt, and build wealth.
Financial Acumen (NM) - Applies the knowledge of financial statements, financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling to ensure decisions are fiscally sound and responsible.
Learning Agility & Critical Thinking (NM) - Pursues learning and obtains knowledge continuously in relevant fields, methods, or technologies in current and future practices; continuously utilizes critical thinking to identify opportunities, execute solutions, and measure impact to constantly improve existing practices and processes based on feedback, lessons learned, and market trends.
Cross Functional Partnering & Planning (NM) - Facilitates collaboration, communication, coordination, and planning with individuals and teams from different functions within the organization, and who have different areas of expertise, to achieve common goals.
Series 6 - FINRAFINRA

Nice To Haves

Professional designations such as NQPC, CLU, ChFC, and/or CFP.
Working knowledge of current trends in the retail insurance industry.
Track record improving systems/processes and partnering with technology and operations teams.

Responsibilities

Field sales & case support Provide advanced technical expertise, advice, and guidance to Financial Representatives serving corporate, bank, and large‑case clients.
Consult directly on cases with Financial Representatives, clients, and third‑party advisors to maintain and grow NM’s presence in executive benefits and large‑case life insurance.
Produce customized, in‑depth illustrations based on thorough inquiry and evaluation of prospect and case information.
Conduct financial reviews of business clients to inform design recommendations.
Subject‑matter & product leadership Serve as a recognized functional, technical, and product expert on nonqualified and qualified plans and life insurance in the corporate/bank markets.
Provide expertise to Home Office partners (e.g., Advanced Planning, Marketing, Compliance) on complex cases, special projects, and new products.
Stay current on market developments and legal/regulatory changes affecting plan design, marketing, and sales.
Systems & process ownership In partnership with CDX, drive the design, implementation, and continuous enhancement of systems supporting the sales and service of nonqualified benefit plans.
Direct development, enhancements, and maintenance of NGIS/NM Executive Benefit Software and related service support systems with CDX and Advanced Markets Operations.
Collaborate with Underwriting and Actuarial to negotiate underwriting requirements and plan design for large nonqualified executive benefit cases.
Use deep knowledge of Executive Benefits and related system software to assist IS with resolving complex technical issues and supporting implementations.
Analyze complex business/system problems, evaluate solutions, and select enhancements to improve new and existing processes.
Challenge legacy processes and clearly articulate the value and outcomes of improvements.
Training & enablement Design and deliver training for Executive Benefits software/NGIS and the Executive Benefits Seminar; teach at NM schools and seminars (e.g., Business Markets School, Advanced Sales Presentation School).
Coach and mentor department staff, service areas, and Field partners to elevate technical, product, and sales capabilities.
Cross‑functional partnership & leadership Act as a resource and consultant to other Home Office departments on sales and service of nonqualified/qualified plans and corporate/bank market life insurance.
Independently lead or complete departmental projects and initiatives; assist in setting project/support objectives.
Represent Specialty Markets in the VP’s or Director’s absence.
Build strong relationships with business clients and Field partners to align expectations, negotiate, and influence change.