Sr. Relationship Manager

National Life Insurance•Addison, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Relationship Manager owns onboarding, operational relationship management, and business readiness for assigned Distribution partners. Working across Distribution and Service & Operations, this role provides a coordinated partner experience that supports field growth, adoption of new capabilities, and customer service. The role develops in-depth knowledge of partner business models, operating practices, technology, service expectations, and growth priorities; establishes relationship plans and operating approaches; and mobilizes internal teams to address complex cross-functional issues. It turns partner insight into recommendations that improve processes, capabilities, training, technology, and the partner experience. Success is measured by partner adoption, improved experience, reduced friction, and business impact. The position currently has an onsite schedule requiring four days per week in the office on Monday through Thursday. The schedule and core days may change with advance notice and manager discretion. Travel may be required as needed. The role does not offer visa sponsorship.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 11 or more years of related work experience, or an advanced degree and 8 or more years of related experience, or 15 or more years of total equivalent work experience.
Related experience in life insurance, annuities, financial services, relationship management, distribution support, Operations, business readiness, or a related field.
Strong knowledge of life insurance and/or annuity distribution and the operational processes supporting new business, underwriting, policy issuance, service, and field support.
Demonstrated experience leading complex partner relationships, onboarding, operational initiatives, or cross-functional problem solving.
Ability to independently evaluate ambiguous business issues, identify appropriate approaches, and influence outcomes without direct authority.
Experience using operational metrics, partner insight, and business context to identify trends and recommend improvements.
Strong written, verbal, presentation, and facilitation skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with senior internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and significant areas of accountability in a matrixed environment.
Ability to travel as needed.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and relevant collaboration, CRM, workflow, and reporting tools.
Leverage approved AI tools where appropriate; remain open to AI-enabled ways of working; review and validate AI-generated content; maintain accountability for work-product accuracy, quality, fairness, and integrity; and use AI in accordance with company policies and guiding principles.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting Field Leaders, agencies, advisors, key accounts, or other Distribution-facing relationships.
Knowledge of distribution models such as MLM, IMO, Direct, Brokerage, or comparable structures.
Experience with business readiness, implementation planning, testing, adoption, and post-implementation assessment.
Experience leading continuous-improvement or cross-functional change initiatives.
LOMA, LIMRA, project-management, process-improvement, change-management, or other relevant professional certification.

Responsibilities

Own the operational health, readiness, and experience of assigned Distribution relationships, serving as a primary connection between partners and CIG.
Develop a comprehensive understanding of partners’ structures, business practices, growth priorities, technology, service expectations, training needs, and quality-of-business considerations.
Establish and manage relationship plans, governance routines, service expectations, communications, and operating practices with partners and internal functional teams.
Contribute to department objectives and policies for supporting Distribution partners, and set short-term goals for the area of accountability.
Anticipate operational requirements and engage appropriate functional teams before issues become significant.
Lead the Operations experience for partner onboarding and significant business, product, process, or technology changes, from planning through stabilization.
Establish readiness plans covering milestones, responsibilities, dependencies, education, communications, risks, and success measures.
Translate operational and technology changes into clear business implications and practical guidance for partners.
Monitor adoption, early performance, and partner feedback; identify barriers and drive adjustments when intended outcomes are not achieved.
Lead resolution of complex cross-functional partner matters by framing issues, clarifying accountability, aligning stakeholders, and maintaining momentum through closure.
Exercise independent judgment, determine when established approaches are sufficient, and identify when new solutions, escalation, or leadership decisions are needed.
Influence timelines and expectations and negotiate departmental priorities when partner needs conflict with other demands.
Maintain visibility into material commitments, risks, dependencies, and decisions, and communicate results to stakeholders and leaders.
Balance Distribution advocacy with customer, regulatory, risk, operational, financial, and enterprise considerations.
Integrate operational metrics, partner feedback, adoption results, service trends, and quality-of-business information into a consolidated view of relationship performance.
Identify recurring patterns and translate material themes into recommendations for process, technology, training, communication, or service improvements.
Lead or support root-cause analysis and cross-functional improvement efforts that reduce recurring friction and improve scalability.
Demonstrate relationship-management value through stronger partner confidence, improved adoption, reduced handoffs, timely resolution, and measurable operating improvements.
Perform other duties as assigned.