Distribution Zone Director

Job Description

We are looking for a Distribution Zone Director to develop and implement distribution strategies for the independent agency channel, working closely with the Regional Field Executive. This role involves collaborating across teams to create and execute state-level strategies aimed at achieving both short-term and long-term financial objectives. You will align and drive strategic business plans, recruit, coach, and develop field sales staff, manage budgets, and ensure the profitable growth of all product lines. The role requires independent work, applying knowledge of key business factors to maximize team and departmental performance. You will also drive the execution of state distribution strategies, aligning with product and underwriting partners. Leading the state team strategy to achieve profitable growth across various product lines is key, along with recruitment, development, training, and coaching of field sales staff. Developing and implementing short-, mid-, and long-term objectives, strategies, and action plans is crucial, as is supporting Territory Managers and agency growth plans. Managing the performance of direct reports and creating and recommending training programs, policies, and practices to equip the sales force are essential functions. You will plan, direct, and coordinate all sales-related activities to meet revenue goals, formulate and oversee sales/marketing plans and promotions to stimulate profitable sales growth. Identifying target markets and directing efforts in training, sales, marketing support, and research is also necessary. Acting as an advocate, you will recommend new products, services, and field initiatives. Ensuring clear, consistent cross-functional communication with product management, underwriting, executive management, and agency partners is vital. Serving as a communication bridge between Foremost and other internal/external groups and collaborating with marketing and training teams to develop educational materials and strategies are also part of the role. Responsibilities extend to the initiation, positioning, and distribution of products and product enhancements. Implementing rate and product changes, ensuring successful communication and training, assessing industry trends to identify new opportunities, and coordinating field-facing activities to align with business objectives are all critical. You'll also review quarterly updates on regional objectives, make necessary revisions to achieve goals, track and report progress of sales programs and contests to business unit management, and stay informed of competitive, legislative, and regulatory activity within assigned states. Finally, ensuring understanding and implementation of technology in the sales process is key to maximizing effectiveness.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree required. 2. Master's degree or MBA preferred. 3. Minimum of seven years of experience in the insurance industry, ideally in sales, marketing, or distribution. 4. Experience leading and managing sales teams is preferred. 5. IA Distribution experience in the Texas market is highly desirable. 6. Effective leadership skills are essential. 7. Proven abilities in leadership, critical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, change management, and organization are required. 8. Must be capable of building and managing effective teams. 9. Proven ability to coach and mentor others while fostering a high-performance culture within the team. 10. Demonstrated analytical skills. 11. Proven strategic and tactical planning skills. 12. Demonstrated ability to develop, execute business plans, and achieve successful outcomes. 13. Strong verbal communication and listening skills. 14. Demonstrated written communication skills. 15. Proven time management and priority setting skills. 16. Ability to analyze and interpret financial data. 17. Able to analyze financial results and market trends to manage performance and changes with products and pricing. 18. Possesses strong technical aptitude. 19. Proficient in current technology including Microsoft Office suite, agency management systems, and comparative raters.

Benefits

- Competitive salary based on experience, qualifications, and location. - Bonus Opportunity (based on Company and Individual Performance). - 401(k). - Medical. - Dental. - Vision. - Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts. - Life Insurance. - Paid Time Off. - Paid Parental Leave. - Tuition Assistance.