Head of Individual Lines

Job Summary 

The Head of Individual Lines is responsible for building relationships to increase the sale of Life and DI products through the wholesaler distribution channel. In collaboration with the Vice President Sales and Distribution, the Head of Individual Lines creates effective sales strategy and corresponding activity plans to profitably grow our Life and DI product line. The Head of Individual Lines serves as a strategic liaison between the wholesaler channel and other operational areas. This position reports to the Vice President, Sales and Distribution. 

Primary Responsibilities 

• Develop and implement sales strategies, recruitment activity and plans to increase profitable Life and DI sales to reach mutually established sales goals 
• Determine and prioritize the distribution within the wholesaling channel that will be most successful in marketing products to target customers and develop strategies for successfully recruiting training/educating 
• Where applicable, work with Marketing, Communications and Research department to plan, develop and organize Life and DI marketing strategy, communications and collateral material 
• Oversee the hiring, training and development of Individual Lines regional sales management and manage performance to ensure activities and associated goals support the marketing strategy and sales goals and are achieved and applied effectively and efficiently 
• Travel regularly throughout own territory and Illinois Mutual territories with regional sales management or on own to further grow existing and new relationships to effectively increase Life and DI sales
• Proactively communicate with the VP Sales and Distribution regarding regional progress, activity changes, industry and competitor trends, and ideas or initiatives that could benefit agent distribution and grow sales.
• Maintain a cooperative and positive working relationship with Underwriting, Policy Service and Sales Operations and others in the Home Office providing proactive communication and collaborating on various initiatives as necessary 
• Provide expertise on products, concepts, systems or service topics given experience and exposure to field 
• Maintain integrity of company image, philosophy and methods in all communications and dealings 
• Stay abreast of industry trends and maintain knowledge of key competitors’ products and services; proactively develop new processes where appropriate and collaborate on marketing initiatives 
• Serve on Company committees as required 
• Other duties as assigned

Anticipated Salary: $150,000 - $165,000

Benefit Overview: We strive for our employees to feel appreciated and supported, both professionally and personally. Our comprehensive benefit and discount package that meets a variety of needs is one way we demonstrate this. Some of our most admired benefits include:

• Compressed 4 1/2-day work week (Half-Day Fridays)
• No monthly premium cost for employee medical, life and disability insurance coverage
• Paid time-off accrual, including annual rollover; and paid holidays
• Competitive 401(k) plan with immediate vesting on Company contributions
• Discounted on-site employee cafeteria
• On-site exercise facility and company-provided exercise time
• Tuition reimbursement and training incentives
• Access to voluntary dental and vision insurance coverage

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree* required and a minimum of 10 years of industry experience 
• Minimum 5 years insurance management and leadership experience; additional experience strongly preferred 
• Demonstrated success in the Life and DI market, preferably that includes Home Office product and sales development in a mid to senior level leadership role 
• Comprehensive understanding of brokerage market and strong experience of implementing effective distribution strategies 
• Comprehensive understanding of current market conditions within the Life and DI insurance industry as well as broad based knowledge of all products, sales concepts, and resources being utilized in today’s marketplace 
• Excellent relationship building skills 
• Strong organizational, planning and time management skills 
• Strong leadership and management skills 
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills - including presentation and public speaking skills 
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills 
• Professional attitude, enthusiastic, and reliable 
• Ability to work and interact with respect in a team environment 
• Able and willing to travel 
• Highly proficient in Microsoft 365 and Salesforce

* College or university must be sufficiently accredited and listed in the U.S. Department of Education Accreditation Directory.