Head of Distribution, Standard Lines

Job Summary:

The Head of Distribution, Standard Lines is responsible for developing, implementing, and evolving Standard Lines distribution relationships with highly impactful and unique agency structures. The role serves as the primary relationship management role, responsible for procuring and aligning key agency relationships with business segment distribution strategies and operational plans and collaborates with Business Segment Leadership to drive gross written premium and profitability. This role oversees the orchestration, planning and execution of the Standard Lines Distribution Strategy, in alignment with the segment competitive business strategies. This strategy informs all standard lines agency compensation, segmentation, and relationship management activities executed by the centralized Distribution Management function. This role enables segment-specific distribution strategies, inclusive of a variety of agency architypes, intentionally increasing engagement and motivating desired behaviors to drive performance results. The role provides input and direction for agency management, including industry trend experience and agency review support and may directly manage key national broker and franchisor relationships.

Job Responsibilities:

• Holds the accountability for developing, implementing, and evolving the Standard Lines distribution strategy in alignment with segment competitive business strategies as the evolving Independent Agency Channel. This includes accountability for agency corporate-level management, as well as location level engagement.
• Assists with the development and implementation of strategies to build the most suitable and effective distribution channels including traditional, broker, digital platform partners, direct and alternative channels.
• Oversees the orchestration, planning and execution of the Standard Lines Distribution Strategy, in alignment with the segment competitive business strategies. This strategy informs all standard lines agency compensation, segmentation, and relationship management activities executed by the centralized Distribution Management function.
• Serves as a Westfield brand ambassador in the insurance marketplace ensuring that we provide a strategic, relevant, and cohesive brand experience for our licensed independent agents, key partners, and customers.
• Maintains a close partnership with Business Segment Leadership and ensures staffing, business planning, resource allocation, and capability development are optimized to ensure revenue goals are achieved, along with coordination among distribution channels as new opportunities are prioritized and pursued.
• Directs revenue planning, market strategy, forecasting and performance analysis in partnership with Business Segment Leadership to ensure all areas across the company are aligned and engaged to common goals and desired objectives.
• Manages the complex communication needs of unique agency structures including brokers, franchisors, aggregators, banks, and private equity groups, including addressing general enterprise communication and marketing needs, managing attrition, and providing agency support.
• Holds accountability for certain agency 'life cycle' management activities for specified agency relationships including appointments, rehabilitations, terminations, and coordination of merger and acquisition activities. Facilitates transitions to the Distribution Resource team and the Distribution Specialist team to ensure appropriate and timely implementation of contract, licensing, and agency compensation changes.
• Manages the periodic review of agency needs (including agency service model) for the unique agency structures to ensure alignment with corporate goals and competitive business strategies.
• Establishes department budget in accordance with corporate guidelines, manages the department expenses throughout the year and provides quarterly forecasts and variance explanations as needed.
• Owns accountability for talent management and navigation of employee related issues that impact morale and work environment to ensure a high performing team including hiring and selection, succession planning, performance and compensation management, and employee development and career coaching as required. Manages priorities and workload distribution and removes barriers that impede progress.
• Expected to drive/travel up to 50% of working time to perform essential functions. This may involve traveling on short notice or other daily driving duties as assigned.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed in this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, skills, responsibilities, knowledge, etc. These may be subject to change and additional functions may be assigned as needed by management.