Direct Sales Specialist - Advantage Direct (Life & Annuities)

Are you passionate about being part of a team at a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales that delivers extraordinary care to help individuals and businesses prepare for and protect their future? If so, then Nationwide Financial could be the place for you! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers and partners are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.

As a Direct Sales Specialist, you’ll play a vital role in guiding customers through life insurance and annuity solutions tailored to their unique needs. This fast-paced, consultative role involves building lasting relationships, analyzing financial data, and delivering personalized strategies that support long-term financial wellness.

You’ll collaborate across teams—including Direct agents, product managers, and underwriting—to provide expert guidance and ensure seamless service. If you thrive in a competitive environment and are driven to make a meaningful impact, we want to hear from you.

This position will be hired on a Success Flex basis.

Success Flex Work Schedule: Two Days in office and Three Days Remote

The hired associate must reside within 35 miles of the following location(s):

Columbus: Three Nationwide Plaza, Columbus OH, 43215

Grandview: 1000 Yard Street Grandview OH, 43215

It is our intention to fill this role in Columbus, Ohio, however, on occasion, applications from internal candidates that are working remotely who bring critical industry skills and relevant experience may considered.

This role does not qualify for employer-sponsored work authorization.  Nationwide does not participate in the Stem OPT Extension program.

This is an S24 band role.

#LI-COLE

Job Description Summary

Are you passionate about helping others work towards their financial goals? Do you thrive in highly competitive, fast-paced environments? If you are excited about helping others succeed and want to accelerate both your personal and professional growth, we want to know more about you!

As a Sales Specialist, you’ll develop, grow, and retain relationships with individual customers by advising and consulting on their financial needs in support of business unit sales goals. You’ll work effectively with multiple contact points across the organization including Direct agents, Life and Annuity Solutions Center, Nationwide Securities, Life underwriting, financial product managers new business teams.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Handles incoming calls/emails from customers and provides consultative sales approach to determine appropriate financial solutions and life insurance/long-term care based on needs analysis. Collects and analyzes information regarding the customers’ income, assets, investments / debts, risk tolerance and time horizon.

• Acts as a consultant to provide the most appropriate strategies and solutions to meet those needs and financial circumstances either directly or intermediary.

• Serves as the agent of record-ongoing servicing of contracts written by rep.

• When appropriate offer Income forecasting as a value add for customers

• Partner with Nationwide Retirement Institute for Social Security/Healthcare costs in retirement planning strategies and client analysis

• Consult with Advance Sales team for complex case.  

• Consult with existing members for conversions/upsell opportunities- life insurance group conversions from NW associates, pre-retirees and Nationwide Specialty Insurance plans.

• Maintain digital files for securities business and comply with regulatory requirements.

• Applies knowledge of industry trends, competitive intelligence, state and federal legislation, market movement, and investment performance and tax laws to advise and consult with customers of the advantages and disadvantages of different financial products; markets and promotes Nationwide financial products.

• Completes risk assessments and follows suitability guidelines established by Broker/Dealer to comply with federal and state laws.

• Meets continuing suitability obligations by performing reviews with customer to confirm or amend original solutions recommended.

• Appropriately follows up on pending cases to bring them to a close through outbound phone calls and emails.

• Completes applications and maintains appropriate documentation of communications with the customer to aid in the eff