Director of Sales, Independent Distribution Channel

Job Title: Director of Sales, Independent Distribution Channel

Location: This position is eligible for a hybrid or fully remote work arrangement.

WoodmenLife is looking to hire a Director of Sales, Independent Distribution Channel to join our team!

In this role, you will play a crucial role in increasing sales production through effective communication of Annuity, Life, and Medicare Supplement product knowledge. This position will support the independent distribution channel (IDC) a number of ways, including IMO account management, and by positioning the company’s products through sales ideas, providing illustration support, resolving inquiries, and delivering timely responses to our independent producers. This foundational role will involve proactive inside and outside sales activities, as well as reactive inquiries from IMO’s, independent producers and their uplines appointed with WoodmenLife. The individual will collaborate with the Vice President of Additional Distribution to bridge the gap between the independent field force and Home Office resources. This role is highly valued for its knowledge, responsiveness, and ability to positively impact sales, as well as assisting in the expansion and development of the independent distribution channel for WoodmenLife.

WoodmenLife is one of the best places to work in Omaha with over 135 years of service. As a member of the WoodmenLife family, you’re joining others who share your commitment to family, community and country. Through WoodmenLife, you’ll have opportunities to give back locally and honor those who make an impact. As a not-for-profit life insurance company, we’ve been helping to protect the financial future of families, making a difference in hometowns across America since 1890. We offer a variety of benefits ranging from health, dental, vision, 401K, life insurance and much more. Apply today to learn more!
We are looking for someone to:
Proactive Field Relationship Management (60%)
• Develop and maintain a strong working relationship with the VP to ensure key IMO accounts and their downlines receive adequate support
• Proactively contact key IMO leaders, marketers, and producers in assigned accounts to offer assistance, ongoing training on products, promote company value propositions, and provide illustration software support
• Communicate messages, ideas, and concepts to the field through various technological sources for ongoing sales development
• Track and communicate illustrated, submitted, pending, and paid cases
• Monitor sales in assigned accounts and respond proactively to variances from expected performance
• Maintain continuous communication to develop strong working relationships with assigned accounts beyond transactional interactions
• Stay informed about the competition and effectively position WoodmenLife products against them
• While not primarily travel-based, be prepared to travel for business 20-25 times a year
Reactive Sales Desk Support (30%)
• Field incoming calls and emails from IMO leaders, marketers, and agents, offering product support for sales-related questions
• Act as a central resource and home office liaison to resolve issues related to licensing, commissions, software, new business, and in-force business
• Maintain ownership of all referred calls and ensure timely responses
• Document issues and results in the CRM platform
Miscellaneous (10%)
• Develop an expert understanding of all WoodmenLife products and value propositions
• Perform other duties as assigned by the department and team, including ongoing projects from management
• Continuously enhance skills through professional development activities such as reading, formal/informal education, training classes, and special projects
We need someone who has:
• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent experience required, with at least 5-10 years of experience in Life insurance (knowledge of Annuities and Medicare Supplements is a plus)
• 5-10 years prior experience with external sales, inside sales, and sales desk activities
• 5-10 years managing a team
• Prior experience working with independent distribution channels (producers & IMOs)
• Must have or obtain a life/health license within six months
• Must obtain FINRA Series 6 or 7 license within one year.
• Strong interpersonal, oral communication, and business writing skills
• Demonstrated initiative, ability to work independently, leadership, problem-solving skills, and adaptability
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams), illustration software, and presentation platforms (Webex, Zoom, etc.)
Critical Job Competencies:
• Driven for results
• Strategic thinking
• Self-motivation and ability to perform with little supervisi