Channel Strategy & Development Manager

Group 1001 is a consumer-centric, technology-driven family of insurance companies on a mission to deliver outstanding value and operational performance by combining financial strength and stability with deep insurance expertise and a can-do culture. Group1001’s culture emphasizes the importance of collaboration, communication, core business focus, risk management, and striving for outcomes. This goal extends to how we hire and onboard our most valuable assets – our employees.

Why this role matters...

The IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) National Accounts team is responsible for the support of initiatives to increase the sales of new business, grow assets under management and to improve customer loyalty.  Support will include efforts to onboard new distributors, facilitate the new business process, provide appropriate marketing and operational materials, and to educate our partners on our various products and services. 

The Channel Strategy & Development Manager will use their knowledge of the New Business and Service processes, as well as expertise in the annuity marketplace, to identify and execute key growth opportunities.  This role partners with internal teams and external distribution partners to enhance the ease of doing business with Delaware Life Insurance Company (DLIC) and drive measurable sales performance.  The manager will develop and implement channel objectives that strengthen DLIC’s market position, support the sales organization, and optimize the overall customer and partner experience.

This individual will work closely with the Heads of National Accounts, National Account Managers, Delaware Life Marketing, and Operations to ensure that our intermediary customers’ needs are met.

How you'll contribute...

• Lead the IMO channel’s efforts within the Independent Access Channel (IAC) and be the subject matter expert for the organization
• Work closely with Sales Leadership and distribution to uncover IBDs and IMOs that align with IACs value proposition
• Engage with operations and the field in the onboarding of IAC accounts and take lead in educating of the benefits and efficiencies of the platform
• Work cross-functionally with distribution and operations to identify process gaps and implement improvements to optimize sales execution and growth
• Visit targeted IMOs and broker-dealers and attend key industry conferences to deepen understanding of their business models, sales approach, and evolving needs
• Achieve stated IAC sales goal and report on performance metrics and growth progress
• Manage the IMO Inbound Sales Desk ensuring appropriate coverage, adherence to KPIs, and delivery of exceptional sales support
• Lead and coach sales desk representatives through ongoing training and feedback, ensuring deep product understanding, confident communication, and consistent sales growth
• Champion a strong team culture by recognizing performance, promoting accountability, and creating an environment where collaboration and professional development thrive
• Work jointly with the Direct Broker-Dealer Sales Desk Manager to align processes, communication, and performance objectives, ensuring a unified approach to supporting the field
• Travel required 
  • Visiting key accounts
  • 4 days/month in Zionsville

What we are looking for

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience required.
• Strong commitment to customer service and quality required. 
• Candidate must be detail orientated with strong organization, presentation and prioritization skills.
• Strong working knowledge of Annuity Products
• Excellent communication skills both oral and written
• Positive, can-do attitude and ability to see issues from multiple perspectives
• Background in Operations/Financial Services experience preferred
• Strong presentation and interpersonal skills required
• BA/BS degree or 3+ years of equivalent experience required
• Series 6 and 63 preferred (must be obtained within six months of start date)

Why this role matters...

The IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) National Accounts team is responsible for the support of initiatives to increase the sales of new business, grow assets under management and to improve customer loyalty.  Support will include initiatives to onboard new distributors, facilitate the new business process, provide appropriate marketing and operational materials, and to educate our partners on our various products and services. 

The National Account Manager will use their knowledge of our New Business and Service processes, the annuity marketplace, and our product features to aid and educate IMO marketers and agents to create an ease of doing business with Delaware Life Insurance Company (DLIC). 

This individual will work closely with Internal Sales Account Specialists, Delaware Life Marketing, and Operations to ensure that our intermediary customers’ needs are met.

How you'll contribute...

• Provide support of existing IMO’s – at the leadership, marketer, back office and top agent level

• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with internal DLM constituencies. 

• Manage escalations and follow-up activity with IMO’s and their agents. 

• Visit assigned IMO’s as needed. Maintain strong and current knowledge of the annuity market, with specific focus on the fixed and fixed indexed annuities. 

• Partner with product and distribution on new strategic initiatives, such as new products, features and services in support of the company strategy. 

• Partner with Distribution on new initiatives to expand distribution support and create an ease of doing business.

• Extensive Travel required. 

What we are looking for...

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience required.

• Strong commitment to customer service and quality required. 

• Candidate must be detail orientated with strong organization, presentation and prioritization skills.

• Strong working knowledge of Annuity Products

• Excellent communication skills both oral and written

• Positive, can-do attitude and ability to see issues from multiple perspectives

• Background in Operations/Financial Services experience preferred

• Strong presentation and interpersonal skills required

• BA/BS degree or 3+ years of equivalent experience required

• Series 6 and 63 preferred (must be obtained within six months of start date)

Compensation:

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets. The total compensation for this position ranges from $125,000/year in our lowest geographic market up to $300,000/year in our highest geographic market.  Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. 

Benefits Highlights:  

Employees who meet benefit eligibility guidelines and work 30 hours or more weekly, have the ability to enroll in Group 1001’s benefits package. Employees (and their families) are eligible to participate in the Company’s comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plan options.  Employees are also eligible for Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance, Short and Long-Term Disability. All employees (regardless of hours worked) have immediate access to the Company’s Employee Assistance Program and wellness programs—no enrollment is required.  Employees may also participate in the Company’s 401K plan, with matching contributions by the Company.

Group 1001, and its affiliated companies, is strongly committed to providing a supportive work environment where employee differences are valued. Diversity is an essential ingredient in making Group 1001 a welcoming place to work and is fundamental in building a high-performance team. Diversity embodies all the differences that make us unique individuals.  All employees share the responsibility for maintaining a workplace culture of dignity, respect, understanding and appreciation of individual and group differences.