Sales Operations Manager

Optimized Insurance Planning, OIP, is a national firm of experienced insurance planners dedicated to a client-centric experience.  We understand and embrace a holistic financial planning process with how we approach risk management solutions to include annuities and life and long-term care insurance.  We achieve this by enhancing impactful relationships with Financial Professionals who are committed to acting in a Client’s Best Interests.

An insurance product, by itself, is not right for everyone. The way to optimize insurance is through a planning process delivered by an experienced professional.  We are committed to building lasting relationships that create memorable experiences.

We are seeking a Sales Operations Manager which will maintain the title of “Director of Advisor Experience” to join our Northlake home office. This individual will play a vital role in supporting our sales team, managing key operational processes, and ensuring smooth execution of company initiatives. The ideal candidate is energetic, motivated, and growth-oriented — someone who thrives in a hands-on role and is excited to grow with our company.

This role is primarily focused on execution and management of established processes and programs, with opportunities to contribute ideas for improvement. Rather than creating new training programs or sales processes, this person will ensure that existing initiatives are implemented effectively, consistently, and with excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the onboarding, development and operational support for Sales Associates.

• Oversee execution of sales enablement and training programs designed by leadership.

• Support and coach associates through performance check-ins and team meetings.

• Monitor operational KPIs and provide reporting to leadership.

• Manage and delegate operational tasks in coordination with the Operations Team: Licensing/Contracting, Commissions, New Business

• Identify opportunities to improve workflow efficiency and ensure compliance with procedures.

• Directly interface with customers (Financial Planners) with escalations requiring hands on oversight delivering an optimal FA experience.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Finance, Insurance, or a related field is required.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in a sales management role along with some operational experience at a senior level.  Insurance and/or Financial services experience is preferred however not a requirement as we are ultimately seeking the right individual from a cultural and mindset perspective.

• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, project management, and change management, with an emphasis on technology adoption.

• Experience in a sales position with excellence as well as direct management experience.

• Strong understanding of insurance products (annuities, life, long-term care), policy lifecycle, agent licensing and contracting, new business submission, and regulatory requirements in the insurance industry preferred. 

Skills & Abilities:

• Inspiring leadership, team-building, and people management skills with a collaborative approach, especially in developing sales talent.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, with a focus on data-driven improvements.

• Excellent communication (written, verbal, presentation) and interpersonal skills, with an ability to build rapport at all levels.

• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking capabilities, with an understanding of how technology drives efficiency.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively in a dynamic environment.