Distribution Experience Manager

About Us:
EquiTrust Life Insurance Company is a national carrier of competitive, client-friendly annuity products sold through a variety of distribution channels, including more than 20,000 independent agents and independent marketing organizations (IMOs). Since 2003, we have provided exceptional customer service to our clients by operating with integrity and passion. Our efforts are supported by a dedicated workforce who execute their responsibilities through teamwork and an entrepreneurial spirit. EquiTrust sells products nationwide and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with operations in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Position Summary:
The Distribution Experience Manager is responsible for management, development, control and oversight of a team of Sales and Marketing professionals. This position works closely with members of the Sales and Marketing team and performs both a leadership and management function. The Distribution Experience Manager is expected to carry out their duties and responsibilities in a manner that is consistent with EquiTrust’s Company Values of Integrity, Leadership, Accountability, Teamwork and Passion.

The Manager of Distribution Experience leads EquiTrust's governance of distribution hierarchies, commission structures, commission assignments, distribution business succession rules, marketing organization guidelines, sales programs, and white-glove service initiatives. This manager serves as business owner for distribution management functionality within the Company’s distribution management system and leads the team responsible for governance, analytics, program administration, exception management, and continuous improvement. This role owns the strategy, design, administration, and evolution of distribution management and sales programs.

What You'll Do:

• Team Leadership and People Management:
  • Manages employees, including but not limited to the following activities: makes recommendations for hiring, termination, promotions and transfers, assessing and completing performance appraisals, responsibility allocations and task completion, problem identification and resolution and other day-to-day people management and leadership responsibilities.
  • Provides leadership, guidance, and support to team members responsible for analytics, reporting, program administration, and operational execution
  • Fosters a collaborative, customer-focused, and results-oriented team environment aligned with EquiTrust’s Core Values
  • Ensures team resources, workloads, and priorities are effectively managed to meet departmental and Company objectives
• Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Partners with Sales leaders to provide the strategy, design, administration, and evolution of distribution management policies and sales programs.
  • Manages the administration of sales programs, enhancements, and operational updates.
  • Establishes and maintains distribution governance policies, rules, and standards related to hierarchies, commissions, assignment of commissions, distribution business succession planning, marketing organizations, and Financial Institution distribution firms.
  • Reviews and approves hierarchy changes, commission level modifications, succession arrangements, and exception requests in partnership with Sales leadership.
  • Monitors production levels, compensation thresholds, and distribution performance metrics impacting commission tiers, bonuses, and program eligibility.
  • Serves as business owner for distribution management system functionality, defining requirements and prioritizing enhancements.
  • Develops white-glove service models and partners with Business Administration teams on execution.
  • Leads cross-functional coordination related to program implementation, enhancements, communications, and operational support.
  • Provides leadership with ad hoc analyses and data presentations for strategic planning.
  • Supports the Sales and Marketing team and/or other departments on an as-needed basis.
  • Willingly takes on additional responsibilities as requested in order to accomplish department and Company objectives.

What You'll Bring:
Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance or a related field required.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of sales analytics, compensation, sales operations, program management or financial services experience required.
• Experience in the independent (non-captive) marketing organization distribution channel.
• Minimum 1 year experience in a manager or supervisor role required.
• Experience in financial institution (banks and broker dealers) distribution channel preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of independent distribution models, compensation structures, and related financial and related calculation methodologies.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills are required, including a high degree of professionalism.
• Focuses on customer experience.
• Helps to create an environment of openness and trust for all employees and strives for continued professional skills development.

Where You’ll Work: 

• West Des Moines, IA
• Expected Travel: Infrequent travel (less than 5% of the time).

Total Rewards:
In addition to base pay, eligible employees may receive an annual discretionary incentive bonus and access to a competitive benefits package including: 

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage:
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid time off: Vacation, Sick, Holiday, and more
• Paid Parental Leave for both Mothers and Fathers
• Hybrid/Remote Work Options
• Early Friday Closure

EquiTrust is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in the U.S. Federal E-Verify program. Applicants have rights under federal and state employment laws. To learn more, visit EquiTrust Careers. 

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