Background
Sun Life Direct are a direct to consumer business that distributes simple and affordable protection and savings products direct to mass market consumers in the UK. We are one of the most experienced direct marketing companies in the life assurance sector and currently hold the largest share of the over 50 whole of life market. In 2010 Sun Life Direct will continue their focus on developing our existing corporate partners as well as attracting new partners that are strategically important to our business. As a result of this increased focus we have a vacancy for a Corporate Partner Development Manager to cover for a period of 12 months maternity. This role is responsible for leading, managing and developing the relationship with existing significant Corporate Partners and providing strategic input into their business models in order to identify future business opportunities and maximise profitability.
The role
- In conjunction with the corporate partner, lead the development of individual account strategies and jointly develop a Key Account Plan for each designated account, consistent with Corporate Partnership objectives, in order to deliver profitable business.
- Lead the development of business relationships with existing significant Corporate Partners in order to maximise profit opportunities and encourage future business.
- Maintain and develop strong personal relationships at all levels within designated partners, including Board level where appropriate
- Lead and drive product and service propositions that ensure the continued growth and retention of strategic partners by maintaining a thorough understanding of the partners' business and the macro-market.
- Maintain both regulatory and contractual agreements for designated accounts in order to minimise the risk of breaches and contractual disputes.
- Manage the transition through implementation of new corporate partners to deliver a superior partner process experience and maximising the opportunity to realise the financial potential of the partnership.
- Ensure that contractual obligations for service level agreements are met with each Corporate Partner to avoid compromising sales targets and TCF requirements.
- Maintain partner MI including credible actuals/forecasts, ensuring these are clearly communicated to the wider business, Executive Sponsor and SLT. Act as Corporate Partner champion as appropriate
- Demonstrate Business Development 'Best Practice' and be regarded by the team and the wider business as a role model
- Represent AXA UK within identified partners, identifying and qualifying opportunities for other AXA SBUs and ensuring such leads are passed to business units and that client expectations are met
- Build a wide network in the industry in order to promote AXA Direct as a preferred partner, manufacturer and distributor
Skills, knowledge and behaviour
You will currently be working within the affinity/corporate partnership environment and be able to demonstrate a track record of successfully maximising profit opportunities and consistently hitting performance targets. This will be complemented by a broad knowledge across a full spectrum of Financial Services products combined with an understanding of distribution channels. You have an impressive track record of operating at a senior management level within an affinity or corporate partner environment and can demonstrate your ability to influence to CEO and Senior Executive level. You will offer a commercial and strategic approach to the management of your affinity partners and have an ability to inspire virtual teams
What will you get from this role?
The jobholder is expected to manage relationships with both internal and externally and ensure that the Corporate Partner team are exceeding sales performance, quality and compliance requirements. The job holder acts autonomously in this role in managing these accounts. For more information, please contact Marie Allan in Resourcing.
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