Business Development Sales Operations Manager

Overview: This role will serve to drive the success of Broker Dealer (BD) relationships within the Independent Marketing Organization (IMO) distribution space by optimizing sales and operational processes. As a key liaison between internal teams, Broker Dealers, and IMO partners, the position is responsible for ensuring smooth communication and efficient execution of initiatives that align with business goals. The role involves managing and prioritizing BD requests, supporting product launches, streamlining operations, and educating internal teams on best practices. With a strong focus on relationship-building, resource management, and continuous improvement, the role plays a crucial part in supporting the growth and operational effectiveness of Sammons Independent Annuity Group's (SIAG's) BD distribution partners. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to sales operations, shape industry practices, and create lasting value for both internal stakeholders and external partners, all while maintaining a customer-first approach. Responsibilities:

• Develop strong relationships with the new and existing BDs to understand their business models and business needs as well as how the BDs conduct business and determine how North American can help support their business needs.
• Partner with BDs on technology day-to-day needs, including but not limited to DST, DTCC, and Order Entry Platforms to understand and enhance the annuity application process.
• Coordinate product launches and periodic testing to meet the BDs' needs to ensure business can be accepted. This review ensures we can accept orders from the BDs and approve their financial professionals to sell new products.
• Create, review, and update operations guidelines and procedures to ensure they are in line with the Broker Dealers' needs and make recommendations for updates as appropriate.
• Provide internal education and support regarding BD industry and operational processes (i.e. training, Q & A).
• Partner with the Delivery teams to ensure projects are created and prioritized based on the BD's needs.
• Provide Operational and Technological support to Sales Desk, Regional Sales Directors, and Sales Vice Presidents as needed when pertaining to BD business.
• Continue to increase industry knowledge and familiarity with common industry practices. Keep management abreast of industry trends and changes.
• Assist with Sales Operations projects, initiatives, and requests as needed to ensure the overall success of SIAG.
  

Qualifications:

• 3-5 years' insurance Industry experience, with experience working with BD distribution partners Preferred
• 3-5 years' operations experience Required
• Working knowledge of DTCC data feeds Order Entry platforms through Ebix (ANW & AN4), Ipipeline (Aplifi) and Insurance Technologies (Firelight)
• Understanding of IMO distribution and the relationships and structure of BD partnerships within that distribution
• Strong organization skills with emphasis on prioritization
• Clear and efficient communicator with exemplary phone and writing skills with a service and problem resolution base
• Ability to handle numerous tasks effectively at the same time
• Strong customer relationship management and servicing skills as well as internal corporate relationship management capabilities
• Goal driven individual, strong project skills; keep timelines in focus
• Creative skills; ability to promote operational efficiencies and ease of business initiatives
• Team oriented with strong communication skills
• Training skills; ability to work with individuals via phone to educate on product/processes
• Self-starter; able to work independently and operate in fast paced, changing environment
• Ability to provide competitive analysis – monitor and be familiar with multiple competitors’ products
• Familiar with Microsoft suite of products (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)

Suitability Requirements:

• Criminal background check required.
• If we are holding securities licenses, FINRA regulations require fingerprinting for this position; if we are holding securities licenses, a credit check will also be required.

Company Information: •Sammons Financial Group offers a competitive benefit package that includes: Health, Dental, Vision, Company Paid Retirement, PTO and Holiday Pay.

• Our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a 100% company-funded retirement plan, so you can save for retirement without contributing a penny of your own paycheck.
• Healthy balance between work and personal lives. Friday afternoons off all year long, competitive PTO, and generous number of paid holidays.
• Our incentive program for defined goals subject to eligibility and performance. Monetary rewards are based on individual and/or overall company performance.
• Colleagues who support one another, model our core values, and drive our healthy, high-performing culture. Pay Transparency Verbiage:

$80,000 Base Salary Sales Incentive

Work Authorization/Sponsorship: At this time, we’re not considering candidates that need any type of immigration sponsorship now or in the future or those needing work authorization for this role (This includes, but is not limited to students on F1-OPT, F1-CPT, J-1, etc.)