Sales Manager

For one of my leading Non-life Insurance clients I am urgently looking for an experienced 'German speaking' Sales Manager with a strong background within the German Insurance industry.

MAIN FUNCTION:

The Sales Manager's primary role is to set and implement the company’s development strategy in the German market. This includes overseeing all major stages of the insurance value chain and requires a hands-on, proactive sales development approach in a "hunting" mode.

The Sales Manager will also manage partnerships once established and further enhance the company’s offerings to align with market expectations.

Based in Germany you will report to my clients Branch Manager in Germany.

ABOUT THE COMPANY:

The company is a leading player in creditor protection insurance (CPI) within Europe, specializing in the provision of financial protection products. It partners with retail banking and financial services organizations to offer a wide range of products designed to meet customer and partner needs.

Since its establishment, the company has experienced growth by forging partnerships in multiple countries and remains dedicated to innovation, employee development, and a strong workplace culture. It is committed to being a great place to work, with a focus on well-being, corporate social responsibility, and career development.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Acquisition and Partner Development

• Develop and implement strategies to acquire and retain new partners in the bancassurance market (consumer finance, credit brokers, price comparison websites, automotive).
• Drive innovation within the branch.

Sales Strategy and Execution

• Create and execute effective sales strategies to attract and retain clients.
• Generate leads through networking, cold calling, referrals, and other channels.
• Stay updated with the latest insurance products and market regulations.

Client Relationship Management

• Engage potential clients to understand their needs and build rapport.
• Offer suitable protection plans based on client requirements.
• Collect relevant data to provide tailored solutions.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting

• Prepare regular reports on sales metrics and present findings to senior management.
• Ensure compliance with all legal and ethical sales practices.

Sales and Marketing

• Oversee the commercial development strategy in the local market.
• Support and execute the Branch Marketing roadmap, including:
• Market offer benchmarking (distributors, price comparison websites, competitors).
• Supporting communication events such as forums and partner days.
• Creation of marketing content and organization of sales contests.
• Oversee product development and successful market launches.
• Support tender and RFP processes according to company guidelines.

AML and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements in dealings with business partners and third-party administrators.

Legal

• Assist with the contract drafting process, ensuring alignment with company policies.

People Management

• Assign workloads and projects to team members.
• Follow up on HR processes, including attendance, probation, and performance management.
• Develop and coach staff to help them reach their full potential.
• Identify individual strengths and areas for improvement, and leverage these for both personal development and business success.
• Encourage staff to pursue professional qualifications and provide coaching to enhance their skills.

Other duties as required to meet position needs.

INTERFACE

Internal Collaboration: Engage with partners, pricing team, data team, compliance team, and legal team.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience:

• 10-15 years of professional experience in the financial sector (banking, insurance, insurance brokering) is ideal.
• Proven track record in sales development within the insurance industry, particularly in a proactive, "hunting" sales environment.

Skills and Competencies:

• Knowledge of bank-insurance products (both life and non-life).
• Specialization in creditor protection insurance (PPI) is an advantage.
• People management experience.
• Strong knowledge of the banking and price comparison website sectors in Germany, with established relationships with key decision-makers in the insurance industry.
• Ability to operate and communicate effectively at senior levels within the organization.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• High levels of trust and integrity.
• Ability to travel for business.

Education:

• Preferably a degree from a business school, university, or insurance expert training program.

Languages:

• Fluency in German is required.
• Good proficiency in English is mandatory.
• French is desirable.

If successful, the chosen Sales Manager will be rewarded with an exceptionally generous salary and benefits package, reflecting the value my client places on this role.

If this is you, do not delay in applying as my client can interview quite quickly. Of course they are open to wait for the right person should you have a notice period you currently need to work out!