SVP Retail Distribution & Sales Enablement

Athene Employee Services

Full-time - Senior

About the position

The Senior Vice President (SVP) of Retail Distribution & Sales Enablement at Athene plays a pivotal role in leading the Sales organization and driving revenue growth. This position is responsible for setting and achieving sales targets, providing accurate sales forecasts, and managing productivity performance. The SVP will coordinate the strategic alignment of sales and marketing efforts through the implementation of effective processes, tools, and content. This role emphasizes accountability and prioritization, ensuring that the organization focuses on high-impact areas that enhance business performance. In addition to overseeing the goal-setting process for all levels of the sales organization, the SVP will leverage data and technology to measure and monitor sales processes, identifying opportunities for improvement. The SVP will work closely with the Executive Vice President (EVP) of Sales to strategize and execute the development of new channel growth opportunities, which includes creating comprehensive business and financial plans. Collaboration with sales operations and the sales leadership team is essential to drive profitable distributor growth. The SVP will also be responsible for building strong partnerships with various departments, including Finance, Actuarial, Marketing, and Operations, to ensure that sales distribution needs are translated into prioritized actions and key performance indicators (KPIs). This role involves overseeing productivity analysis, designing sales productivity reports, and implementing retention strategies and related programs. Furthermore, the SVP will create a sales operations roadmap in partnership with cross-functional leaders to enhance the producer experience. A significant aspect of this role is maximizing the productivity and impact of current Sales Enablement Leadership (SEL) programs. The SVP will own the development and execution of a comprehensive sales enablement strategy that aligns with the overall sales plan. This includes designing, implementing, and optimizing sales enablement strategies, programs, and resources across the distribution organization, ensuring clear communication between channels. The SVP will also lead the sales enablement strategy to prepare, motivate, and engage the sales team, driving high performance levels. This includes strategic alignment between Sales and Marketing, prioritizing resources, and implementing innovative learning tools to continuously upskill talent. The ideal candidate will possess a deep knowledge of financial products and have extensive experience in sales strategy, operations, and enablement within the financial services industry.

Responsibilities

• Drive sales targets and provide sales forecasts.
• Manage productivity performance and coordinate strategic alignment of sales and marketing efforts.
• Oversee the goal-setting process for all levels of the sales organization.
• Utilize data and technology to measure and monitor sales processes and identify improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with the EVP of Sales on strategy and execution of new channel growth opportunities.
• Build partnerships with Finance, Actuarial, Marketing, and Operations to translate sales distribution needs into actions and KPIs.
• Design and deliver sales productivity reports, including market share and account penetration.
• Create a sales operations roadmap in partnership with cross-functional leaders.
• Maximize productivity and impact of current SEL programs and develop a comprehensive sales enablement strategy.
• Design, implement, and optimize sales enablement strategies and resources across the distribution organization.
• Lead the sales enablement strategy to ensure the sales team is prepared and engaged.
• Align Sales and Marketing resources and implement tools and content for effective execution.
• Leverage technology to roll out innovative learning tools and evolve sales techniques.

Requirements

• 15+ years of experience in the financial services industry in sales strategy, operations, and enablement.
• Bachelor's degree in marketing, business, or finance preferred.
• FINRA Series 6 License required; Series 24 or 26 preferred.
• Strong knowledge of financial products, including Fixed Indexed Annuities, Variable Annuities, and Fixed Annuities.
• Outstanding problem-solving, public speaking, and writing skills.
• Strong technical skills, including proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Salesforce.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
• Proven executive presence and strategic capabilities with influential leadership skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in leading cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with sales enablement tools and technologies.
• Experience in the retirement services industry.

Benefits

• Market competitive salary.
• Discretionary bonus plan or variable sales incentive may be included.
• Support for Veterans as a Military Friendly Employer.
• Diversity and inclusion initiatives.