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- Tasks: Lead and motivate a high-performing team to drive protection sales and revenue.
- Company: Join John Charcol, a respected national brand with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time, permanent role with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of our protection division and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in financial services and strong sales track record required.
- Other info: Application deadline is 14th June 2025; interviews start late June.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Southampton (with occasional travel as required)
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Application Deadline: Friday 14th June 2025
We are recruiting for a newly created position at John Charcol, a Protection Sales Director, to join our leadership team. This is an important and high-impact role, designed to shape and lead the growth strategy of our protection division as part of our wider expansion under Pivotal Growth.
We are looking for an exceptional individual with a strong track record in regulated financial services sales leadership. This is a rare opportunity to build something from the ground up within a highly respected national brand, backed by serious growth ambitions and operational scale.
About the Role
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will be responsible for leading and motivating a high-performing team, driving new business revenue, and overseeing the execution of our protection sales strategy. You will work cross-functionally with other departments including Operations, Marketing, Compliance and HR to ensure the division delivers on commercial objectives while upholding regulatory standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a protection sales strategy aligned with business goals
- Lead and manage a team to meet new business and retention targets
- Oversee the full sales process, from lead generation through to completion
- Monitor and report on performance metrics including NTU rates and clawbacks
- Maintain a strong understanding of market trends, product developments, and competitor activity
- Ensure full adherence to FCA requirements and internal policies
- Contribute to wider business planning and represent the brand externally at industry events
What We’re Looking For
- Proven leadership experience in a regulated financial services environment
- Strong and consistent protection sales track record
- Excellent people management, coaching, and performance development skills
- High standards of conduct, attention to detail, and commercial awareness
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills
- Able to operate at a strategic level while being hands-on when required
Application Process
This is a critical leadership appointment for John Charcol and Pivotal Growth. We are looking to engage candidates of the highest calibre. To apply, please send your CV by no later than Friday 14th June 2025. A short-written application outlining your suitability for the role is welcomed and encouraged.
Interview Process
First Interview: Late June 2025 (TBC). To be held in either our Southampton or London office with Lisa Walklin-Knight, Chief Operating Officer. The session will last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and include structured interview questions, competency-based assessments and discussion around the role. Psychometric testing will form part of the pre-screening process.
Second Interview: Final shortlisted candidates (likely 2–3) will meet Chris Wallis, Chief Executive Officer, for a face-to-face meeting.
If you are a dynamic, results-driven leader with a passion for protection and a desire to shape the future of our business, we look forward to hearing from you.
Contact Detail:
John Charcol - Independent Mortgage Expertise Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Protection Sales Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the financial services sector, especially those with experience in protection sales. Attend industry events and engage in discussions to showcase your expertise and interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Research John Charcol and Pivotal Growth thoroughly. Understand their current market position, recent developments, and future goals. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've driven sales growth and improved performance metrics in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with FCA regulations and compliance standards relevant to the protection sales sector. Being well-versed in these areas will not only boost your confidence but also show your commitment to upholding regulatory standards in your potential new role.
We think you need these skills to ace Protection Sales Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your leadership experience in regulated financial services. Focus on your protection sales track record and any relevant achievements that align with the responsibilities of the Protection Sales Director role.
Craft a Compelling Written Application: In your written application, clearly outline your suitability for the role. Discuss your experience in leading teams, driving new business revenue, and your understanding of market trends. Be specific about how your skills can contribute to John Charcol's growth strategy.
Highlight Key Skills: Emphasise your people management, coaching, and performance development skills in both your CV and written application. Provide examples of how you've successfully led teams and met targets in previous roles.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread and edit your documents. Ensure there are no grammatical errors or typos, as attention to detail is crucial for this leadership position.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Charcol - Independent Mortgage Expertise
✨Understand the Company and Its Vision
Before your interview, take the time to research John Charcol and its growth ambitions under Pivotal Growth. Familiarise yourself with their protection division and how it fits into the wider business strategy. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Prepare for Competency-Based Questions
Given the structured nature of the interview, be ready to answer competency-based questions that assess your leadership skills and sales achievements. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your responses effectively.
✨Showcase Your People Management Skills
As a Protection Sales Director, you'll need to lead and motivate a team. Be prepared to discuss your approach to coaching and performance development. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past.
✨Demonstrate Market Awareness
Stay updated on current market trends, product developments, and competitor activities in the financial services sector. Being able to discuss these topics during your interview will show that you have a strong understanding of the industry and can contribute to strategic planning.
