At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales strategies, strengthen partnerships, and lead high-performing teams.
- Company: Join Zurich Insurance, a leader in the insurance industry with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive pension scheme, annual bonuses, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Flexible roles available; we value diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong financial acumen, leadership experience, and proven negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Working hours: This role is available on a part-time, job-share or full-time basis.
Location: We’re flexible on where you are based, however, there will be regular travel to London and other UK offices when required.
Closing date for applications: 6th July 2026
The opportunity: Are you ready to make a meaningful impact? Join our accomplished Strategic Account Management team at Zurich Insurance. As part of a collaborative and supportive environment, you’ll play a vital role in strengthening partnerships and delivering exceptional outcomes for our key distributors across the UK. Bring your ambition and expertise—we’ll provide the platform for you to grow and succeed together. We’re looking for an exceptional individual who can operate confidently at board level across diverse customer segments and products. A focus on continuous improvement, alongside strong regional engagement, will be key as you contribute to the wider Sales & Distribution leadership team.
Many of our employees work flexibly in a variety of different ways, including part-time, flexible hours, job share, an element of working from home or compressed hours. This is because we want the best people for our roles, and we recognise that sometimes those people aren’t available full-time. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you may need.
What will you be doing?
- Develop and execute Sales & Distribution strategies aligned to business goals and ahead of market competition.
- Identify and strengthen the most effective distribution channels.
- Analyse distribution trends and translate insights into commercially successful actions.
- Use data (e.g. retention leakage insights) to enhance customer and distributor propositions and improve profitability.
- Drive sales effectiveness through adoption of best practice, operational metrics, and improved productivity.
- Represent Zurich in negotiations with key external stakeholders, including major partners and regulators.
- Prioritise and influence investment in sales and distribution capabilities, including IT developments.
- Build, develop and coach high‑performing virtual teams.
- Lead strategic development plans with key distribution partners.
- Shape and deliver compelling distributor value propositions.
- Build strong relationships with senior leaders to align strategies with market and customer trends.
- Ensure Sales & Distribution processes and policies support strategic objectives.
- Manage and negotiate commercial terms with key distributors.
- Lead complex, multi-year projects as part of major change or transformation initiatives.
What are we looking for?
- Strong financial acumen and regulatory awareness.
- Experience managing large P&L portfolios and complex deals.
- Proven track record in senior‑level B2B negotiation and partnership development.
- Leadership experience, including motivating and influencing large virtual teams.
- Established market presence and credibility.
What will you get in return? Everyone’s different. That’s why at Zurich, we offer a wide range of employee benefits so our people can choose what fits them and their life. Our benefits provide real flexibility so our people can make considered choices and tailor their benefits throughout the year. Our benefits include 12% defined non‑contributory pension scheme, annual company bonus, private medical insurance and the option to buy up to an additional 20 days or sell some of your holiday, alongside a range of other flexible benefits.
EEO Statement: We’re committed to treating all applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of their actual or assumed background, sexual orientation, disability or any other protected characteristic. As an inclusive employer we also want to ensure that all candidates feel comfortable and are able to perform at their best during the interview. You’ll have the opportunity to let us know of any reasonable adjustment or practical support needed when you apply.
Strategic Account Manager in Manchester employer: Zurich Insurance
At Zurich Insurance, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture. With flexible working arrangements, including part-time and remote options, we empower our employees to balance their professional and personal lives while providing ample opportunities for growth and development. Our comprehensive benefits package, including a generous pension scheme and private medical insurance, ensures that our team members can tailor their rewards to fit their unique needs, making Zurich a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Account Manager in Manchester
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Zurich Insurance. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Account Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Zurich Insurance.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Zurich Insurance's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zurich Insurance
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Zurich Insurance.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Zurich Insurance will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Zurich Insurance employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
