Strategic Account Manager

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: 14th July 2025

The opportunity: Are you ready to make a meaningful impact? Join our accomplished Strategic Account Management team at Zurich Insurance. As part of our collaborative and supportive team, you’ll play a vital role in strengthening partnerships and delivering exceptional support to our key distributors across the UK. Bring your drive and expertise, and we’ll provide the opportunities and environment for you to grow and achieve success together.

We are looking for an exceptional individual who can operate at board level across all customer segments and products. Continuous improvement in delivery and development is a prerequisite, in addition to wider regional engagement as a fundamental part of the 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.

Key responsibilities:

• Develops and executes Sales & Distribution strategies superior to the competition and aligned with business goals.
• Determines the appropriate distribution channels and builds distribution strength.
• Understands distribution trends, their implications for Zurich and the critical success factors, especially in mature markets.
• Uses sales and distribution insights e.g. understanding the causes of Retention Leakage, to enhance or extend customer as well as distributor propositions to improve profitability across the Segment.
• Improves sales effectiveness of the Segment by driving global adoption of effective distributor management practices and operational metrics, as well as increasing sales productivity of our staff, notably market facing underwriters and Account Executives.
• Represents Zurich and negotiates with any external stakeholders as required e.g. major distribution partners, customers, regulators.
• Prioritises sales and distribution functionalities where IT investments are required.
• Drives the development of sales capabilities and talent.
• Coaches virtual teams to deliver high performance.
• Work with Sales and Distribution leadership in driving development with specific distribution partners, being responsible for developing the distributors in accordance with business goals.
• Lead the development of distributor value propositions, securing the support of all colleagues as required.
• Build relationships with senior leaders to ensure that customer, distributor or market trends are well understood and that plans are aligned to these trends.
• Develop Sales and Distribution processes locally and review policies relevant to Sales and Distribution to ensure they are in line with strategic business objectives.
• Build and maintain close relationships with key distributors in segment, to manage and (where applicable) negotiate terms of business (e.g. distributor compensation).
• Lead the implementation of complex projects, typically as part of a major change or business improvement initiative involving multi-disciplinary teams and timescales in excess of one year.

Your skills and experience:

• Strong Financial Acumen and regulatory awareness.
• Large P&L and deal management experience.
• Credible experience in high level Business-to-Business negotiation and partnership development.
• Experience of business leadership and motivation of large virtual teams.
• Demonstrable market presence.

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.

As an inclusive employer we 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.

Who we are:

At Zurich we aspire to be one of the most responsible and impactful businesses in the world and the best global insurer. Together we’re creating a brighter future for our customers, our people, and our planet. With over 55,000 employees in more than 170 countries, you’ll feel the support of being part of a strong and stable company who are a long-standing player in the insurance industry.

We’ve made a promise to each other and every employee; to focus on sustainable impact, to care about each other’s wellbeing, to use our diverse expertise to be curious and optimistic and to develop the skills needed for our future.

If you’re interested in working in a dynamic and challenging environment for a company that recognises and rewards your creativity, initiatives, and contributions - then Zurich could be just the place for you. Be part of something great.

Our culture:

At Zurich, our sense of community is strong and we’re particularly passionate about diversity and inclusion, which we’ve won numerous awards for. We want our people to bring the whole of themselves to work and ensure everybody is made to feel welcome, regardless of their background, beliefs, or culture. We want our employees to reflect the diversity of our customers and so are committed to treating all of our applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of their actual or assumed background, disability or any other protected characteristic.

We’ve an environment that places a real importance on our people’s wellbeing from a physical, mental, social, and financial perspective. We work with our wellbeing partners and industry experts to provide the best advice and access to a wealth of lifestyle support. We’re also committed to continuous improvement, and we offer access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities.

We’re passionate about supporting employees to help others by getting involved in volunteering, charitable and community activity. Our charitable arm, Zurich Community Trust, is one of the longest-established corporate trusts in the UK. In that time, we’ve awarded grants and volunteered time to deserving causes in the UK valued at over £90 million.

So make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported, Love what you do. Work for us.