JOB SUMMARY

Serve as the competitive and product positioning expert being the liaison between the companies’ sales team, marketing and product development teams.   Educate the sales team on the companies’ products with focus on product positioning and competiveness verses other carriers.  Work directly with distributors to promote the companies’ products and build distributor relationships. Responsible for the collection, analysis and creation of data regarding the design features, incentive programs and performance of the products of our company and our competitors. 

1. Attend innovation design sessions and actively participate in new innovative product development initiatives, serving as an expert for industry trends and sharing insights and perspectives and making recommendations based on identified needs.
2. Take a leadership role in the development of new competitive insight pieces on the companies’ products verses the competition to promote to the field.
3. Work closely with marketing to serve as content expert for marketing materials as requested by marketing department.
4. Conduct education seminars and provide education materials for sales teams and sales support (SRS, Midland and NAC sales teams) on new product introductions and other product offerings highlighting product positioning and competiveness.  In addition, conduct web seminars to agents serving as the competitive expert highlighting the companies’ competitive advantages verses other carriers.
5. Work directly with distributors and agents to promote the companies’ products and promote product positioning against competitor products.  Develop competitive contacts within distributors and have regular discussions with these contacts to educate on product positioning.  Understand and influence how distributors promote the companies’ products.
6. Participate in meetings and presentations as requested to highlight the advantages of selling the companies’ products.
7. Monitor industry data to ensure products, incentives/awards, etc. lead with the industry.  This entails monitoring the news and sources for industry, regulatory and competitive announcements and actions.  Analyze and compare competitors’ product features, rates, industry ratings, etc. to help ensure the competitiveness of the company products and services.  Conduct analysis and communicate findings as needed.
8. In depth analysis on competitor products including GLWBs and understanding competitive illustration software so results can be replicated.  In addition, monitor, read and analyze state filing materials to support product development and gain better understanding of competitor products.
9. Work closely with annuity leadership team on a regular basis and communicate key industry findings, trends, and product developments giving commentary and key insights.
10. Represent the company on the industry committees.
11. Attend product design meetings and actively participate in product development initiatives, serving as competition expert and sharing insights and perspectives and making recommendations based upon identified needs.  Demonstrate innovation by bringing new ideas and concepts to the product design meetings.
12. As stated within the Company Attendance and Punctuality policy, regular attendance is required and expected in order to meet the business service levels and workflow demands.
13. Prepare, as needed, competitive analysis reports which may include GLWB analysis, channel specific highlights (BD, MYGA, etc.).  In addition, on a monthly basis provide overall competition crediting rate highlights for the monthly interest rate meeting.
14. Coordinate and complete routine product and industry related surveys.

QUALIFICATIONS

• BA and one of the following designations preferred: CLU, FSA, FLMI and/or 3-5 years of annuity insurance experience relating to product development or marketing
• Possess considerable knowledge of industry trends and technologies needed for the design, development and implementation of complex initiatives
• Ability to analyze and conduct mathematical formulas
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups
• Must also be flexible in coping with changing business environments
• Must exhibit excellent organizational skills and have well developed oral and written communication skills including strong presentation skills
• Must exhibit a high degree of decision making ability, using tact and good judgment
• Ability to travel one to two times a year