Direct Sales Specialist - Advantage Direct (Life & Annuities)

Direct Sales Specialist

Are you passionate about being part of a team at a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales that delivers extraordinary care to help individuals and businesses prepare for and protect their future? If so, then Nationwide Financial could be the place for you! At Nationwide, "on your side" goes beyond just words. Our customers and partners are at the center of everything we do and we're looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.

As a Direct Sales Specialist, you'll play a vital role in guiding customers through life insurance and annuity solutions tailored to their unique needs. This fast-paced, consultative role involves building lasting relationships, analyzing financial data, and delivering personalized strategies that support long-term financial wellness.

You'll collaborate across teamsincluding Direct agents, product managers, and underwritingto provide expert guidance and ensure seamless service. If you thrive in a competitive environment and are driven to make a meaningful impact, we want to hear from you.

This position will be hired on a Success Flex basis.

Success Flex Work Schedule: Two Days in office and Three Days Remote

The hired associate must reside within 35 miles of the following location(s):

Columbus: Three Nationwide Plaza, Columbus OH, 43215

Grandview: 1000 Yard Street Grandview OH, 43215

It is our intention to fill this role in Columbus, Ohio, however, on occasion, applications from internal candidates that are working remotely who bring critical industry skills and relevant experience may be considered.

This role does not qualify for employer-sponsored work authorization. Nationwide does not participate in the Stem OPT Extension program.

This is an S24 band role.

Job Description Summary

Are you passionate about helping others work towards their financial goals? Do you thrive in highly competitive, fast-paced environments? If you are excited about helping others succeed and want to accelerate both your personal and professional growth, we want to know more about you! As a Sales Specialist, you'll develop, grow, and retain relationships with individual customers by advising and consulting on their financial needs in support of business unit sales goals. You'll work effectively with multiple contact points across the organization including Direct agents, Life and Annuity Solutions Center, Nationwide Securities, Life underwriting, financial product managers new business teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Handles incoming calls/emails from customers and provides consultative sales approach to determine appropriate financial solutions and life insurance/long-term care based on needs analysis. Collects and analyzes information regarding the customers' income, assets, investments / debts, risk tolerance and time horizon.
• Acts as a consultant to provide the most appropriate strategies and solutions to meet those needs and financial circumstances either directly or intermediary.
• Serves as the agent of record-ongoing servicing of contracts written by rep.
• When appropriate offer Income forecasting as a value add for customers
• Partner with Nationwide Retirement Institute for Social Security/Healthcare costs in retirement planning strategies and client analysis
• Consult with Advance Sales team for complex case.
• Consult with existing members for conversions/upsell opportunities- life insurance group conversions from NW associates, pre-retirees and Nationwide Specialty Insurance plans.
• Maintain digital files for securities business and comply with regulatory requirements.
• Applies knowledge of industry trends, competitive intelligence, state and federal legislation, market movement, and investment performance and tax laws to advise and consult with customers of the advantages and disadvantages of different financial products; markets and promotes Nationwide financial products.
• Completes risk assessments and follows suitability guidelines established by Broker/Dealer to comply with federal and state laws.
• Meets continuing suitability obligations by performing reviews with customer to confirm or amend original solutions recommended.
• Appropriately follows up on pending cases to bring them to a close through outbound phone calls and emails.
• Completes applications and maintains appropriate documentation of communications with the customer to aid in the effort of customer retention and regulatory requirements.
• Executes Marketing campaigns for targeted customers via outbound calls or communications to present solutions for their specific need.
• Meets all regulatory requirements under applicable laws, rules and regulations. Adheres to all firm compliance and supervisory policies, including but not limited to, anti-money laundering/Office of Foreign Asset Control and/or privacy policies and procedures.

Performs other duties as assigned.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS: Reports to Sales Director, Direct and Member Solutions.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Undergraduate studies in Business, Finance, Communications, Marketing or related field, preferred.

Licenses/Designations/Registrations: FINRA Series 6, and 63 and other applicable state securities registrations and/or insurance licenses as required. Series 7 and 65/66 preferred. CFP or ChFC preferred. Associates must obtain the required Federal and/or state licenses/registrations within the time period designated by the business unit. Additional licenses/registrations may be required when new products and/or services are implemented. If an associate fails or is unable to obtain required licenses/registrations within the time period designated by the business unit, the associate will be ineligible to continue in the position.

Experience: Typically four years' experience in life insurance sales, registered representative or related field. Experience in financial sales client relationship and account management environment preferred.

Knowledge, Abilities & Skills: In depth knowledge of insurance financial products, sales, and customer services required. Knowledge of life underwriting practices and procedures for financial lines of business preferred. Verbal and written communication skills. Strong analytical skills. Demonstrated decision-making skills, including the ability to meet objectives, set priorities, and manage resources assuring objectives are met. Must be proficient in using computers and other applicable business applications.

Values: Regularly and consistently demonstrates Nationwide Values and Guiding Behaviors.

Staffing Exceptions to the above minimum job requirements must be approved by the: Executive and Human Resources

JOB CONDITIONS:

Overtime Eligibility: Not Eligible (Exempt)

Working Conditions: Normal office environment. Some travel may be required.

ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be the principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.

Benefits

We have an array of benefits to fit your needs, including: medical/dental/vision, life insurance, short and long term disability coverage, paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date, nine paid holidays, 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off, 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off, 401(k) with company match, company-paid pension plan, business casual attire, and more. To learn more about the benefits we offer, click here.

Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected and engaged. Nationwide prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic (or classification) protected by applicable law.