National Distribution Leader (Affinity) & Head of Strategic Partnerships

The Head of National Affinity Distribution & Strategic Partnerships accelerates revenue growth through the direct origination and execution of enterprise-level corporate partnerships, while expanding Zurich North America’s US A&H Affinity distribution strategy across key intermediary channels.

This market-facing leader, dedicated subject matter expert, and player-coach drives disciplined execution across the business development team to cultivate durable, direct relationships with corporate enterprises, while optimizing downstream distribution through specialized brokers and MGAs/MGUs.

The role serves as a primary brand ambassador within A&H Affinity, digital ecosystems, and direct-to-entity consumer markets; contributes to financial planning, forecasting, and budgeting in consultation with the US Head of Distribution; and acts as executive relationship lead to designated strategic partners in coordination with the US Head of Distribution and Global Head of A&H.

Key Responsibilities:

Thought Leadership & Growth Execution

• Own execution of the US A&H Affinity distribution strategy across channels, while contributing to the development of our US A&H Affinity distribution strategy in partnership with the Head of Affinity, US Head of Distribution, and other key stakeholders
• Drive new gross written premium (GWP) growth through development of enterprise-level partnerships and distribution channels
• Build and maintain a robust, high-quality pipeline with known relationships and partners, while working with US distribution staff to identify and develop opportunities with new relationships and partners

Strategic Partnerships & Execution

• Partner with underwriting, product, operations, and distribution leadership to bring solutions from concept through launch
• Lead cross-sell initiatives with internal market basket leaders to drive high-opportunity wallet share expansion within Zurich North America

• Pursue sales to customers and partners within our Group Affinity appetite from pipeline to execution

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Act as a player-coach, assisting business development generalists with product awareness, training, processes, and the conversion of leads into completed sales
• Provide leadership on deal strategy, pipeline management, and partnership execution for designated Market Basket
• Instill best practices in prospecting, relationship management, and strategic selling as appropriate for designated Market Basket
• Assist business development staff with lead generation, relationship management/targeting, and behaviors conducive to success in the US Affinity space
• Conduct regular meetings and dialogue with business development staff to ensure consistency of approach with appetite and strategy, awareness, and instructions

Market-Facing Leadership

• Serve as a visible industry leader and brand advocate in client, broker, and partner engagements
• Build durable, executive-level relationships with decision makers across target accounts and strategic partners
• Support marketing and thought leadership efforts to position the organization as a leader in A&H and Affinity solutions

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree and 7 or more years of experience in the Sales area
  OR
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 9 or more years of experience in the Sales area
  OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 7 or more years of experience in the Sales area
  AND
• Leadership experience of multidisciplinary teams internally and externally

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven track record of driving high-impact revenue growth
• Results-oriented mindset and a deep focus on execution and teamwork
• Deep expertise across affinity, broker, and alternative distribution channels
• Strong executive presence with experience engaging stakeholders at all levels

Your pay at Zurich is based on your role, location, skills, and experience. We follow local laws to ensure fair compensation. You may also be eligible for bonuses and merit increases. If your expectations are above the listed range, we still encourage you to apply—your unique background matters to us. This position includes a variable component that is based on an individual's performance under the applicable sales incentive plan. The annual variable compensation based on performance under the sales incentive plan for this role is targeted to be equal to the base annual compensation for the position if all sales targets are met but not exceeded (exceeding them would result in higher incentive compensation, while falling under plan would result in lower incentive compensation). Based on performance under the sales incentive plan for this role will range between $150,000.00 - $350,000.00 depending on geographic location.

We offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits for employees and their families. [Learn more about Total Rewards here.]

Why Zurich?

At Zurich, we value your ideas and experience. We offer growth, inclusion, and a supportive environment—so you can help shape the future of insurance. Zurich North America is a leader in risk management, with over 150 years of expertise and coverage across 25+ industries, including 90% of the Fortune 500®.

Join us for a brighter future—for yourself and our customers.

Zurich in North America does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy or other characteristics protected by applicable law. Equal Opportunity Employer disability/vets.

Zurich complies with 18 U.S. Code § 1033.

Please note: Zurich does not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies. Preferred vendors should use our Recruiting Agency Portal.

Location(s): AM - Connecticut Virtual Office, AM - Atlanta, AM - New York, AM - Chicago, AM - Dallas, AM - Houston, AM - Philadelphia, AM - Los Angeles
Remote Working: Yes
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No


Linkedin Recruiter Tag: #LI-AK1 #LI-DIRECTOR #LI-HYBRID