Business Relationship Consultant

About Us:
EquiTrust Life Insurance Company is a national carrier of competitive, client-friendly annuity products sold through a variety of distribution channels, including more than 20,000 independent agents and independent marketing organizations (IMOs). Since 2003, we have provided exceptional customer service to our clients by operating with integrity and passion. Our efforts are supported by a dedicated workforce who execute their responsibilities through teamwork and an entrepreneurial spirit. EquiTrust sells products nationwide and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with operations in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Position Summary:
The Business Relationship Consultant will represent the sales team as the primary liaison between EquiTrust Administration and the Independent Marketing Organizations that EquiTrust partners with, with the primary responsibility being the timely and effective handling of escalated operational inquiries and issues related to EquiTrust products and services, in addition to continuously strengthening new and existing business relationships. This individual will build relationships with key external operational staff of EquiTrust’s distribution partners and will also work collaboratively with internal team members and department leaders, as well as independently, to accomplish their daily responsibilities, with the ultimate goal of providing excellent customer service to our distribution partners and customers.

What You'll Do:

• Represents the Sales and Marketing department as a point of contact for distribution partners, including agents and Independent Marketing Organizations, regarding administration escalations, issues and inquiries related to EquiTrust consumer products and services.
• Conducts training for distribution partners on EquiTrust processes, procedures, and best practices through webinars, telephone conversations and/or on-site visits.
• Onboards new distribution partners regarding EquiTrust administrative processes, procedures, and best practices.
• Builds relationships with key operational staff of EquiTrust distribution partners.
• Partners with Regional Vice Presidents (RVPs) and Internal Wholesalers in managing and understanding the operational processes of our distribution partners.
• Works closely with the Business Relationship Analyst in the identification, escalation, and resolution of operational challenges.
• Identifies opportunities for improvements in operational processes and procedures to partner with distribution partners better and more efficiently. Works closely with Business Relationship Analyst to recommend and implement procedural and/or process changes.
• Proactively researches and tracks competitor operational processes and best practices.
• Has a strong understanding of industry operational challenges and solutions. Participates in industry working groups when applicable.
• Attends and participates in various strategic partner meetings, sponsorships, and conferences as needed.
• Supports the Sales and Marketing team and/or other departments on an as-needed basis.
• Willingly takes on additional responsibilities as requested in order to accomplish department and Company objectives.
• Actively participates and contributes to the goals and objectives of the Company by working collaboratively and fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.

What You'll Bring:
Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent required.
  • Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Experience:

• Degreed Professionals: 4 years of life and annuity experience required.
• 2 years sales or relationship management experience required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Effective communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrates the ability to proactively identify and solve problems and issues of all types.
• Ability to establish positive relationships and work effectively with all departments and affiliates to ensure integration of strategic goals and principles.
• Strong understanding of EquiTrust administration systems.
• Capability to utilize technology to work more efficiently, more productively and as an auditing tool.
• Ability to interact with all levels of internal and external resources, vendors as well as other departments.
• Strong problem solving abilities.

Where You’ll Work: 

• West Des Moines, IA
• Office Location: Moderate travel (10 – 20% of the time). 
• Expected Travel: Travel not likely/required.

EquiTrust is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in the U.S. Federal E-Verify program. Applicants have rights under federal and state employment laws. To learn more, visit EquiTrust Careers. 

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Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.