American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company is a leading provider of annuity solutions designed to help clients protect and grow retirement income. Part of Brookfield Wealth Solutions, we partner with more than 40,000 financial professionals and help fund over half a million retirements nationwide. Recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies and named a Top Workplace in Iowa, American Equity fosters a collaborative and purpose-driven culture where employees are empowered to ignite their passion and help shape the future of financial services.
Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, with satellite offices in Charlotte, NC and New York, NY, American Equity provides opportunities for employees to support work across the enterprise, including our sister company, American National, headquartered in Houston, Texas.
GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
The Competitive Intelligence Specialist supports Distribution leadership and Sales teams by providing in-depth product positioning and partner analysis for the Bank/Broker Dealer distribution channel. The role is responsible for monitoring and compiling information about competitor products, pricing, and marketing activity to support product positioning. This position primarily supports Distribution, but also supports other areas including, but not limited to, Marketing, Product, and Operations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Analyzes competitor products features and attributes as well as monitoring for changes, such as rate updates, new product/features, and other changes to determine impact to distribution.
· Monitor distributor and carrier relationships across channels, maintaining an active list of carriers and products among the top 20 partners and prospects.
· Maintains extensive knowledge of the performance of our FIA indices versus competitor indices and updates account managers and wholesalers monthly.
· Maintain a library of positioning information on each competitor by compiling materials, competitor websites, and general news/ratings.
· Answers competitive and case design questions related to book-of-business reviews from wholesalers.
· Maintains non-product related information of top carrier competitors including internal sales, external sales, and national accounts staffing models as well as technology tools and advanced planning resources.
· Supports product initiatives via pre-launch analysis that may include, but not limited to: Data analysis/compilation, competitive research on like features, and related marketing material compilation.
· Helps develop training for new employees and current employees regarding our products and our competition.
· Identify emerging market opportunities and threats.
· Performs other related work as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:NA
Direct Reports: None
General Description of Indirect Reports (2 and 3-downs): None
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university in business or related field of study; plus, two (2) or more years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS:
None
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
· In depth understanding of insurance business; specifically, annuities.
· Excellent analytical, written, and oral communication skills.
· Ability to take ownership and drive key initiatives.
· Strategic/creative thinker.
· Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.
· Strong customer service orientation.
· Mathematical skills and strong attention to detail.
· Ability to work cooperatively and successfully with employees, customers, and other third parties.
· Strong organizational and planning skills.
· Advanced knowledge and command of Microsoft Excel and database systems.
· Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals and technical/operational procedures.
· Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
· Ability to successfully handle pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.
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At American Equity, our core values—Empowered, Passion, Integrity, and Caring—are more than words. They guide how we support one another and how we serve our clients every day. To learn more about American Equity, our culture, and our values, visit the Careers site.
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Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in business or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Two or more years of related experience
- In-depth understanding of insurance business, specifically annuities
- Advanced knowledge and command of Microsoft Excel
- Experience with database systems
- Excellent analytical, written, and oral communication skills
- Strong attention to detail and mathematical skills
- Ability to present information clearly and respond to questions
- Strong organizational and planning skills; ability to handle pressure and meet deadlines
What We Do
American Equity* Fixed Index Annuities * Retirement Planning * Customer Service An American-owned and operated company headquartered in the heart of the Midwest, American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company® is a leader in the fixed indexed annuities marketplace. American Equity’s growth and success is attributed to our dedication to excellent customer service and emphasis on building customer relationships. “The One Who Works for You!®” serves as the foundation for the way American Equity does business and values its more than 500 employees. Guided by our Principles of Excellence, we do more than sell retirement annuity products -- we are dedicated to fostering opportunity and innovation to meet the ever-changing needs and goals of retirement. "It's About the People" is the American Equity story and the legacy of our founder David J. Noble. This commitment to excellence includes our employees, agents, partners, and contract owners. We thank you for entrusting us with the things that matter most. When your retirement begins, you want to ensure you can enjoy it, which is why it’s important to have reliable support that can help fund every day of your golden years. After all, your life of hard work has earned you the retirement you planned for. These are the guiding principles that define everything we do. American Equity is the one who works for you.
