The Director, Field Relations leads the Case Management team in delivering proactive and impactful support to advisors by shepherding cases from application receipt to policy issue. This role is responsible for operationalizing strategies that improve the purchase experience for advisors and clients through field facing education (field underwriting and new business process), increased proactive support using trending and data driven insights to drive internal and external improvements and demonstrating a relentless focus on optimizing service to advisors for life, health and annuity new business.

　　The Director, Field Relations will personally lead strategic engagements with the field, through representing new business in key distribution meetings, working with stakeholders to identify, drive and implement plans to improve the advisor and client purchase experiences and lead the case management team, by example, in executing value-added service delivery.

　　The Director, Field Relations will also lead the Strategic and Relationship Managers and have operational oversight (capacity planning, budget, productivity, etc) within the team and drive a continuous focus on identifying process improvements to increase efficiency, scale and value delivery while nurturing an engaged, talent-focused culture.

　　The Director, Field Relations is a key member of the New Business & Underwriting Leadership Team, reporting into the Vice President, New Business & Underwriting

　　DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

　　Responsible for crafting and implementing strategic initiatives to enhance relationships with external partners and improve the advisor and client purchase experience.

　　Develop comprehensive partner engagement strategies, identify market trends and collaborate with cross-functional teams to align field operations with overarching business objectives.

　　Drive long-term partnerships and maximize business growth in the area of purchase experience, leveraging the strategic vision.

　　Assess and understand insights from the voice of customer to ensure quality business recommendations are made and appropriate prioritization of process improvements with a focus on service delivery.

　　Establish strong relationships and build visibility with field leaders and key stakeholders to lead the strategic and tactical opportunities that drive advisor success navigating the purchase path. Regularly report out on action and impact.

　　Work across departments to implement optimization recommendations in line with the defined strategies initiatives and prioritize opportunities that are not tech dependent, to improve quality, scale and value add to the field supporting a “one Thrivent” service experience.

　　Use trending information and data driven insights to provide business solutions and drive a successful field engagement strategy. This includes identifying new business best practices and challenges by TAG, delivering education (field underwriting, NB process & tools), and driving process improvements.

　　Identifies solutions to overcome foundational technology and reporting gaps, and articulates strategic priorities where targeted advances in those foundational areas are needed.

　　Support leaders in developing employee skills to execute world class relationship-based case management, including communication, critical thinking and problem solving.

　　Maintain a control conscious, risk smart department while meeting budget, capacity, service and quality targets.

　　Support the leaders as they engage the team in developing consistent, reliable, value-added service including overall management of inventory as well as escalation resolution.

　　Models Thrivent’s leadership competencies – courage, collaboration, and commitment by demonstrating resiliency, working together to make the best decisions, and holding self and others accountable. ​

　　Supports and/or develops an environment in which Thrivent employees and colleagues are focused on continuous improvement, exceptional employee engagement, and an unwavering commitment to our clients. Shapes and/or supports a culture that represents the Thrivent purpose, promise and values, ensuring that Thrivent’s trust and reputation remain strong with its clients.

　　QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

　　Required:

　　College degree or equivalent

　　Proven people leader with 8- 10 years people leadership experience, and success developing talent bench

　　Demonstrated success building strategic partnerships and driving outcomes by using data and insights

　　Executive presence, including success influencing stakeholders and building credibility at all levels in an organization

　　Operational experience managing productivity, budgets, capacity and SLAs while driving continuous improvement

　　Knowledge of financial products required

　　Strong communication/interpersonal skills with emphasis on customer service, conflict management, teamwork and coaching skills

　　Experience with significantly improving processes and leading change

　　Relentless focus on building and growing an external perspective of emerging people, process and industry trends

　　Experience leading teams through change and effectiveness challenging the status quo with solution based alternatives

　　Preferred:

　　Strong knowledge of underwriting and new business processes

　　Broad knowledge of Thrivent business, products and systems

　　Thrivent provides Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) without regard to race, religion, color, sex , gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable local, state , or federal law. This policy applies to all employees and job applicants.

　　Thrivent is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation , please let us know by sending an email to [email protected] or call 800-847-4836 and request Human Resources.

　　At Thrivent, we believe money is a tool, not a goal. Driven by a higher purpose at our core, we are committed to providing financial advice, investments, insurance, banking and generosity programs to help people make the most of all they’ve been given. At our heart, we are a membership-owned fraternal organization, as well as a holistic financial services organization, dedicated to serving the unique needs of our customers. We focus on their goals and priorities, guiding them toward financial choices that will help them live the life they want today—and tomorrow.

　　For over 100 years, Thrivent has been helping people build their financial futures and live more generous lives. Today, it’s a Fortune 500 company that offers a full range of expert financial solutions, serving more than 2 million customers, as well as the communities in which they live and work.

　　Thrivent fosters a diverse workforce to serve our diverse clientele, reflecting a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. If you’re intrigued about our work and the possibility of becoming part of it, we invite you to visit Thrivent.com to learn more. You won’t just build a career; you’ll be part of an organization focused on growing, innovating, and serving.