Insurance Commercial Director

Ardonagh; Sleaford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading national insurance company is seeking a Commercial Director in Sleaford to lead a team focused on regional sales and retention strategies. The successful candidate will drive revenue, manage compliance, and develop talent. Ideal for those with significant insurance experience and strong leadership skills. This role promotes a culture of accountability and high performance.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of managing teams to deliver revenue targets.
• Extensive insurance experience required.
• Experience in delivering financial growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Account Executives and Development Executives.
• Oversee financial performance of the AE team.
• Manage compliance and risk within the team.

Skills

Strong people management

Excellent relationship management

Negotiation skills

Conflict management

Problem-solving

Business process understanding

Coaching and mentoring

Education

Experience in insurance

Track record in managing teams

Job description

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for driving commercial success and empowering high-performing teams? We’re looking for a Commercial Director to lead a dynamic team of Account Executives and Development Executives, shaping the future of our regional sales and retention strategy.

About the Role

As Branch Commercial Director, you’ll be at the forefront of our growth strategy and contribute to branch and regional P&L targets. You’ll be responsible for performance management, talent development, and ensuring your team is equipped to thrive in a competitive market.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strong, effective leadership to the Account Executive/Development Executive team, offering direction, guidance, and support on complex client issues.
• Continuously review market trends and competitor activity to identify opportunities and threats, offering clear strategic advice.
• Collaborate with your Branch Director to meet financial targets and deliver outstanding customer outcomes in line with Consumer Duty requirements.
• Lead on risk management, ensuring compliance with quality assurance standards and implementing effective monitoring systems.
• Identify barriers to retention or sales and promote growth opportunities, sharing best practices across the business.
• Work with your Branch Director to optimise the customer journey, balancing satisfaction with technical standards and driving continuous improvement.

Key Role Accountabilities

Trading

• Oversee and be accountable for the financial performance of the AE team.
• Contribute to regional development plans and placement strategies to achieve new business targets.
• Embed a cross-selling mindset aligned with our ‘Untold is Unsold’ initiative.
• Regularly assess product suitability in line with market trends and competitor activity.
• Collaborate with local teams to execute strategic plans and adapt to market changes.

Risk Management, Governance & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to systems and controls that manage firm risks and comply with the Ardonagh Accountability Framework.
• Maintain team conduct and competency in line with FCA rules and internal compliance standards.
• Partner with compliance to implement governance and escalation mechanisms.
• Act as an FCA Certified person, fulfilling all associated responsibilities.
• Uphold the four key principles of Consumer Duty, placing clients at the heart of everything we do.

Financial Good Governance

• Deliver agreed budget on both revenue and EBITDA.
• Promote a culture of cost efficiency and commercial awareness across the AE team.
• Implement processes that drive cost control and embed commercial thinking.
• Manage the cost base effectively and produce required cost ratios.
• Identify financial shortfalls or opportunities and initiate appropriate responses.
• Maintain a strong internal control framework, ensuring all spend aligns with Delegated Authority Framework (DAF).

Strategic Partnerships & Stakeholder Management

• Build strong relationships across branches, regions, and the wider platform to support strategic delivery.
• Develop lasting connections with colleagues, clients, insurers, and suppliers.
• Communicate change effectively, fostering shared responsibility and engagement.

Culture and Behaviours

• Communicate the Ardonagh Advisory vision and values clearly to the team.
• Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and high performance within an inclusive environment.
• Inspire and support team members to deliver their best, setting clear objectives and expectations.
• Promote a shared sense of purpose aligned with Advisory Platform goals.
• Role model positive behaviours and support the Growth through Excellence initiatives.
• Champion equality, inclusion, and diversity across all aspects of the business.

People & Leadership

• Inspire and motivate your team to deliver regional and divisional goals.
• Provide regular updates, training, and performance evaluations.
• Support career development through personal development plans and succession planning.
• Complete all people management tasks on time and to a high standard.
• Ensure effective workforce planning, recruitment, and retention to meet branch objectives.

Knowledge & Experience

• Proven track record of managing teams to deliver revenue targets within a regulatory framework.
• Extensive experience in insurance, including placement and insurer relationships.
• Demonstrated success in delivering top and bottom-line growth, both organically and inorganically.
• Experience improving business performance and employee engagement through effective sales planning.
• Significant experience managing a P&L budget.
• Strong understanding of business processes and performance levers.
• Commercially focused with financial awareness and market intelligence.
• Familiarity with risk management frameworks in regulated environments.
• Strong client relationship management skills.
• Ability to coach, mentor, and guide others.
• Skilled in building relationships across all levels of the business.

Skills

• Strong people management with a focus on coaching and mentoring.
• Excellent relationship and stakeholder management across all levels.
• Resilience and ability to manage conflict constructively.
• Creative and innovative problem-solving.
• Highly adaptable and flexible.
• Commitment to excellence and high standards.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.

Everywhen is an equal opportunities employer, with a growing and thriving diversity, equity and inclusion strategy; we are committed to a working environment that is free from discrimination, is inclusive, and empowers our people to bring their whole self to work and reach their full potential.