Sales Director

Guardian Financial Services; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private Medical Insurance

Company Pension Scheme

Private dental insurance

Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice

Cycle to Work

Travel Insurance

Medical Cash Plan

Gym memberships

24/7 GP service

25 days holiday

Job summary

Guardian Financial Services is seeking an experienced Sales Director to lead the execution of the UK protection sales strategy, manage distribution relationships and drive sustainable growth. You will work with the Head of Commercial Strategy to translate strategy into actionable plans and ensure the sales model stays aligned with adviser and customer needs.

You will lead a management team, maintain accountability for results, and navigate regulatory obligations while pursuing ambitious market

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience within sales, distribution or commercial leadership.
• Extensive knowledge of the UK intermediary market, ideally within protection or related financial services.
• Proven track record delivering sustainable growth and market penetration.
• Experience leading multiple sales channels through senior leaders.
• Proven ability to build and retain high-performing sales teams.
• Strong experience with strategic partnerships, major accounts and negotiations.
• Experience managing large sales budgets, forecasts and investments.
• Strong analytical capability using market and performance data.
• Experience operating in a regulated environment with sales risk management.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders including executives.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel nationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of Guardian’s sales strategy to deliver growth.
• Oversee sales activity, partnerships and distribution relationships.
• Translate strategy into an insightful sales plan.
• Define where to compete and prioritize markets and relationships.
• Lead the sales function with disciplined execution and accountability.
• Ensure growth is commercially sustainable within risk appetite and regulatory obligations.

Skills

Senior leadership

UK market knowledge

Sales strategy development

Multi-channel leadership

Team development

Strategic partnerships

Budget management

Analytics

Regulatory risk management

Stakeholder influence

Presentation skills

Willingness to travel

Job description

At Guardian, our mission is simple: to ensure every family has protection they truly believe in. We’re challenging the market with a fresh approach and a brand promise — Life. Made Better.

We are looking for an experienced Sales Director to join our team.

What does a Sales Director do?

As Sales Director, you will lead the execution of Guardian’s sales strategy, ensuring our sales activity, strategic partnerships and distribution relationships collectively deliver sustainable growth, increased market share and strong outcomes for advisers and customers.

Working with Head of Commercial Strategy, you will support the translation of Guardian’s commercial strategy into a clear, insight-led sales strategy, establishing where and how we compete, the markets and relationships we prioritise, and the capabilities required to achieve our ambitions. You will lead on the execution of the sales strategy, ensuring our sales model remains relevant to the changing needs of advisers, partners and the wider UK protection market.

Working through your management team, you will create one clear direction for the wider sales function, with disciplined execution, effective performance management and strong accountability for results. As a senior leader, you will ensure growth is commercially sustainable and delivered within Guardian’s risk appetite, regulatory obligations and commitment to good customer outcomes.

Who are we looking for?

• Significant senior leadership experience within sales, distribution or commercial leadership.
• Extensive knowledge of the UK intermediary market, ideally within protection or a related financial services sector.
• A proven track record of developing and leading successful sales strategies that deliver sustainable growth and increased market penetration.
• Experience of leading multiple sales channels, teams or portfolios through senior leaders.
• Demonstrable success in building, developing and retaining high-performing sales teams.
• Strong experience of strategic partnerships, major accounts and senior commercial negotiations.
• Experience of setting and managing significant sales budgets, forecasts and investment decisions.
• Strong analytical capability and experience of using market and performance data to inform strategic choices.Experience of operating within a regulated environment and managing sales, distribution and customer-outcome risks.
• A proven ability to influence senior internal and external stakeholders, including executive-level decision-makers.
• Excellent presentation, communication and relationship-management skills.
• Ability to travel nationally as required.

What’s in it for you?

• Private Medical Insurance with rewards for yourself with discounted rates for your family members
• Competitive Company Pension Scheme
• Access to several employee discounted schemes to suit your lifestyle including but not limited to:
  • Private dental insurance
  • Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Comprehensive Europe and Worldwide Travel Insurance
  • Medical Cash Plan
  • Gym memberships
  • Access to 24/7 GP service for you and your family
  • 25 days holiday with the option to purchase more

This is an exciting time to be joining us with plenty of opportunity for professional growth.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds, identities and experiences and we actively promote equal opportunities in our recruitment process.

Most of our vacancies can be offered on a hybrid basis, working 50% of your working time per month from the office. We can also consider flexible working. Should you wish to learn more about the role, or have any questions, please contact our HR Team via [e-mail].