Strategic Sales Director (Hybrid) — UK Protection

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

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