Head of Sales and Distribution, GI

Head of Sales and Distribution, General Insurance

Zurich Insurance Europe AG, Ireland Branch is looking for a Head of Sales & Distribution, GI, who will be leading Zurich’s distribution strategy and execution across all channels – with a primary focus on the broker/intermediated market and selected direct and partnership channels.

You will drive profitable growth, strengthen our market position, and ensure we deliver great outcomes for customers and brokers. The role combines strategic leadership, strong market presence and hands‑on sales management, working closely with Underwriting, Product, Operations, Finance and Marketing.

This role may be available part-time or full time. This is because we want the best people for our roles, and we recognise that sometimes those people aren’t available full-time.  Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you may need.

Your Role

As a Head of Sales & Distribution, GI, your main responsibilities will include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:

1. Strategy & Leadership

• Define and lead the GI distribution and sales strategy for Zurich in Ireland, aligned with Group and local business objectives.
• Set clear direction and priorities for the Sales & Distribution organisation, including regional and key account teams.
• Translate strategy into executable plans with measurable targets, timelines and accountabilities.
• Represent Distribution on the GI Ireland leadership team and actively contribute to the overall business strategy.

2. Sales Management & Growth Delivery

• Own delivery of GI distribution targets (GWP, new business, retention, profitability, mix) across channels.
• Lead the broker and partner engagement strategy, including segmentation, service models and share‑of‑wallet growth plans.
• Oversee key broker and partner relationships, including strategic negotiations, trading agreements and joint business plans.
• Drive disciplined sales management practices (pipeline, activity management, performance reviews, coaching).
• Ensure alignment between sales activity and underwriting appetite, pricing strategy and portfolio steering.

3. Market & Customer Focus

• Maintain deep understanding of the Irish GI market, broker landscape, competitor activity and regulatory developments.
• Champion the voice of the customer and broker within the organisation; ensure their needs are reflected in propositions, service and processes.
• Identify new market opportunities, distribution partnerships and growth segments, including digital and affinity opportunities.
• Support development and launch of new products and propositions from a distribution perspective.

Your Role ctd.

4. Performance Management & Governance

• Work with the Distribution Performance Manager and Finance to set and monitor channel, team and individual targets.
• Review performance regularly, identify gaps and implement corrective actions and growth initiatives.
• Ensure robust governance of distribution activities, including adherence to Zurich’s Code of Conduct, risk appetite and local regulatory requirements.
• Proactively identify and manage distribution‑related risks (e.g. concentration, conduct, conflicts of interest).

5. People Leadership & Culture

• Lead, develop and inspire the Sales & Distribution team to deliver high performance and strong collaboration.
• Build a culture of accountability, customer focus, integrity and continuous improvement.
• Attract, develop and retain talent; ensure succession planning for key roles.
• Promote diversity, inclusion and wellbeing within the team.

6. Collaboration & Change

• Partner closely with Underwriting, Product, Claims, Operations, Finance, Marketing and Digital teams to deliver integrated solutions for brokers and customers.
• Act as a key sponsor or stakeholder for strategic initiatives (e.g. digital distribution, system transformations, customer experience improvements).
• Share best practices and collaborate with peers in other Zurich markets and at Group level.

Your Skills and Experience

As a Head of Sales & Distribution, GI,  your skills and qualifications will include:

Essential:

• Extensive experience in senior sales, distribution or commercial leadership roles within General Insurance.
• Strong knowledge of the Irish GI broker market and key intermediaries.
• Proven track record of delivering profitable growth and managing P&L or significant revenue responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high‑performing sales and account management teams.
• Strong commercial acumen, including understanding of underwriting, pricing, portfolio management and capital considerations.
• Excellent negotiation and relationship‑management skills at senior broker and executive level.
• Strong analytical and decision‑making skills, with the ability to balance growth and profitability.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, including experience presenting to executive stakeholders.
• Proven track record of people management at all levels, ability to manage key stakeholders and achieve desired result.

Desirable

• Experience working within a global or multinational insurance organisation.
• Familiarity with digital distribution, data‑driven sales management and marketing collaboration.
• Professional insurance qualification or relevant business qualification.

Competencies & Behaviours

• Strategic thinking – sets clear long‑term direction and makes sound strategic choices.
• Customer & broker focus – puts customer and partner needs at the centre of decisions.
• Results orientation – drives execution and holds self and others accountable for outcomes.
• Leadership & collaboration – builds strong teams, fosters collaboration and role‑models Zurich’s values.
• Change leadership – leads transformation and adapts quickly to market and regulatory change as well as change within Zurich
• Integrity & compliance mindset – acts consistently with Zurich’s Code of Conduct and regulatory expectations.

Additional Information

Primary work location is Blackrock, Dublin and travel may be required to other Zurich locations.

If you value an exciting and varied working environment and meet the above requirements, then our recruiter is looking forward to receiving your application by clicking on the button “Apply online”.

Who we are

Zurich is one of Ireland's leading insurance companies providing a wide range of general insurance and life insurance products and services. The company employs over 1,500 people across its locations in Dublin and Wexford.

Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) is a leading global multi-line insurer founded more than 150 years ago, which has grown into a business serving more than 82 million customers in more than 200 countries and territories, while delivering industry-leading total shareholder returns.

Reflecting its purpose to ‘create a brighter future together,’ Zurich offers protection services that go beyond traditional insurance, to support its customers in building resilience. Since 2020, the Zurich Forest project supports reforestation and biodiversity restoration in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest.

The Group has more than 65,000 employees and is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. Zurich Insurance Group Ltd (ZURN) is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and has a level I American Depositary Receipt (ZURVY) program, which is traded over-the-counter on OTCQX. Further information is available at www.zurich.com.