AVP, Relationship Management - Regional & Local Markets (Central)

About the role

We are excited to bring on an AVP of Relationship Management (Central) to join the Group Protection Sales & Distribution organization. In this role, you must be located in the Chicago, IL area as your regular presence in our Dallas office is required. This position has oversight responsibility in Illinois, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, and the Dakotas.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing Account Management organization, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, engagement, and continuous growth while developing future leaders and building a strong talent pipeline.
• Shape and execute the Account Management strategy for Regional & Local Markets, aligning resources, service models, and client engagement approaches to drive retention, profitable growth, and exceptional customer outcomes.
• Drive client retention and business growth by partnering with Sales, Underwriting, and other key stakeholders to deliver effective renewal, growth, and relationship management strategies across a diverse portfolio of clients.
• Build and strengthen executive-level client and broker relationships, serving as a trusted advisor and ensuring clients realize maximum value from their partnership with Lincoln.
• Champion the voice of the customer, leveraging client insights, market trends, and feedback to influence business decisions, improve service delivery, and enhance the customer experience.
• Coach, mentor, and inspire talent at all levels, providing meaningful development opportunities, succession planning, and performance feedback that enables individuals and teams to thrive.
• Lead organizational transformation and continuous improvement efforts, optimizing operating models, enhancing processes, and leveraging data and technology to improve efficiency, service delivery, and business outcomes.
• Drive accountability for key performance measures, including client retention, growth, stewardship excellence, service performance, financial results, and employee engagement.
• Partner cross-functionally to deliver strategic solutions, ensuring alignment across Sales, Service, Underwriting, Operations, and Product teams to meet evolving client needs and business objectives.
• Influence the future of the organization by identifying emerging trends, recommending innovative solutions, and helping shape the long-term strategy of the Account Management function.

Requirements

• Must-have experience:
• 4 Year/Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience (4 years of experience in lieu of Bachelor's).
• 10+ Years Experience in relationship management that directly aligns with the specific responsibilities of this position, including 5+ years of managerial, supervisory, and/or demonstrated leadership experience including influencing senior management/stakeholders.
• Experience in strategic planning/execution.
• Strong presentation skills with demonstrated ability to influence at all levels of management through clear, informed and logical discussions/presentations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as ability to communicate knowledgeable and credibly with senior management and internal constituents.
• Licenses required upon hire.
• Nice-to-have Experience:
• Group insurance or sales experience.
• Sales acumen.
• Demonstrated leadership and work ethic experience through campus or community involvement.

Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience (4 years of experience in lieu of Bachelor's).
• At least 10 years of experience in relationship management, including 5+ years of managerial, supervisory, and/or demonstrated leadership experience.
• Experience in strategic planning/execution.
• Strong presentation skills with the ability to influence at all levels of management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Licenses required upon hire.

Skills

• Strategic planning/execution.
• Client relationship management.
• Account management.
• Leadership and management.
• Customer service and support.
• Team building and development.
• Financial analysis and reporting.
• Business development and growth.
• Market research and analysis.
• Communication and presentation skills.

Benefits

• Clearly defined career tracks and job levels, along with associated behaviors for each of Lincoln's core values and leadership attributes.
• Leadership development and virtual training opportunities.
• PTO/parental leave.
• Competitive 401K and employee benefits.
• Free financial counseling, health coaching and employee assistance program.
• Tuition assistance program.
• Work arrangements that work for you.
• Effective productivity/technology tools and training.

Pay

• The pay range for this position is $150,000 - $300,000 with anticipated pay for new hires between the minimum and midpoint of the range and could vary above and below the listed range as permitted by applicable law.
• The base pay is just one component of Lincoln's total rewards package for employees. In addition, the role may be eligible for the Annual Incentive Program, which is discretionary and based on the performance of the company, business unit and individual.
• Other rewards may include long-term incentives, sales incentives and Lincoln's standard benefits package.

Schedule

• This position requires a hybrid work arrangement, with the employee working 3 days a week in a Lincoln office.

Benefits

• Free financial counseling, health coaching and employee assistance program.
• Tuition assistance program.
• Work arrangements that work for you.
• Effective productivity/technology tools and training.