Sales & Retention Lead Agent, Direct Distribution - Personal Lines

Nationwide•Tupelo Creek, SC

About The Position

If you’re passionate about helping people protect what matters most to them at a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales, as well as innovating and simplifying processes and operations to provide the best customer value, then Nationwide’s Property and Casualty team could be the place for you! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers and partners are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care. The Sales and Retention Lead Agent support teams of sales and retention agents by serving as subject matter experts, supervisor backup and reliable point of escalation. This role provides mentoring, assists with training, and models behaviors that contribute to a positive, customer‑focused culture. It collaborates across departments, contributes to process and product enhancements, and participates in cross‑functional initiatives. Core responsibilities include supporting coaching plans, advancing business initiatives, and monitoring performance and meeting department goals. The role applies data analytics to identify trends and recommend strategic actions, and leverages strong project‑management practices to plan, coordinate, and execute initiatives efficiently. Project management is used to track progress, manage timelines, communicate updates, and ensure that improvements are delivered with consistency and measurable impact. Overall, the position blends subject‑matter expertise, analytics, and project‑management capabilities to strengthen sales performance and enhance both agent and business unit effectiveness. Whether working to sell new or retain existing business, we are customer-focused, positive, persistent and tenacious. Our products are designed to protect our customers and we know that insurance coverage has the potential to make their worst day better. If you are technologically savvy, can connect and communicate in a fast-paced environment and adapt easily to changes, we want to know more about you! As a Sales and Retention Lead Agent, you'll lead a team of sales and/or retention agents. We'll count on you to be back-up support to the supervisor, a subject matter authority for the business unit and mentor for sales/retention agents. We'll also expect you to be a champion of business unit culture by actively supporting and role modeling business initiatives.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in business, marketing, economics, insurance or related field.
Ten years of experience managing sales programs within a call center, sales support, marketing or direct selling environment.
Knowledge of sales management, call center and/or sales support practices and procedures and assigned business unit products and distribution relationships.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to analyze producers' needs, recommend products and determine training.
Associates must acquire the required federal and/or state licenses/registrations of Life and Health License, FINRA Series, 6, 26 and 63 within the time period designated by the business unit. Additional licenses/registrations may be required when new products and services are implemented. If an associate fails to acquire required licenses/registrations within the designated time period, the associate will be ineligible to continue in the position.

Nice To Haves

Recent PL Sales and or PL Retention experience, with a minimum of 6 months in role post training
Must be in good standing with performance/attendance
Work schedule will be Mon - Fri 8 AM - 4:30 PM CST, the schedule may require flexibility
Internal only - Comp Grade: E.S55
Graduate studies preferred in business, marketing, or related subject area.

Responsibilities

Supports functions to facilitate and enhance the sales process and achieving annual sales goals.
Represents the assigned business unit on internal management teams, sub-committee management teams and product development, implementation, administration and other teams, as necessary, to arrive at business line strategies.
Assumes lead role when appropriate.
Works closely with the sales leaders to assess current organizational sales capabilities and make sound recommendations for improving sales effectiveness and execution.
Helps develop sales strategy for assigned business unit products and services.
Builds and grows relationships with agents, business partners and leaders.
Troubleshoots and expedites resolution of problems between Nationwide and its various distribution channel partners in licensing, underwriting, accounting, administration and performance.
Researches complex, technical questions about products or distribution for assigned business unit.
Develops coaching plans and programs.
Helps develop quotas.
Implements plans and programs.
Coordinates and monitors approved budget.
Supervises training of sales personnel.
Prepares formal presentations and assumes lead role in ad hoc discussions during training.
May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

medical/dental/vision
life insurance
short and long term disability coverage
paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date
nine paid holidays
8 hours of Lifetime paid time off
8 hours of Unity Day paid time off
401(k) with company match
company-paid pension plan
business casual attire