Associate-Distribution Performance

About the role

At Northwestern Mutual, we believe relationships are built on trust. That our lives and our work matter. These beliefs launched our company nearly 160 years ago. Today, they're just a few of the reasons why people choose to build careers at Northwestern Mutual.

We're strong and growing. In a company with such a long and storied history, this may be the most exciting and important time to be a part of Northwestern Mutual. We're strong, innovative and growing.

We invest in our people. We provide opportunities for employees to grow themselves, their career and in turn, our business.

We care. We make a positive difference in our communities. Nationally, thousands have benefitted from our support of research and programs to fight childhood cancer. Each year, our Foundation, employees and financial representatives donate time, talent and financial support to causes they're passionate about.

What's the role?

Northwestern Mutual distributes its products and services through 76 distribution affiliates across the US. Led by an independent Managing Partner, each of these affiliates is comprised of on average 100 financial advisors and an almost equal number of staff members. Each affiliate’s annual revenue ranges from $6 million to $35 million.

The Associate is a member of the Distribution Performance team that partners and advises these Managing Partners/distribution affiliates on their operations. The Associate works with a team of primary business advisors (Principals) in their efforts to drive affiliate performance by…

Applying problem solving and experience based judgement to the complex challenges of these businesses. These challenges holistically include local strategy, financial management, talent development optimization, culture refinement, regulatory compliance and leadership development.

Assisting Managing Partners in driving execution of affiliate business plans and aligning these plans with the Company strategy. The Associate is responsible for staging, sequencing and delivery of strategic initiatives within each assigned distribution affiliate. The Associate collaborates with the affiliate’s leadership team to operationalize and execute on strategy locally.

Providing real time feedback and collaborating with corporate partners on the development of strategic initiatives.

Supporting the development of affiliate recommendations to senior leadership.

Northwestern Mutual continues to evolve its industry leading distribution model. The Associate plays a critical role in leading this evolution as a part of a team responsible for a portion of the Company’s distribution system. The Associate reports to a Lead Principal of one of four regions of the distribution system and leverages a team of analysts to execute the responsibilities identified above.

Bring Your Best! What this role needs

• We seek individuals who demonstrate leadership, integrity, a sharp analytical mind, creativity, and the ability to work across all levels of an organization to influence direction sometimes without direct authority.
• Minimum 5-8 year of progressively responsible work experience emphasizing decision making, finance, consultation, influence, and communication.
• Advanced graduate degree (e.g., MBA, JD, PhD, etc.), CFA or CPA preferred. Excellent academic record required.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced technical skills in the Microsoft Office suite.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• An understanding of economic forces affecting the financial services industry
• Ability to critically and logically evaluate the costs, risks and benefits of alternatives before coming to a solution.

Ability to engage in and model courageous and constructive dialogue; confidence to offer a new and potentially challenging idea to foster conversation and critical thinking; ability to deliver difficult and/or complex messages and help others understand multiple points of view.

Demonstrated ability to anticipate and respond quickly and creatively to change and shifting and sometimes competing priorities. Comfort operating through risk and uncertainty in a high-volume work environment.

Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time.

Req ID: 16621

Position Type: Regular Full Time

Education Experience: Master's Desired

• Employment Experience: 6-8 years
• Licenses/Certifications: FLSA Status: Exempt
• Posting Date: 08/22/2017