National Distribution Relationship Manager

Job Description:

A leading organization in the insurance industry is seeking a seasoned National Distribution Relationship Manager to expand and strengthen its national network of specialist insurance agencies and brokerages. The role involves managing existing distribution relationships within multifamily, commercial real estate, and hospitality sectors while strategically recruiting and activating new agency partners. This position requires a focus on business development, relationship management, and strategic planning, working closely with internal teams such as underwriting, claims, and operations.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in insurance distribution, established industry relationships, and the ability to operate independently across multiple markets.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive national distribution strategy targeting franchised hotel, commercial real estate and multifamily verticals.
• Build and maintain a targeted prospect list of specialist agencies and brokerages with strong practices in hospitality and commercial real estate.
• Engage agency principals, practice leaders, producers, and decision-makers to influence business flow and evaluate prospective partners based on expertise, geographic reach, and reputation.
• Lead prospective agencies through qualification, due-diligence, contracting, appointment and onboarding processes.
• Coordinate with compliance and operations to ensure licensing, coverage, agreements and documentation are in place for appointment activation.
• Develop activation plans for new agencies including training, account targeting, opportunity pipelines and performance expectations.
• Serve as the primary relationship owner for assigned agency partners, maintaining and expanding the existing portfolio.
• Establish multiple contact levels within each agency to promote stability and growth of relationships.
• Conduct regular in-person visits, virtual meetings and industry event participation to strengthen partnerships.
• Create joint business plans for key agencies, including target-client profiles, growth strategies and measurable production goals.
• Monitor opportunity pipelines, submission activity, quotes, conversions and overall business quality, adjusting strategies as needed.
• Develop a deep understanding of Avalon's product offerings, underwriting appetite and value proposition to effectively educate and support partners.
• Provide feedback on market trends, competitor activity and partner concerns. Maintain complete records of activities within CRM systems and produce monthly and quarterly reports on partner activity, pipeline, and forecasts.
• Travel approximately once per month across the country to meet with current and prospective distribution partners and industry stakeholders.

• 5+ years of experience in commercial property and casualty insurance distribution, agency development or related fields
• Proven success in developing and managing relationships with insurance agencies or brokerages
• Strong knowledge of commercial property insurance, underwriting processes and distribution channels
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate potential agency partners and develop strategic partnership plans
• Excellent negotiation, presentation and communication skills
• Experience with CRM or relevant relationship management software
• Ability to work independently across multiple markets and manage approximately 45 relationships and prospects
• Willingness to travel nationally about once per month
• Bachelor's degree in business, insurance, risk management, marketing or related field
• Active property and casualty producer license (preferred); willingness to obtain and maintain required licenses

Alexandria Van Riper