Job Type:PermanentBuild a brilliant future with Hiscox About HiscoxAs an international specialist insurer we are far removed from the world of mass market insurance products. Instead we are selective and focus on our key areas of expertise and strength - all of which is underpinned by a culture that encourages us to challenge convention and always look for a better way of doing things.We insure the unique and the interesting. And we search for the same when it comes to talented people. Hiscox is full of smart, reliable human beings that look out for customers and each other. We believe in doing the right thing, making good and rebuilding when things go wrong. Everyone is encouraged to think creatively, challenge the status quo and look for solutions.Scratch beneath the surface and you will find a business that is solid, but slightly contrary. We like to do things differently and constantly seek to evolve. We might have been around for a long time (our roots go back to 1901), but we are young in many ways, ambitious and going places.Some people might say insurance is dull, but life at Hiscox is anything but. If that sounds good to you, get in touch.You can follow Hiscox on LinkedIn, Glassdoor and Instagram (@HiscoxInsurance) The RoleAs Head of Sales and Distribution, you will operate in a highly visible position managing the growth of our commercial and personal lines business through brokers in Ireland. You will directly lead the sales operation through a team of 6 development underwriters and oversee the performance of the renewals business through the renewals leader, who reports to you. You, will be a vital part of the Irish leadership team along with the Heads of Underwriting, Operations, Claims, Finance and HR. Hiscox Ireland’s broker business stands at €52m GWP at the end of 2024. Your role will be to continue the profitable growth of the business through team engagement, sales organisation, digital strategy, broker partnerships and internal influencing.Key ResponsibilitiesLeadershipResponsible for delivering the revenue targets of the Irish business in respect of both Gross Written Premium and Profit for all lines of business.Recruit, develop and motivate a team of highly driven and talented development underwriters and personnel.Set SMART performance and personal development objectives for the team and take appropriate action against underperformance of any member of the team.Lead and coach the underwriters to ensure that their development and account management skills are in line with their technical knowledge.Ensure the succession of key roles through the active development of our talent.Work closely with the Underwriting Manager in respect of the underwriters’ personal and technical development.Business Planning and SalesDevelopment and implementation of the annual business plan, ensuring effective communication of this to the team and its execution.Management of the expenses, to ensure they are in line with budget.Monitor retention and cross-sell performance to ensure that existing business performs in line with expectations.Create an effective pipeline for future business and identify new business growth opportunities.Manage and develop the broker distribution channel including partnership agreements, commission levels and service levels all in line with the national strategy.Hold regular plan based sales management meetings to drive all sales activity towards exceeding premium and profit plans. InfluenceWorking closely, as part of the Irish leadership team, to contribute to the overall business strategies and tactics.Work closely with the Technical Underwriting team to ensure alignment with requirements for each broker and the overall strategy.By operating in a highly visible role you will be the face of Hiscox in the local market to ensure Hiscox has an excellent profile.Diversity And Flexible Working At HiscoxAt Hiscox we care about our people. We hire the best people for the job and we’re committed to diversity and creating a truly inclusive culture, which we believe drives success.We have also learned over the past 5 years that working life doesn’t always have to be in the office, and now it is safe to do so we have introduced hybrid working to encourage a healthy work life balance.This hybrid working model is set by the team rather than the business to enable you to manage your own personal work-life balance. We see it as the best of both worlds; structure and sociability on one hand, and independence and flexibility on the other.Work with amazing people and be part of a unique culture