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Senior Growth & Initiatives Specialist - Strategic Accounts (6mo secondment)

AIA
Full-time
On-site
New Zealand

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Senior Growth & Initiatives Specialist - Strategic Accounts (6mo secondment)

πŸ”Ή Company: AIA

πŸ”Ή Location: Auckland, NZ - AIA House Auckland

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-time

πŸ”Ή Category: Insurance

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: May 13, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 5-10 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Driving strategic business initiatives and unlocking growth opportunities within the Strategic Accounts Team
  • Executing key projects that support AIA’s broader Distribution Strategy
  • Collaborating with various specialists to ensure alignment and successful project delivery
  • Developing and implementing strategies to enhance business outcomes and growth
  • Working closely with senior leaders to manage the implementation of sales strategies

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, project management, and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in driving growth initiatives and working collaboratively across teams.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Develop and implement a strategy to enhance the function, identifying opportunities to strengthen business outcomes and growth across the channel

βœ… Responsibility for project and key strategic initiative delivery, working closely with the Project Sponsors and Business Owners to ensure on-going strategic alignment and delivery of business objectives

βœ… Coordinate change management activities to ensure successful implementation of key initiatives and projects

βœ… Work closely with Growth & Initiatives Specialists across all channels, as well as the Performance & Delivery Specialists, to ensure alignment, collaboration and consistency

βœ… Proactively seek opportunities to improve, develop and enhance our offering to Advisors, customers and business partners

βœ… Develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of the external operating environment including the economy, competitors and digital

βœ… Analyze sales trends and provide recommendations to relevant team leaders

βœ… Lead the Group Assistance Programme (GAP) requirements, including member changes, liaison with Agency Services, reporting, payments and queries

βœ… Accountability for the collation, analysis and identification of sales anomalies within statistical data and information

ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of strategic planning, project management, and operational tasks. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail are crucial for success in this position.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field

Experience: 5-10 years of experience in sales, distribution, or a related field

Required Skills:

  • Excellent communication and relationship management skills
  • Strong negotiation and influencing abilities
  • Solid understanding of sales and distribution
  • Experience in workshop facilitation, presentation, and training across all levels
  • Proven track record of building strong connections at all levels, both internally and externally
  • Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to work collaboratively and develop solutions that meet business needs

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience in the insurance industry
  • Familiarity with the AIA Group and its products

ASSUMPTION: While industry-specific experience is not required, it would be beneficial for the candidate to have a basic understanding of the insurance industry and AIA's products.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the role and experience level, the estimated salary range for this position is NZD 120,000 - 150,000 per annum. This is an estimate and the actual salary may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

Benefits:

  • Health insurance
  • Retirement savings plan
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible work arrangements

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard office hours (Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM). Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and industry standards for similar roles in Auckland. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: AIA is a leading pan-Asian life insurance group with a presence in 18 markets. It offers a range of products and services including life insurance, accident and health insurance, and savings plans.

Company Size: AIA has over 10,000 employees globally and is the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group.

Founded: AIA was first established in Shanghai in 1919 and has since grown to become a market leader in Asia (ex-Japan).

Company Description:

  • AIA meets the long-term savings and protection needs of individuals by offering a range of products and services
  • The Group also provides employee benefits, credit life, and pension services to corporate clients
  • AIA serves the holders of more than 43 million individual policies and 16 million participating members of group insurance schemes

Company Specialties:

  • Life insurance
  • Retirement planning
  • Accident and health insurance
  • Wealth management solutions

Company Website: www.aia.com

ASSUMPTION: AIA's extensive experience and market leadership position make it an attractive employer for candidates seeking a stable and growth-oriented work environment.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior specialist level, reporting directly to the Head of Strategic Accounts.

Reporting Structure: The role will work closely with various specialists across the organization, including Growth & Initiatives Specialists, Performance & Delivery Specialists, and senior leaders within the Strategic Accounts Team.

Work Arrangement: This is a 6-month secondment opportunity, with the possibility of extension based on performance and business needs.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential extension of the secondment based on performance
  • Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and gain exposure to senior leadership
  • Possibility of permanent employment based on business needs and performance

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for candidates to gain experience in a strategic and impactful position, with potential for growth and development.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: AIA House Auckland is a modern, collaborative workspace with a mix of open-plan and private offices.

Office Location(s): AIA House Auckland, 215-217 Great South Road, Greenlane, Auckland 1051, New Zealand

Geographic Context:

  • Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, with a population of over 1.6 million people
  • The city is known for its vibrant culture, diverse communities, and natural beauty
  • Auckland offers a high quality of life, with a range of housing options, excellent education, and healthcare facilities

Work Schedule: Standard office hours with occasional flexibility for remote work or adjusted hours to meet project deadlines.

ASSUMPTION: Auckland's diverse and multicultural environment, along with its high quality of life, makes it an attractive location for both local and international candidates.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application and resume screening
  • Phone or video call interview with the Talent team
  • In-person or video call interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
  • Final interview with the Head of Strategic Accounts

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Project management and stakeholder engagement abilities
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Cultural fit and alignment with AIA's values

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
  • Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills
  • Research AIA and the insurance industry to demonstrate your understanding of the business and market trends

ATS Keywords: Strategic Accounts, Growth Initiatives, Project Management, Sales Strategy, Change Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Insurance Industry, AIA

ASSUMPTION: AIA's recruitment process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong track record in driving growth initiatives and working collaboratively across teams.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
  • Data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Google Analytics)
  • Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack)

ASSUMPTION: While specific tools and technologies may vary based on the projects and initiatives the candidate works on, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and basic project management tools is essential for success in this role.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Customer Centricity
  • Integrity
  • Respect
  • Excellence
  • One AIA

Work Style:

  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Adaptable and flexible
  • Results-driven and proactive
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • How do you demonstrate AIA's values in your daily work?
  • Can you provide an example of a time when you had to manage a complex project with multiple stakeholders?
  • How do you approach building and maintaining strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders?

ASSUMPTION: AIA's values and work style are integral to the company's culture and success. Candidates who demonstrate a strong alignment with these values and work style will be more likely to thrive in the organization.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
  • Working with diverse stakeholders, including senior leaders and external partners
  • Adapting to a new work environment and team dynamics during the 6-month secondment
  • Balancing the strategic and operational aspects of the role

ASSUMPTION: While this role presents unique opportunities for growth and development, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Successful candidates will be able to manage multiple priorities, work effectively with diverse stakeholders, and adapt to new environments.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • This role is similar to a Senior Project Manager or Strategic Initiatives role in other industries, but with a focus on the insurance industry and AIA's specific business needs
  • Unlike other roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to work on high-impact projects within a 6-month secondment, with potential for extension based on performance
  • Career progression in this role could lead to permanent employment with AIA, based on business needs and performance

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other senior project management or strategic initiatives roles, its focus on the insurance industry and AIA's specific business needs sets it apart. Additionally, the 6-month secondment nature of the role offers a unique opportunity for candidates to gain experience in a strategic and impactful position.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and implementing a new sales strategy for a key strategic account
  • Leading a cross-functional team to improve the customer onboarding process for a new product launch
  • Analyzing sales trends and providing data-driven recommendations to senior leadership

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of initiatives the candidate may work on during their 6-month secondment. The actual projects may vary based on business needs and priorities.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • How does this role fit into the broader strategic goals of the Strategic Accounts Team and AIA as a whole?
  • Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Strategic Accounts Team?
  • How does AIA support the growth and development of its employees, particularly those in secondment roles?
  • What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
  • How does AIA measure the success of this role, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) will I be expected to track and report on?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview process demonstrates the candidate's interest in the role and their ability to think critically about the organization and its priorities.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
  • Prepare a cover letter that explains your interest in the role and how your background and skills make you a strong fit
  • If applicable, prepare examples or a portfolio that demonstrates your relevant experience and achievements
  • Follow up with the Talent team one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the status of your application

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.