Senior Manager, Special Projects- Distribution

Job Purpose

This role is responsible for driving the development and implementation of new strategic capabilities within the Regional Agency. Acting as a key enabler of innovation, the Special Projects Lead will spearhead initiatives across Value-Added Services (VAS), new distribution models, and AI-driven solutions to enhance the agency's competitive positioning and operational effectiveness across the region.

This is a high-impact individual contributor role within the Regional Agency function, designed for a self-driven professional who thrives in ambiguous, fast-moving environments. The Special Projects Lead will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the agency business by piloting and scaling capabilities that set the regional agency apart in an increasingly competitive market.

What Success Looks Like

• Successful launch of at least 2-3 new capabilities (VAS, distribution model, or AI initiative) within the first 12-18 months.
• Clear roadmap and pipeline of innovation projects aligned with regional agency strategy.
• Strong partnerships established with local operating entities and cross-functional teams.
• Measurable impact on agency productivity, customer experience, or revenue growth.

What you do

• Drive New Capabilities: Lead the identification, design, and delivery of new capabilities including VAS, innovative distribution models, and AI-powered solutions for the regional agency business.
• Special Projects Delivery: Own and manage end-to-end delivery of strategic special projects, from concept through to implementation and scaling.
• AI & Digital Innovation: Explore and pilot AI and digital tools to improve product offerings, distribution efficiency, and customer experience within the agency channel.
• VAS Development: Develop and launch value-added services that complement core insurance products and strengthen the agency value proposition.
• New Distribution Models: Research, design, and test new distribution approaches to expand reach and improve agency productivity.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams (IT, Operations, Distribution, Product) and local operating entities to align initiatives with regional and local strategies.
• Market Intelligence: Monitor industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for the regional agency business.
• Business Case Development: Build compelling business cases and roadmaps for new initiatives, including feasibility assessments and ROI projections.

What you bring

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Technology, Insurance, or a related field MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 8-10 years of experience in insurance, financial services, or consulting, with exposure to product development, distribution, or digital transformation.
• Proven track record of delivering strategic projects or new business capabilities from concept to execution.
• Strong understanding of agency distribution models and the insurance value chain.
• Familiarity with AI/ML applications, digital tools, and emerging technologies in financial services.
• Experience working in a regional or multi-market environment is highly desirable.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to translate high-level strategy into actionable project plans.
• Innovation Mindset: Comfortable with ambiguity able to explore, test, and iterate on new ideas.
• Project Management: Strong execution skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams independently.
• Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and influencing skills to work across functions and markets.
• Analytical Skills: Data-driven approach to decision-making and problem-solving.
• Self-Starter: Able to operate independently without a team, driving outcomes through influence and collaboration
• AI-Skills: ChatGPT, CoPilot, & Claude will be advantage

Allianz Group is one of the most trusted insurance and asset management companies in the world. Caring for our employees, their ambitions, dreams and challenges, is what makes us a unique employer. Together we can build an environment where everyone feels empowered and has the confidence to explore, to grow and to shape a better future for our customers and the world around us.

At Allianz, we stand for unity: we believe that a united world is a more prosperous world, and we are dedicated to consistently advocating for equal opportunities for all. And the foundation for this is our inclusive workplace, where people and performance both matter, and nurtures a culture grounded in integrity, fairness, inclusion and trust.

We therefore welcome applications regardless of ethnicity or cultural background, age, gender, nationality, religion, social class, disability or sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected under applicable local laws and regulations.

Join us. Let's care for tomorrow.