Office Manager - Network Office

Overview

The responsibility of the Network Office Manager is to manage the business operations of the network office to enhance productivity and profitability. The Office Manager anticipates the needs of the office, plans for its development with the Managing Partner, recommends necessary changes, and takes independent action in his/her areas of authority. The Managing Partner subscribes to the philosophy, principles and practices of the Northwestern Mutual and Network Office.

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include but will not be limited to:

• Network Office Operations Support Team
  • Recommend to the Managing Partner the skills and amount of support required.
  • Interview and hire quality team members.
  • Train, either directly or indirectly, the team members in all aspects of their responsibilities.
  • Maintain adequate coverage through cross-training.
  • Conduct annual performance reviews with each member of the Team and recommend salary increases and promotions to the Managing Partner.
  • Maintain all necessary employee records and administer benefits.
  • Create and maintain job descriptions for each position.
  • Document performance problems and, if necessary, terminate staff with less than acceptable performance.
  • Create and maintain employee handbook.
• Administrative Procedures
  • Review all home office communication and ensure that Managing Directors, detached and housed financial representatives and staff are informed on a timely basis of any procedural changes.
  • Establish and regularly review all administrative procedures in the agency to ensure that the business needs of the network office and the requirements of the home office are met, and initiate changes.
  • Work in partnership with the Managing Partner to plan for network office development, recommend changes in staffing, equipment, office space or layout, financial representative training and support necessitated by development plans.
  • Develop and maintain an agency manual of policies, procedures and practices.
• Facilities Management
  • On an ongoing basis, inspect the office space, order necessary repairs or recommend replacement or improvement when necessary.
  • Establish, implement and maintain adequate security and safety procedures.
  • Recommend alterations in space planning to meet growth needs. Coordinate moves or expansions as necessary.
  • Research available technology and recommend changes in equipment as necessary.
  • Recommend the purchase and ensure proper maintenance of office equipment, furniture, and office supplies.
• Network Office Resource Center
  • In partnership with the Managing Partner, determine the level and type of administrative support to be offered to financial representatives and the charges for these services. Administer financial representative support programs.
  • Provide, directly or indirectly, support to financial representatives in prompt issuance of policies and effective service to policyowners. This will be in the form of troubleshooting, recommendation of home office or network office resources, and new business expediting.
  • Maintain adequate access and training for financial representatives to computer hardware and software. Understand the capabilities of the hardware and software and properly balance the resources. Maintain security of computer systems via sign-on administration. As new computer technology is introduced, become familiar with it and advise the Managing Partner and financial representatives on purchase and upgrades. Aid financial representatives in troubleshooting problems with hardware and software.
  • Train financial representatives on procedures and best practices.
  • In partnership with the Managing Partner, determine the network office's role in assistant hiring, training and continuing education.
  • Implement and administer inforce marketing or client service center programs in partnership with the Managing Partner.
• Financial (Assumes there is also accounting staff)
  • Annually, forecast expenses and work with Managing Partner (and accounting staff) on overall budgeting for the network office.
  • Throughout the year, (with accounting staff), monitor income and expenses against projections and recommend adjustments to the Managing Partner.
  • Reconcile operating and escrow accounts monthly.
  • Calculate allowances, charges, and loans.
  • Maintain integrity of financial systems.
  • Determine responsibilities for escrow accounting, petty cash management, payroll, etc.
  • If desired by the Managing Partner, assist new financial representatives with financial management.
  • Monitor financial representative and agency technology programs.
• Miscellaneous (optional)
  • Assist in the development and monitoring of contests.
  • Coordinate meetings and attendance at company annual and regional meetings.
  • Monitor reports (i.e., persistency, FMI Online, etc.).

Qualifications

It is recommended that the Network Office Manager candidate have the following qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in business or an equivalent combination of education and/or progressively responsible work experience
• Associate Agent Contract preferred
• Three to five years’ experience in a management position, including hiring, training, planning, financial monitoring, and program development, preferably in a service organization
• Proven ability to lead and manage people
• Demonstrated leadership to motivate and hold others accountable
• High degree of initiative
• Superior written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated use of time management skills
• High level of organizational skills
• Financial training or background, with emphasis on financial planning and budgeting
• Ability to take independent action and make sound decisions
• Overall knowledge in computer hardware and software
• Knowledge of state and federal Human Resources laws
• Ability to be diplomatic
• Ability to be flexible and open-minded
• Experience in strategic planning
• Ability to handle change, pressure, criticism
• Team oriented

Posted Salary Range

USD $50,000.00 - USD $65,000.00 /Yr.

FLSA Status

Exempt