Head of Client & Distribution Management

Head of Client & Distribution Management, Germany (m/f/d)

Permanent in Cologne, Germany

The Head of Client & Distribution Management, Germany provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of AXA XL’s client management, distribution, and related marketing activities in Germany. The role develops and executes integrated strategies for client retention, growth, and satisfaction, distribution partner development, and cross-channel distribution. Acting as the primary interface among brokers, clients, and internal functions, the role drives innovative, value-led solutions that support profitable growth and strengthen AXA XL’s market position in Germany. The role leads team members and team leaders across Broker Distribution, Client Distribution, Distribution Analytics, and Marketing, as well as assistants and other roles within Client & Distribution Management.

What you’ll be doing

Strategic Leadership and Development

• Develop and execute Germany’s Client & Distribution Management strategy in alignment with AXA XL’s global strategy, governance frameworks, and regional market conditions.
• Deliver an innovative, integrated, and client-centric go-to-market strategy that captures market opportunities and builds long-term partnerships.
• Lead segment-specific distribution activities with brokers and other relevant channels, including MGAs.
• Continuously improve Client & Distribution Management processes to increase efficiency, share of wallet, and client and distribution partner satisfaction, supported by comprehensive client and distribution data.
• Ensure the effective implementation and execution of AXA XL’s growth initiatives.
• Design and implement sustainable, long-term client and distribution partner management approaches.
• Implement cross-segment strategies and continuously monitor sales pipelines in the CRM system, using data-driven insights to steer market activity and sustainably improve conversion rates.
• Develop and execute the marketing plan to position AXA XL strategically in the German commercial and specialty insurance market, aligned with defined strategic and business objectives and informed by market conditions and trends.

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead team leaders and direct reports across Distribution and Marketing.
• Develop, coach, and manage team performance to sustain high engagement, professional capability, and delivery against objectives.
• Foster an inclusive culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Own resource planning and budget management for distribution and marketing activities in Germany.

Stakeholder Management and Representation

• Build, expand, and maintain strategic, cross-functional relationships with brokers and other partners, clients, internal functions (including Underwriting, Operations, Claims, and Risk Advisory), relevant suppliers and other AXA entities in Germany through ONE AXA.
• Represent AXA XL at industry events and conferences, engaging effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Collaborate closely with the international Chief Client & Distribution organization and relevant Client & Distribution teams across Northern Europe and the Business Unit APAC&Europe.

Innovation and Project Management

• Initiate and lead projects that enhance the client experience and improve distribution processes.
• Continuously assess market developments, client and distribution partner needs, and competitor activity to identify and implement innovative solutions.

You will report to the Country Manager, AXA XL Germany & Regional Manager, Northern Europe and you will have a dotted-line report to the Chief Client & Distribution Officer, APAC & Europe.

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for someone who has these abilities and skills:

Professional Requirements

• University degree, preferably in business administration, finance, insurance, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in the international commercial and specialty insurance market, with a proven track record of business success and team leadership.
• Deep expertise in developing and managing cross-channel distribution strategies, particularly across broker and direct client channels.
• Proven leadership capability, including experience leading multi-layered teams and developing and executing strategic initiatives.

Competencies and Leadership Qualities

• Clear strategic vision and an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Excellent stakeholder management and people leadership skills, with the ability to build sustainable business relationships.
• Ability to solve complex problems creatively, develop innovative approaches, and lead change effectively.
• Proven ability to work across functions, connect teams, and promote efficiency and collaboration.
• Persuasive communication and influencing skills at all levels, including the ability to negotiate with senior executives.
• Excellent negotiation skills, a clear client focus, and the ability to build lasting partnerships.
• A growth-oriented, strategic mindset combined with a hands-on and innovative approach with proven track record.
• Extensive experience in integrated, data-driven Client & Distribution Management, including CRM system(s) and other digital tools and solutions, such as artificial intelligence (AI).
• Fluency in German and English; proficiency in an additional language is an advantage.

Our benefits

• An attractive working environment, with attractive compensation with a secure, socially committed and fair employer
• The compatibility of family and career is important to us - that's why we offer 30 days of vacation + vacation on your birthday, a flexible working time model with working hours between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. and the option to work from home
• A company car, which can also be used privately, is provided for the job
• An attractive company pension plan and the option to purchase company shares at preferential conditions
• Appealing gastronomy with varied and healthy dining options in modern office buildings
• Diverse opportunities for personal and professional development
• Special offers for employees, such as the EGYM Wellpass fitness programme, Jobrad and Digital4U – gross leasing for personal IT devices (tablets, laptops, smartphones and much more)
• Jobticket subsidy

What we offer

Inclusion

AXA XL is committed to equal employment opportunity and will consider applicants regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity and origins, marital status, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic.   At AXA XL, we know that an inclusive culture enables business growth and is critical to our success. That’s why we have made a strategic commitment to attract, develop, advance and retain the most inclusive workforce possible, and create a culture where everyone can bring their full selves to work and reach their highest potential. It’s about helping one another — and our business — to move forward and succeed.

• Five Business Resource Groups focused on gender, LGBTQ+, ethnicity and origins, disability and inclusion with 20 Chapters around the globe.
• Robust support for Flexible Working Arrangements
• Enhanced family-friendly leave benefits
• Named to the Diversity Best Practices Index
• Signatory to the UK Women in Finance Charter

Learn more at axaxl.com/about-us/inclusion-and-diversity.  AXA XL is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Total Rewards

AXA XL’s Reward program is designed to take care of what matters most to you, covering the full picture of your health, wellbeing, lifestyle and financial security. It provides competitive compensation and personalized, inclusive benefits that evolve as you do.

We’re committed to rewarding your contribution for the long term, so you can be your best self today and look forward to the future with confidence.

Sustainability

At AXA XL, Sustainability is integral to our business strategy. In an ever-changing world, AXA XL protects what matters most for our clients and communities. We know that sustainability is at the root of a more resilient future. Our 2023-26 Sustainability strategy, called “Roots of resilience”, focuses on protecting natural ecosystems, addressing climate change, and embedding sustainable practices across our operations.

Our Pillars:

• Valuing nature: How we impact nature affects how nature impacts us. Resilient ecosystems - the foundation of a sustainable planet and society – are essential to our future. We’re committed to protecting and restoring nature – from mangrove forests to the bees in our backyard – by increasing biodiversity awareness and inspiring clients and colleagues to put nature at the heart of their plans.
• Addressing climate change: The effects of a changing climate are far-reaching and significant. Unpredictable weather, increasing temperatures, and rising sea levels cause both social inequalities and environmental disruption. We're building a net zero strategy, developing insurance products and services, and mobilizing to advance thought leadership and investment in societal-led solutions.
• Integrating ESG: All companies have a role to play in building a more resilient future. Incorporating ESG considerations into our internal processes and practices builds resilience from the roots of our business. We’re training our colleagues, engaging our external partners, and evolving our sustainability governance and reporting.
• AXA Hearts in Action:  We have established volunteering and charitable giving programs to help colleagues support causes that matter most to them, known as AXA XL’s “Hearts in Action” programs. These include our Matching Gifts program, Volunteering Leave, and our annual volunteering day – the Global Day of Giving.

For more information, please see axaxl.com/sustainability.

Who we are

AXA XL, the P&C and specialty risk division of AXA, is known for solving complex risks. For mid-sized companies, multinationals and even some inspirational individuals we don’t just provide re/insurance, we reinvent it.

How? By combining a comprehensive and efficient capital platform, data-driven insights, leading technology, and the best talent in an agile and inclusive workspace, empowered to deliver top client service across all our lines of business − property, casualty, professional, financial lines and specialty.

With an innovative and flexible approach to risk solutions, we partner with those who move the world forward.

Learn more at axaxl.com