AVP, Payroll Distribution – Small Business

The Hartford

. Execute The Hartford’s Small Business Sales & Distribution Strategy .

Posted 9/17/2026full-timeHartford • Connecticut • United StatesLead💰 $164,000 - $246,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive experience in Small Business Sales and Partner Management, with a strong focus on strategic thinking, relationship building, and leading teams. Proficient in creating and executing compensation deals, managing P&L, and delivering executive-level presentations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Small Business SalesPartner ManagementP&L ManagementTeam LeadershipStrategic Thinking

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Sales Strategy ExecutionCompensation Deal CreationBusiness DevelopmentData InterpretationMarket Trend Analysis

Soft Skills

Persuasive CommunicationRelationship ManagementOrganizational SkillsConflict ManagementCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

XactPAYComposite Billing

Industry Keywords

Small Business InsurancePayroll IndustryHCM IndustryBusiness ForecastingExecutive Presentations

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Execute The Hartford’s Small Business Sales & Distribution Strategy
Partner with The Hartford’s two largest payroll partners
Manage P&L for the two largest payroll partners
Exceed growth targets while maintaining target returns
Build and execute strategic priorities
Create complex compensation deals and contracts
Develop new growth opportunities
Conduct partner forecasting
Mentor and lead direct reports
Own Product, Sales, Underwriting (PSU), and partnership meetings
Potentially lead all payroll partner management
Serve as business lead for payroll billing products XactPAY and Composite Billing
Lead business development for new payroll partners
Report to the Head of Payroll, Alliances, and Small Business Programs Distribution

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum of 10 years’ experience in Small Business sales, underwriting, operations, or partner management required
5+ years of experience leading and managing a team either directly or indirectly
Knowledge of Small Business Insurance; Payroll/HCM industry experience is a plus
Exceptional sales, relationship management, organizational and leadership skills
Strategic thinking and willingness to take hands-on action
Excellent persuasive communication skills and ability to influence high-level decision makers
Ability to create and deliver executive-level presentations with appropriate depth and clarity
Ability to solve complex business problems and use and interpret data to support decisions and recommendations
Ability to identify business trends, market-condition changes, and competitor activity and respond accordingly
Ability to lead change and work comfortably in a complex environment with shifting priorities, unknowns, and limited direction
Ability to manage conflict, negotiate, and create compelling business arguments
Ability to influence diverse teams and build strong business relationships
Ability to collaborate with senior leadership and translate their needs into actionable plans
Ability to work collaboratively in a matrixed environment and influence support for new ideas and approaches
Ability to move fast without becoming overwhelmed
Willingness and ability to travel as required, 10%–20% of the time

Benefits

Comp & perks

Short-term or annual bonuses
Long-term incentives
On-the-spot recognition
100% remote work schedule
Remote work arrangement for candidates who do not live near an office, with office attendance as business needs arise