Business Development Leader - Hybrid or Remote Opportunity

Job Description

As the Business Development Leader (BDL), you will lead strategic planning and execution within your assigned area. You are responsible for driving growth, retention, and profitability through the development and management of key distribution partnerships. In alignment with GuideOne’s distribution strategy, you will collaborate closely with Underwriting Managers and Territory Managers to shape geographic distribution plans, guide production strategies, engage brokers, and build a robust business pipeline.

Accountabilities: Business Development

1. Grow and strengthen key national trading partnerships by developing mutually beneficial relationships with marketing, sales, and regional leaders.
2. Cultivate existing distribution partnerships and recruit new producers that create strategic value and drive scalable partnerships.
3. Develop and execute the business development strategy for the focus niche.
4. Drive financial performance to meet premium and profitability goals.
5. Advocate for new business opportunities, key renewals, and resolve issues with senior management of distribution partners.
6. Maintain a consistent approach to distribution and line of business engagement, communication, and collaboration to align strategies with goals.
7. Lead regular engagement meetings with carrier liaisons, practice leaders, and marketing representatives to drive top-down strategies.
8. Position the company as a lead carrier for business fitting underwriting appetite to increase wallet share in core niches, supporting growth, retention, and profitability targets.
9. Approve appointments and cancellations of distribution partners as needed.
10. Utilize market knowledge to identify panels, programs, master policies, and portfolio transfer opportunities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent education/work experience. Professional designations (CIC, CPCU, ARM, P&C License) are highly desirable.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of commercial insurance territory management experience; underwriting experience preferred.
• Ability to build and develop new partnerships and deepen existing relationships for GuideOne.
• Demonstrable expertise with sales and insurance concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Experience developing and selling to large independent agencies, brokers, aggregators, and wholesalers.
• Strong relationship-building skills within the distribution marketplace and at peer levels.
• Ability to segment distribution partnerships and create engagement strategies based on marketplace knowledge.
• Experience in developing distribution in new geographical areas.
• Experience collaborating with underwriting personnel.
• Knowledge of commercial insurance, especially in non-profit human services, education, religious institutions, and small business niches.
• Proven record of achieving business and profitability goals.
• Excellent communication skills—verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal.
• Experience managing large and complex broker structures and local operations.
• Ability to communicate persuasively with partners, peers, and senior executives.
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to manage conflicting priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; capable of preparing reports and presentations.
• Skilled in data analysis and presentation.
• Ability to work remotely with independent judgment and creativity.
• Highly motivated with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Adaptable to change and capable of leading in a dynamic environment.
• Willingness to travel overnight frequently to maintain peer relationships with distribution partners.
• Experience with CRM programs.

Compensation:

• $120,000 - $160,000, commensurate with experience, plus bonus eligibility.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary plus incentive plans.
• 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match.
• Basic life, AD&D, long-term and short-term disability insurance.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Wellness incentives.
• Generous paid time off, including personal, holiday, and volunteer days.
• Flexible work schedules with hybrid/remote options.
• Educational assistance.