About the position
Cover Whale improves road safety by combining the insurance products we sell with our data-driven driver coaching and safety program. Our safety program is proven to save lives while delivering better insurance for our drivers. Cover Whale offers easy, industry-leading insurance for commercial auto and trucking, aiding struggling drivers facing rising costs. Join us in the mission! The Business Development Manager (BDM) – Retail, Central Region will report to the Retail Distribution Lead and will be responsible for managing a defined portfolio of retail distribution partners across the South-Central United States. The BDM will execute strategies to increase premium production, deepen engagement with existing Tier 1 and Tier 2 partners, and identify new high-potential relationships within the region. This role requires maintaining approximately 50% of time in-field travel across the Midwest, including but not limited to partners in Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas. The BDM will balance in-person engagement with strategic account management, ensuring that partner relationships are actively nurtured and aligned with Cover Whale’s growth objectives.
Responsibilities
- Work with underwriting, marketing, and development teams to manage and drive distribution and partner premium generation.
- Cultivate and expand agency partnerships to achieve revenue targets within your territory.
- Represent Cover Whale in meetings with distribution partners, seminars, trade shows, and networking events.
- Prospect new distribution partners and agents.
- Identify and execute opportunities to further engage with current partners.
- Establish, track, and report on KPIs, while routinely meeting or exceeding goals.
- Help improve business development, partner management, and onboarding processes.
- Establish a positive distribution team culture.
- Carry out market trend research and competitor analysis to discover customers' needs.
- Produce Strategic development goals to increase revenue growth with our trading partners.
- Research, plan, and implement prospective accounts in target markets.
- Continuously outreach to current and prospective partners to improve brand image.
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- At least a Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- Minimum of 4 to 6 years of business development or account management experience.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in commercial insurance is a must.
- At least 1 year of experience working for a carrier, wholesaler, or MGA is preferred.
- Proven ability to drive significant revenue generation results from distribution partners.
- Experience successfully developing and managing retail and wholesale commercial lines brokers/agents, MGAs, MGUs, and other strategic partners.
- Demonstrated level of comfort and effectiveness in cold calling agency partners.
- Experience in prospecting and negotiating with distribution partners.
- Thorough understanding of insurance business financials.
- Ability to negotiate and navigate complex business situations.
- Demonstrated leadership, interpersonal, and influencing skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Deep aptitude for numbers, passion for accuracy, and exceptional attention to detail.
- Superb communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to adapt quickly to change and complexity.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience working with Tier 1 and Tier 2 partners.
- Familiarity with the South-Central United States market.
Benefits
- Annual discretionary bonus opportunity
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) company match up to 4 %
- Generous paid time off and company holidays
