Business Development Manager, North East Region

Who is Cover Whale?

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.

We provide easy insurance options for our drivers at industry-leading insurance loss ratios for the insurance companies that support Cover Whale. The Commercial Auto and Trucking segment of the insurance industry badly needs our help, and so do the hard-working drivers who have been struggling with ever-increasing insurance costs year after year. Join us in the mission!

The Role: 

The Business Development Manager (BDM) – will report to the Retail Distribution Lead and will be responsible for managing a defined portfolio of retail distribution partners across a specific region. 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 by plane. 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 will include, but not be limited to: 

• Collaborate with underwriting, marketing, and development teams to develop, manage, and drive distribution and partner premium generation.
• Generate new relationships and develop current relationships to meet or exceed revenue goals with agency partners located in 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.
• Assist in the constant improvement of 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. 
• Drive a better brand image amongst our current trading partners and prospects with continuous outreach.
• Other duties as assigned.

• At least a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, plus 4 to 6 years of business development or account management experience. 
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in commercial insurance
• 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.
• Flexibility/adaptability. Adjusts quickly to changing priorities and conditions. Copes effectively with complexity and change.

At Cover Whale, we believe in transparent and equitable compensation practices. The expected base pay for this role has a range of $90,000- $130,000 per year. Final base pay is determined based on several factors, including skills, experience, and geographic location.

Base pay is only part of our total compensation package, which also includes:

• Annual discretionary bonus opportunity
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) company match up to 4 %
• Generous paid time off and company holidays. 

Cover Whale works to maintain the best possible environment for our employees, where individuals can learn and grow with the company. We strive to provide a collaborative environment where each person feels encouraged to contribute to their processes, decisions, planning, and culture.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law