Business Development Manager, West

Cover Whale • AZ

87d • $90,000 - $135,000

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, West 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.

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.

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.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees