Programs Business Development Manager - Specialty Insurance (remote US)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan•Lansing, MI

10d•Remote

About The Position

The Program Business Development Manager is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and advancing new delegated underwriting authority program opportunities. This role requires deep understanding of portfolio-level underwriting performance, program structure, and risk management to ensure new opportunities align with the organization’s risk appetite and profitability targets. The position plays a critical role in assessing program administrators, evaluating underwriting discipline and historical performance, and developing comprehensive business cases (PARs) to support executive decision-making. The role works cross-functionally to move vetted opportunities through the pipeline and into successful implementation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in insurance, business or a related field is required.
Minimum ten (10) years of Property and Casualty experience preferably in an underwriting and/or product development role.
Minimum of five (5) years of delegated underwriting authority capacity (carrier or program admin) experience; or prior experience/roles in where insurance portfolio evaluation was critical. E.g. Reinsurance underwriter, M&A underwriting.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.
Demonstrated leadership and project management abilities.
Ability to make competent, independent decisions with minimal supervision.
Ability and proficiency in the use of computers and Company standard software specific to position.
Deep underwriting acumen with ability to evaluate performance at the portfolio level.
Strong understanding of program structures, economics, and controls within delegated authority models.
Advanced analytical and financial modeling capabilities.
Ability to assess administrator quality, underwriting discipline, and operational maturity.
Strong risk assessment and decision-making skills in ambiguous environments.
Proven ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders without direct authority.

Nice To Haves

Advanced industry certification such as CPCU, ARE, et al are preferred.
Relevant combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

Responsibilities

Identify and evaluate new program opportunities through market relationships, brokers, and program administrators.
Conduct initial screening of opportunities to assess strategic alignment, underwriting appetite, portfolio fit, target segments, and distribution approach.
Lead due diligence of program administrators, including evaluation of underwriting practices, portfolio performance, operational capabilities, governance, reporting, claims practices, and third-party relationships.
Assess administrator alignment with carrier expectations and identify risks related to underwriting discipline, adverse selection, and sustainable growth.
Evaluate program opportunities from a portfolio underwriting perspective, including class mix, exposure profiles, rate adequacy, pricing strategy, profitability outlook, volatility, concentration risk, diversification benefits, and forms utilization.
Partner with actuarial and underwriting teams to validate assumptions and ensure programs align with enterprise risk appetite and return thresholds.
Develop Program Assessment Reports, including financial projections, profitability analysis, risk assessments, mitigation strategies, program profiles, and implementation steps.
Translate complex underwriting and financial data into clear, actionable recommendations for senior leadership review and approval.
Manage program opportunities through the full pipeline lifecycle, tracking milestones, dependencies, risks, and strategic priorities.
Support implementation and transition of approved programs by driving cross-functional alignment, developing execution plans, and ensuring launch readiness.