Business Development Manager

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. Cover Whale offers easy, industry-leading insurance for commercial auto and trucking, aiding struggling drivers facing rising costs. Join us in the mission! The Role: The Business Development Manager (BDM) – Retail, Midwest 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 will include but not be limited to: 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. At least a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, plus a minimum of 4 to 6 years of business development or account management experience. A 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. At Cover Whale, we believe in transparent and equitable compensation practices. The expected base pay for this role has a range of $90,000 to $135,000. 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