Insurance Business Development Manager

Job Title: Insurance Business Development Manager

Location: Irvine, CA (Hybrid - 1-2 days in office)

Employment Type: Direct Hire

Salary: $105,000 - $115,000 Bonus

Travel: 20% domestic travel, with overnight trips (1-3 days)

Overview

The Insurance Business Development Manager is a high-impact, externally focused role responsible for driving growth through new partnerships and affinity relationships within the insurance ecosystem.

This role is ideal for someone currently working within the insurance industry-such as at a carrier, agency, MGA, or insurtech-who brings an existing network and a track record of building partnerships through industry relationships and events.

You will own the full lifecycle of partnership development-from sourcing and relationship-building to deal execution-while working closely with carrier partners and affinity organizations to expand distribution and revenue.

What We're Looking For

We are specifically seeking someone who is already embedded in the insurance space and thrives in a highly external, business development-driven role.

The ideal candidate:

• Comes from an insurance carrier, agency, brokerage, MGA, or insurtech environment
• Has experience driving new partnerships, distribution channels, or affinity programs
• Brings an existing network of industry relationships (carriers, agencies, affinity groups, etc.)
• Regularly participates in industry conferences, events, or networking groups
• Is proactive, relationship-driven, and energized by building something from the ground up

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Partnership Growth

• Proactively identify, source, and pursue new partnership opportunities across the insurance ecosystem, including affinity groups, agencies, carriers, and digital distribution partners
• Leverage existing industry relationships to generate new business opportunities and expand reach
• Build and manage a strong pipeline from initial outreach through deal execution
• Develop business cases and partnership proposals, including forecasts for volume, conversion, and ROI
• Lead negotiations and execute partnership agreements in collaboration with Legal, Compliance, and Finance

Carrier & Affinity Relationship Development

• Build and expand relationships with insurance carrier partners to support new and existing programs
• Identify and develop new affinity partnerships that drive customer acquisition and premium growth
• Collaborate with partners to design and launch new distribution opportunities

Relationship Management & Industry Presence

• Serve as the primary point of contact for key partners, fostering long-term, high-impact relationships
• Conduct regular performance reviews and implement strategies to improve results
• Represent the organization at industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events, building a strong presence in the market
• Partner with internal marketing teams and external partners to execute acquisition campaigns

Performance & Analytics

• Own revenue, growth, and profitability targets across assigned partnerships and channels
• Analyze performance data to identify trends, optimize results, and drive continuous improvement
• Work cross-functionally with product, data, and technology teams to align on business needs and opportunities

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Insurance, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience

• 5 years of business development, partnerships, or sales experience within the insurance industry (required)
• Background working for an insurance carrier, agency, brokerage, MGA, or insurtech (required)
• Proven success sourcing and closing new partnership or distribution opportunities
• Experience with personal lines (auto/home) or commercial insurance products strongly preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Strong relationship-builder with the ability to leverage an existing professional network
• Demonstrated "hunter" mindset with a proactive approach to sourcing new opportunities
• Solid financial acumen, including building business cases and managing to ROI
• Strategic thinker who can connect market opportunities to business goals
• Strong execution skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously
• Effective communicator with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment

Benefits

• Competitive compensation performance-based bonus
• Hybrid work flexibility
• Generous PTO (vacation, sick, holidays, volunteer time)
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, life, pet insurance)
• 401(k) with company match
• Professional development and education support
• Career growth and internal mobility opportunities
• Wellness and mental health resources

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.