The Commercial Growth Leader is a senior leadership role responsible for driving strategic growth for a growing Managing General Agent (MGA) through two complementary pillars: expanding distribution through key wholesale and retail partnerships, and identifying, developing, and launching new insurance programs. The ideal candidate brings deep Property and Casualty expertise with multi-line experience across specialty markets, enabling them to evaluate program opportunities across a broad range of commercial lines. This role bridges the gap between market opportunity and internal execution, working cross-functionally with product development teams, business line leaders, marketing, and carrier/reinsurance partners to bring profitable programs to market and scale them through targeted distribution.
Business Development & Distribution- Cultivate and maintain required relationships with key wholesale distribution partners and internal retail partners to drive program placement and premium growth.
- Represent the organization at industry associations including WSIA, Target Markets Program Administrators Association (TMPAA), and other relevant insurance industry events and conferences.
- Negotiate and manage distribution agreements, and strategic partnership agreements with favorable terms that support long-term growth objectives.
- Lead and manage the Business Development Team; provide mentoring, coaching, and ongoing training to drive individual and team performance.
- Conduct regular sales meetings, prospecting sessions, and pipeline reviews to ensure consistent activity and accountability across the team.
- Oversee sales activity and pipeline management through CRM platforms (e.g., HubSpot), driving prospect identification, campaign execution, and conversion.
Product Development & Program Strategy- Identify new program opportunities by monitoring market trends, emerging risks, distribution gaps, and competitor activity across specialty verticals.
- Conduct market assessments for prospective programs, including evaluation of total addressable market, competitive landscape, key distribution channels, and carrier/reinsurer appetite.
- Develop business cases for new program opportunities to support leadership decision-making and carrier/reinsurer negotiations.
- Partner with internal product development teams and business line leaders to define program structures, coverage forms, underwriting guidelines, and rating frameworks for new and existing programs.
- Assist in the end-to-end program launch process - from concept through distribution rollout - coordinating across underwriting, compliance, operations, and technology.
- Collaborate with the marketing team to develop go-to-market strategies, campaigns, and promotional materials that drive producer awareness and program growth.
- Monitor and report on program performance metrics, identifying opportunities to optimize distribution, pricing, and marketing strategies.
Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration- Act as a key voice of the market internally, providing leadership with ongoing intelligence on industry developments, distribution trends, and competitor positioning.
- Build and sustain a high-performance culture through recruiting, developing, and retaining a motivated and effective Business Development team.
- Work with CRMG Leadership and Business Development Leaders to align growth strategies with organizational goals and resource planning.
Qualifications, Knowledge & Experience- Minimum 10 years of experience in the insurance industry, with significant experience in an MGA, wholesale brokerage, program administrator, or specialty carrier environment.
- 7+ years of experience in business development, sales management, or product/program development within the insurance industry.
- Deep understanding of the MGA/wholesale insurance marketplace, including program business structures, carrier relationships, and reinsurance frameworks.
- Established relationships with key wholesale distribution partners and select retail distribution partners.
- Established relationships with carrier partners and reinsurance partners operating in specialty or program business segments.
- Active involvement and relationships within WSIA, Target Markets Program Administrators Association (TMPAA), or other relevant insurance industry associations.
- Demonstrated ability to identify program opportunities and translate market insights into actionable business plans and proformas.
- Strong contract negotiation skills with prior contract negotiation experience with distribution partners required.
- Exceptional relationship-building skills with wholesale brokers, retail agents, carrier partners, and reinsurers.
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives from concept to launch.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess market potential, evaluate program performance, and make data-driven recommendations.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to present effectively to internal leadership, carrier partners, and distribution audiences.
- Self-starter with a high degree of initiative, accountability, and the ability to influence without direct authority.
- Current P&C license as required by the applicable State Department of Insurance, or willingness and ability to obtain required licenses.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; intermediate to advanced Excel skills; experience with CRM platforms (HubSpot or similar) and Agency Management Systems.
Working Conditions- Ability to travel up to 50% of the time, including attendance at industry conferences, partner meetings, and distribution events.
#LI-JW1
#LI-REMOTE
