Business Development Specialist

Posted Feb 20

What we look for

Our exceptional and motivated employees are our greatest strength. Our employees provide the highest level of customer service and help maintain our position as a leader in the global marketplace.

Markel Style

The Markel Style is what makes us stand out from our competitors. It's our core value which should underpin how we do business, while influencing our behavior and performance. We are looking for people who have potential and share our passion to live the Markel Style, which is described in more detail below.

If you think you have these core attributes we want to hear from you.

Job Summary:

The primary purpose of a Business Development Specialist is to grow and enhance agency relationships and increase premium production according to the annual growth budget. The BD roles is to ensure Markel becomes more relevant with its agency base by improving current relationships and finding new profitable contacts. The BD will collaborate and use all resources available (i.e. UW, PLL, RPs) to build targeted business plans while prioritizing relationships within assigned regions. This position requires strong communication and presentation skills. This role requires employees to drive on a regular basis. Employees in this position maintain a valid driver’s license and acceptable DMV Motor Vehicle Record which will be pulled on an annual basis for verification.

  • This opportunity is only open to candidates in North Carolina, Pennsylvania and South Carolina to allow the Mid-Atlantic region to continue our marketing strategy in an efficient manner.
  • Develop suggested business strategies for agents that will improve the agents’ business and lead to increased Markel business;
  • Work on pricing terms and deals – may have limited underwriting authority;
  • Prioritizes and plans resources and time within their assigned region;
  • Influence agents to move business with Markel – solution deals with agents to win the business;
  • Finds other avenues to sale (i.e. other distribution channels). Stay current on product, market, and industry knowledge in assigned region;
  • Finds ways to grow agents’ book with multiple product offerings from Markel, while retaining profitable business;
  • Continually reviews accounts and makes daily decisions if new strategies, additional education, pricing and/or commission changes, or other initiatives should be implemented;
  • May assist on special projects;
  • High volume of travel in the Mid-Atlantic region when appropriate.

Qualifications:

  • 2+ years of experience in admitted underwriting, business development or sales;
  • Proven technical knowledge and skills reflective of progression of growing responsibility;
  • Must have excellent oral and written communication skills, and skilled presentation competence;
  • Technologically savvy; proficient in Excel, Word, Powerpoint, ImageRight and Outlook;
  • Strong analytical, interpersonal, risk assessment and time management skills;
  • Must be a team player that enjoys a flexible and spontaneous business environment;
  • Flexible to travel when appropriate.

Please note: Markel's phased approach for re-entry into our buildings is designed to balance the ongoing health, safety, and well-being of our employees with operational considerations and regulatory/governmental requirements and recommendations. As a result, we implemented a hybrid return to work strategy that allows for three days in the office every week.

In keeping with the values of the Markel Style, we strive to support our employees in living their lives to the fullest at home and at work. We offer competitive benefit programs that help meet our diverse and changing environment as well as support our employees’ needs at all stages of life. All full-time employees have the option to select from multiple health, dental and vision insurance plan options and optional life, disability, and AD&D insurance. We also offer a 401(k) with employer match contributions, an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, PTO, corporate holidays and floating holidays, parental leave.

The base salary offered for the successful candidate will be based on compensable factors such as job-relevant education, job-relevant experience, training, licensure, demonstrated competencies, geographic location, and other factors.

“Why work for us?”

Diversity and inclusion

Markel is truly a global and diverse company. We believe that diversity makes us better business partners and that embracing people’s differences can bring amazing results and fuel innovation. We have a portfolio of businesses and product lines that operate around the world.

Community involvement

Markel has a rich heritage of supporting communities across the world where our customers and employees live and work. Giving back is part of our history and our future. Our employees share in this philosophy through volunteering, mentoring and fundraising.

Commitment to open doors

Markel is committed to creating the best work environment. Our open-door policy is essential in recognizing business issues as they rise and to address the changing needs of our diverse and global workforce. Challenging management is a component of the Markel Style—some of our best ideas start from a conversation between a manager and an employee.

Entrepreneurial spirit

As the Markel Style states, we pursue excellence, strive for a better way, and share the success of others. Markel associates proactively seek new business opportunities, bringing further success to Markel.