At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage key broker relationships and drive profitable business growth in the Midlands & South West.
- Company: CNA Hardy, a leading specialist commercial insurance provider.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Dynamic role with autonomy and the chance to influence market presence.
- Why this job: Be the face of CNA Hardy, making impactful connections and driving growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial insurance distribution and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Function / Area: Distribution and Sales Europe
Reporting to: VP Distribution and Sales
Position Summary
The Strategic Account Manager (SAM) is responsible for the development, growth, and performance of selected key broker relationships within a defined UK geography. The role focuses on driving profitable business growth, deepening broker engagement across CNA Hardy’s specialist product set, and acting as the single coordinated face of CNA Hardy to brokers in the Midlands & South West territory. Working closely with underwriting, product leads and central distribution teams, the SAM ensures that broker plans are executed effectively, opportunities are converted, and CNA Hardy’s market presence and relevance are strengthened at local and regional levels.
Key Responsibilities
- Broker Relationship Management: Own and lead CNA Hardy’s relationship with allocated key brokers and key broker offices within the defined territory. Build deep, trusted relationships with senior broker stakeholders, producers, and placement teams. Position CNA Hardy as a preferred specialist partner, aligned to broker strategy and client needs.
- Growth & Business Development: Deliver profitable new business growth across Company and Lloyd’s platforms, aligned to agreed appetite and portfolio strategy. Identify, develop, and convert new opportunities through structured engagement, pipeline management, and targeted initiatives. Support large or complex submissions, bids, and tenders, coordinating internal stakeholders where required.
- Broker Planning & Execution: Create and own broker development plans for priority relationships within the territory. Translate national and segment strategies into practical, executable regional actions. Track and drive delivery against agreed objectives, including production, activity, and engagement metrics.
- Internal Collaboration: Act as the primary interface between brokers and underwriters, ensuring clarity of appetite, smooth trading, and effective issue resolution. Partner with underwriting, product, and claims teams to align activity, priorities, and delivery for key brokers. Ensure consistent messaging to market, representing “One CNA Hardy” across all interactions.
- Pipeline Management & Reporting: Maintain a robust and visible pipeline of opportunities through agreed CRM and reporting tools. Provide accurate performance updates and insights on broker activity, trends, and competitive dynamics. Use data and insight to prioritise effort and optimise return on time and resources.
- Market Presence & Representation: Represent CNA Hardy at broker events, client meetings, and market forums within the region. Act as an ambassador for CNA Hardy’s brand, values, and specialist capabilities. Feed market intelligence, broker feedback and competitor insight into distribution and underwriting leadership.
Key Accountabilities
- Delivery of profitable GWP growth across assigned brokers and territory.
- Execution of agreed broker plans and distribution initiatives.
- Strength and quality of broker relationships and CNA Hardy’s market positioning locally.
- Quality, accuracy and discipline of pipeline and performance reporting.
Experience Skills and Attributes
- Experience: Proven experience in commercial insurance distribution, broker development, or underwriting-facing sales roles. Strong understanding of the UK intermediary market, including regional broker models and trading dynamics. Experience operating in a specialist or technical insurance environment (Company and/or Lloyd’s).
- Skills & Attributes: Strong relationship-builder with credibility at senior broker level. Commercially astute, with a clear focus on profitable growth and portfolio quality. Confident influencing and coordinating internal stakeholders without direct authority. Structured, disciplined and data-driven in approach to pipeline and planning. Resilient, self-motivated, and comfortable working autonomously within a defined territory.
The Company
CNA Hardy is a leading specialist commercial insurance provider for clients within the Lloyd’s and company markets. We offer a highly specialised and comprehensive portfolio of innovative and market leading products. Coverage is available to businesses of all sizes for domestic, international and global exposures.
Strategic Account Manager - Midlands & South West in Birmingham employer: CNA Hardy
CNA Hardy is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in the insurance sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring our team members thrive in their careers. Located in the Midlands & South West, our culture promotes deep relationships with brokers, empowering employees to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive and engaging workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Account Manager - Midlands & South West in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. The more relationships you build, the better your chances of landing that Strategic Account Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with brokers or potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in commercial insurance distribution and broker development. Share specific examples of how you've driven profitable growth in the past – it’ll set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies like CNA Hardy through our website. Express your interest in the Strategic Account Manager position and share how you can contribute to their goals. A little initiative can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Stay organised! Keep track of your interactions with brokers and potential employers. Use a simple CRM tool or even a spreadsheet to manage your pipeline. This will help you stay on top of follow-ups and ensure you’re making the most of every opportunity that comes your way.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Account Manager - Midlands & South West in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Strategic Account Manager role. Highlight your experience in commercial insurance distribution and broker development, as well as any specific achievements that align with our goals at CNA Hardy.
Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills:We want to see how you build and maintain relationships with brokers. Share examples of how you've successfully engaged with senior stakeholders and how those relationships have driven business growth in your previous roles.
Be Data-Driven:Since this role involves pipeline management and reporting, demonstrate your ability to use data effectively. Include any relevant metrics or insights from your past experiences that showcase your structured and disciplined approach to achieving targets.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining the CNA Hardy team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CNA Hardy
✨Know Your Brokers
Before the interview, research the key brokers in the Midlands & South West. Understand their business models and how CNA Hardy fits into their strategy. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in building those relationships.
✨Showcase Your Sales Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven profitable growth in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, focusing on your ability to identify opportunities and convert them into successful outcomes.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Highlight your experience working with internal teams, such as underwriting and product leads. Be ready to share examples of how you've coordinated efforts to achieve common goals, ensuring that everyone is aligned and working towards the same objectives.
✨Be Data-Driven
CNA Hardy values a structured and disciplined approach. Prepare to discuss how you've used data to inform your decisions and track performance. Bring examples of how you've maintained a robust pipeline and reported on broker activity to optimise your efforts.
