At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales growth and nurture client relationships in a dynamic insurance environment.
- Company: Join Darwin Clayton, a multi-award-winning UK Insurance Broker with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and professional development support.
- Other info: Be part of a top 10 independent broker with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by developing tailored insurance solutions and expanding your professional network.
- Qualifications: Experience in insurance broking or business development with strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are seeking a motivated and commercially focused Business Development Executive to join our growing team. Do you thrive on developing new business opportunities, nurturing client relationships, and delivering tailored insurance solutions? Reporting into our Beeston Office, on a Hybrid working arrangement, this is an exciting opportunity for an experienced insurance professional to build and develop a profitable portfolio while working alongside senior leadership to achieve ambitious growth targets.
As a Business Development Executive, you will play a pivotal role in driving sales growth and client retention across the business. Working closely with the Assistant Director and leadership team, you will be responsible for developing a book of business through new client acquisition, and identifying opportunities to expand existing client relationships. This role combines business development, client advisory, and insurance expertise to ensure clients receive the highest level of service while maintaining full regulatory compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Generate new business through referrals, networking, website enquiries, and allocated prospect opportunities.
- Build and maintain a strong pipeline of qualified prospects.
- Identify and secure opportunities to cross‑sell and up‑sell products and services.
- Develop long‑term relationships that drive revenue growth and client retention.
- Expand your professional network and actively seek new market opportunities.
- Deliver outstanding customer service throughout the client journey.
- Provide expert insurance advice tailored to client needs and risk profiles.
- Manage agreed renewals and mid‑term adjustments proactively.
- Assess risk and claims histories to secure competitive terms from insurers.
- Maintain regular contact with clients to ensure ongoing satisfaction and retention.
About You
We're looking for a driven experienced cross class insurance professional who combines strong technical knowledge with excellent relationship‑building and sales skills.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in insurance broking, account management, or business development.
- Strong track record of generating new business and growing client portfolios.
- Excellent negotiation and relationship‑management skills.
- Commercially aware with strong business acumen.
- Ability to identify opportunities and convert prospects into long‑term clients.
- Strong understanding of insurance products, markets, and risk management.
- Exceptional communication and customer service skills.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to team success.
Rewards And Benefits
When you join us, you can expect a supportive culture and an attractive range of rewards and benefits which include:
- Competitive salary with an annual pay review, strong bonus scheme and car allowance.
- Hybrid working with 2 days based in the office.
- 27 days annual leave (includes a day off for your birthday and another for a religious holiday of your choice) + bank holidays.
- Auto enrolment into our excellent pension scheme (5% employer matched contribution).
- Flex‑benefits – A range of flexible benefits to choose from that are most important to you.
- Group Life Assurance cover.
- 3 months Maternity, Paternity & Adoption leave all fully paid.
- Professional qualification study support relevant to your role and career.
- Perks at work – amazing discounts on cinema tickets, meals out, luxury items etc.
- Holiday purchase scheme – up to 5 days annually.
About Us
Darwin Clayton is a multi‑award‑winning UK Insurance Broker, part of the Jensten Group; it has a reputation within the insurance industry for delivering quality products at competitive premiums. First established in London in 1920, Darwin Clayton manages a range of specialist schemes, including cleaning, security, facilities management, and electrical contracting. The business offers products both directly to clients as well as to UK brokers via the Darwin Clayton Partner Brokers brand. Jensten is one of the UK’s leading insurance intermediary groups, known for putting clients and people first. Since launching in 2018, we’ve built a standout business in a crowded marketplace — combining scale, deep technical expertise and entrepreneurial spirit. Jensten is entering an exciting new chapter, with the business evolving into two clearly defined trading divisions: Broking and Product & Distribution. The Broking division will bring together Regional Broking, Specialist Lines & London Markets, and also Network Broking, while Product & Distribution will unite Jensten’s market‑leading Schemes & Affinity businesses with Jensten Underwriting. This will enable us to deliver tailored insurance solutions directly to clients and through a network of trusted third‑party broking partners. Thanks to strong organic growth and a strategic acquisition programme, Jensten is now a Top 10 Independent Broker, placing around £600 million GWP into the market. We employ over 1,000 colleagues across 50 locations across the UK and Ireland and support 93 entrepreneurial franchise holders nationwide. Our purpose — “Protecting today, empowering tomorrow” — reflects the role we play for our clients, our communities and each other. Our people bring this to life every day through our values: Caring, Curious, Skilled and Bold. We sit in a unique space between large consolidators and local brokers — big enough to offer capability and influence, yet agile enough to maintain the culture, autonomy and client focus of a truly independent business.
Business Development Executive employer: Jensten
At Darwin Clayton, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and dynamic work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Business Development Executive in our Beeston office, you will benefit from a competitive salary, hybrid working arrangements, and extensive professional development opportunities, all while being part of a multi-award-winning team dedicated to delivering exceptional insurance solutions. With a strong focus on employee well-being and a commitment to nurturing talent, we offer a unique environment where your contributions are valued and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Executive
✨Dive Into Industry Networking Events
Get your foot in the door by attending insurance industry events and conferences. Not only will you learn about the latest trends, but you'll also meet potential employers and industry peers. Check out local chapters of professional bodies like the Chartered Insurance Institute for valuable meetups.
✨Use LinkedIn to Your Advantage
Don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn in the insurance world. Engage with industry content, join relevant groups, and connect with professionals at companies you admire (like Jensten). A thoughtful message explaining your interest can really make a difference!
✨Look Out for Graduate Schemes
Many firms in insurance have structured graduate programmes. Keep an eye on application windows and utilise your university's career services for insider tips. These schemes are designed to develop talent and often lead to permanent roles after your initial training.
✨Leverage Your Current Connections
Got friends or family in the industry? Now’s the time to reach out! Personal referrals can give you a head start, so let them know you're on the lookout for full-time opportunities at places like Jensten. Don’t shy away from asking for a coffee chat; you never know what doors it might open!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In insurance, we love a candidate who can crunch numbers and analyse data effectively. When crafting your CV, make sure to showcase any relevant coursework or experiences that highlight your analytical abilities, especially if you’ve tackled risk assessment or financial modelling.
Showcase Industry Knowledge:Don’t be shy about your knowledge of the insurance sector! We want to see that you've done your homework on current trends, regulations, and challenges in the industry. Mention any relevant projects or studies you’ve completed that demonstrate your understanding of the field in your cover letter.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re passionate about insurance. Share any personal experiences or what drew you into this profession. We’re looking for enthusiasm and a clear motivation for why you want to be part of our team at Jensten.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at Jensten. Highlight relevant skills such as risk management, customer service experience, or any certifications you've earned in the industry to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Jensten
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at Jensten to throw some technical questions your way, so be ready to demonstrate your grasp of these essentials.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Side
In the insurance world, it's all about data. Prepare to discuss any analytical tools or methodologies you've used in past experiences. If you have a portfolio of projects where you've tackled complex data, bring that along to impress the team!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
As a full-timer at Jensten, they'll want to know how you handle real-life scenarios, not just theory. Think about challenges you've faced in teamwork or customer service, and how those experiences can relate to a career in insurance.
✨Know the Company Culture Inside Out
Understanding Jensten's values and workplace culture is essential. Don’t just memorise their mission statement; think about how your personal values align with theirs. This will show your genuine interest in being part of their team long-term.