At a Glance
- Tasks: Own account plans for Network brokers and drive growth through relationship building.
- Company: Markel empowers businesses with insurance solutions and prioritises genuine relationships.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous bonus scheme, and 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Other info: This position is based in Leeds but offers national coverage.
- Why this job: Shape account strategies in a high-impact role with autonomy and support.
- Qualifications: Experience in an insurance company or broker-facing role is essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Leeds / National | Full-time | Permanent
Drive growth. Build relationships. Shape the future of insurance. At Markel, we don’t just provide insurance, we empower people and businesses to move forward with confidence. Now, we’re looking for a commercially driven Business Development Manager to help us grow our Network partnerships and bring our specialist solutions to life across the UK. If you thrive on building relationships, spotting opportunities, and turning strategy into results, this could be your next big move.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Account Director, you’ll take ownership of a portfolio of broker partners within key Networks. Your mission? To drive growth, deepen relationships, and unlock new opportunities. You’ll work at the heart of our business - collaborating with underwriting teams, account directors, and Network development teams to deliver tailored solutions and standout service to our brokers. This is a high-impact role where you’ll have the autonomy to shape account strategies and the support to make them succeed.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Own and deliver account plans for your Network broker panel to achieve ambitious sales targets
- Build and develop strong broker relationships through regular engagement and strategic reviews
- Identify, create and convert new business opportunities across a wide regional footprint
- Bring the Markel proposition to life, confidently presenting our sector expertise to brokers
- Work closely with development underwriters to secure new business wins
- Collaborate with internal partners to ensure excellent outcomes for brokers and customers
- Maintain accurate CRM records, track activity, and follow through on opportunities
- Proactively identify and onboard new broker prospects within Network partners
What You’ll Bring
- Experience within an insurance company or broker-facing role
- Proven ability to manage and deliver account plans and drive growth
- Strong commercial skills with a talent for building pipelines and closing opportunities
- Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills
- A collaborative approach and ability to work across multiple partners
- A motivated, results-driven attitude with a passion for building a market-leading business
Why Join Markel?
- Puts people first and builds genuine relationships
- Wins together through collaboration and shared success
- Strives for better and continuously improves
- Thinks further to create long-term impact
What’s In It For You
- Competitive salary + generous bonus scheme
- 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays), with buy/sell options
- Comprehensive benefits including private medical, dental, life assurance & income protection
- Excellent career development opportunities and learning support
- Flexible working options to support your work-life balance
Ready to Make an Impact? If you’re ready to take ownership, grow relationships, and make a real impact in a dynamic, people-focused organisation - we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and help us build something exceptional.
We are an equal‑opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with all reasonable accommodations to be able to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions if successful. Please contact us via email at rec@markel.com or call us at 0161 507 5827 to request any accommodations that may be needed. This includes any alternative formats of any documents or information on how to apply offline.
Business Development Manager - Networks employer: Markel International
Markel is located in Leeds and focuses on empowering people through insurance. The company values collaboration and continuous improvement, offering comprehensive benefits like private medical and dental insurance. Join a team that prioritises genuine relationships and shared success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager - Networks
✨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 Markel International). 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 Markel International. 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 Manager - Networks
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 Markel International.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at Markel International. 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 Markel International
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at Markel International 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 Markel International, 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 Markel International'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.
