Business Development Manager in Slough

Location: Portsmouth, PO6/ London Office Based (Hybrid)

Reports To: CCO SPB UK & Ireland

Who we are: Founded in 1965 in France, the SPB Group operates in 12 countries with 7 locally established and authorized entities, supported by shared service centers. Our employees are committed to three values every day: Innovation, Excellence and Integrity. We design and manage embedded insurance programs that create impact for our distribution partners and their customers. We protect and assist consumers in their daily life with innovative, useful and simple insurance solutions that integrate seamlessly into their journeys. We build value engines for distribution partners by opening new revenue streams and turning each program into a lever for sustainable growth, loyalty and differentiation.

The Role: Reporting to the COO, the Business Development Manager holds a pivotal role, focusing on driving new business development within the affinity & Insurance sector. This is a vital role within the UK business and will contribute significantly to the development and growth of the company. You will be an experienced professional with a deep understanding of the industry landscape, including key players, market trends, and regulatory requirements. The Business Development Manager will be responsible for leading strategic business development efforts, cultivating key relationships, and implementing sales strategies to maximise revenue growth and have the ability to get commercial deals over the line under pressure. You will play a critical role in expanding the client base, driving performance excellence, and fostering long-term partnerships within the insurance sector.

The Person: You will be commercially astute with a demonstrable track record of business development and have excellent relationships with insurers and commercial businesses. In addition, you will be an experienced negotiator, capable of closely managing revenue and cost targets and understanding how to manage the component parts of a P&L. It is important that you are comfortable dealing at a senior level within client organisations and are able to build strong relationships with execs and CEOs. You will exhibit strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with internal stakeholders in a matrix organisation and be a high impact person. In return, you can look forward to all the responsibility, autonomy, and involvement of an integral role in the Commercial team and to the growth of the Direct business, providing you with a rewarding and fast-paced career. This is a great opportunity for a tenacious individual to achieve both personal as well as business growth.

Job Purpose: As the Business Development Manager you will help develop and execute strategic plans to identify and secure new business opportunities. Utilise industry knowledge and insights to drive targeted prospecting efforts and penetrate new markets effectively. You will be required to identify emerging trends, market dynamics, and competitive threats. Stay abreast of regulatory changes and industry developments to inform sales strategies and maintain a competitive edge. Cultivate and nurture strong relationships with key stakeholders, including insurance carriers, brokers, agents, and other industry partners. Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, understanding their unique needs and delivering tailored solutions to drive value and foster long-term partnerships. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement innovative sales strategies aligned with industry dynamics and organisational goals. Utilise data-driven insights to optimize sales processes, identify growth opportunities, and drive revenue generation.

Key duties and responsibilities:

• Support with strategic initiatives to identify and secure new business opportunities within the affinity Insurance sector ideally with experience within our 5 key verticals of Retail, Telco, Motor (Ancillary), Banking and Travel.
• Develop and execute targeted prospecting plans to penetrate new markets and expand the client base.
• Utilise industry knowledge and insights to identify potential clients and assess their needs effectively.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, understanding their specific needs and providing tailored solutions to address them.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement innovative sales strategies aligned with industry dynamics and organizational goals.
• Proactively adjust strategies and tactics to optimise performance and drive continuous improvement in sales effectiveness.

Technical knowledge, skills, and qualification requirements:

• Experience in sales, with a focus on new business development within the Affinity & Insurance sector.
• Demonstrated expertise and a strong network within the affinity & Insurance sector, including knowledge of industry trends, key players, and regulatory requirements.
• Proven track record of success in prospecting, lead generation, and closing new accounts, with a focus on driving revenue growth.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence decision-makers effectively.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute sales strategies aligned with industry dynamics and organizational objectives.
• Results-driven mindset with a passion for exceeding sales targets and delivering exceptional business outcomes.
• Ability to work with internal teams to ensure the successful implementation of activity before launch. Ideally with an understanding of all stages from appointment to launch.
• Lead the prospect assessment process and aligning client needs with SPB products and propositions.
• Own and execute on any tender responses.