SVP or VP, Business Development

Company: Descartesunderwriting
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 22, 2025

Job Description:

ABOUT DESCARTES UNDERWRITINGOur mission is to help corporations and public sector organizations build their long-term resilience. To make it happen, we protect them from emerging risks, which are becoming increasingly significant and severe due to the growing unpredictability and complexity of the world.Descartes Underwriting is a global leader in corporate insurance against climate, cyber and emerging risks. We offer a new generation of parametric insurance products, using a unique technology and data-driven approach to allow for an unparalleled understanding of emerging risks.Since 2019, our organization has brought together extensive expertise from the world of global corporate insurance with a tech-driven, data-centric approach to underwriting.. This combination allows us to gain exceptional insights into emerging risks and develop the capacity to deliver agile risk transfer solutions for our clients and partners. Our ambition is to continue revolutionizing the corporate insurance industry and keep growing all over the world.With a global presence and a strong footprint in the US, we serve over 400 large corporations across a wide range of industries, operating through 17 offices in North & Latin America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. To date, Descartes Underwriting has deployed more than $10 billion in capacity through a network of corporate brokers. Backed by $141M from renowned investors, including Highland Europe, BlackFin, Serena, Cathay, and Eurazeo, we continue to push the boundaries.ABOUT THE ROLEIn close collaboration with the Head of AmericaS for Descartes Insurance Solutions, you will lead business development activities in North America:BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

• Expand Descartes' corporate broker network in the North American market, building strong relationships to generate new opportunities & secure renewal;
• Develop and promote the value proposition of Descartes' parametric products as a pro-active element within brokers' strategic toolkit;
• Understand and identify market needs in the Midwest and generate new business opportunities while continuing to build Descartes' reputation within the industry;
• Develop a strategic sales plan for the Midwest and create and maintain a strong sales pipeline by building and nurturing relationships;
• Represent Descartes externally at Broker, Client and Industry meetings & events; including occasional public speaking engagements.
  PEOPLE LEADERSHIP
  • Ensure a positive, professional and supportive work environment where all team members can thrive;
  • Provide proactive people leadership including regular coaching, training, performance management and mentorship;
  • Communicate effectively, ensuring that team members are appropriately informed and aligned;
  • Delegate tasks effectively, empowering team members to take ownership and responsibility;
  • Lead by example.
    TEAM WORK
    • Collaborate cross-functionally with Paris-based Underwriting and other BD teams members to optimize business opportunities and generate success stories;
    • Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to ensure the smooth delivery of Descartes' value proposition;
    • Monitor insurance - and parametric specific - industry developments in the North American market, effectively communicating insights internally.Travel: this position will entail travel activities, including overnight staysABOUT YOUEXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
      • Minimum of 10 years' experience in the North American P&C market, in a business development and/or underwriting capacity;
      • At least 3 years in a people management role;
      • Understanding of Nat Cat perils required;
      • Candidates with experience from brokerage firm or underwriting company highly preferred;
      • Expertise in the parametric risk space preferred.SKILLS
        • Fluency in English (written and verbal communication) - required;
        • Good command of one additional language (e.g. Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese) - valued;
        • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
        • Consultative selling and negotiation skills as well as people management experience required;
        • Strong analytical capabilities and financial acumen.
          MINDSET
          • Results oriented, high energy, with the ability to work in a dynamic and multi-cultural environment;
          • Excellent team player with an entrepreneurial mindset and value of diversity;
          • Collaborative and comfortable with ambiguity and change;
          • Motivated to help improving businesses' and communities' resilience to climate change.
            BENEFITS & PERKS:
            • Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance plans
            • Life and disability insurance
            • 401k savings plan and matching employer contribution
            • Generous paid time off
            • Generous paid parental leaveAt Descartes Underwriting, we cherish value of diversity whatever it may be. We are committed to fighting against all forms of discrimination and for equal opportunities. We foster an inclusive work environment that respects all differences.
              With equal skills, all our positions are open to people with disabilities.
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Keywords: Descartesunderwriting, Chicago , SVP or VP, Business Development, Executive , Chicago, Illinois