Business Development Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Own and develop senior relationships with allocated clients, building trust, credibility and long-term partnership value. Develop and execute clear business development strategies that are aligned to Ambition 2030, client priorities, Munich Re’s risk appetite and profitability expectations. Generate and convert profitable new business opportunities across relevant product lines, ensuring commercial opportunities are appropriately prioritised and progressed. Take accountability for the profitability and performance of existing business, escalating and leading action where terms, rates, treaty structure or client engagement require review. Act as a trusted adviser to clients by understanding their strategy, market position, decision-making structures and reinsurance needs. Use market, competitor and client insight to identify emerging opportunities, threats and areas where Munich Re can differentiate its proposition. Lead complex client discussions and negotiations, balancing commercial growth, risk, profitability and relationship considerations. Coordinate internal expertise across pricing, underwriting, claims, operations, legal, product and senior leadership teams to deliver high-quality client outcomes. Support the Head of Business Development by driving forward agreed strategic priorities, providing clear client insight and acting as a senior representative of the Business Development function. Contribute to raising Munich Re’s profile in the UK and Ireland market through high-quality client engagement, market representation and proactive relationship-building. Support the development of Business Development Mangers through coaching and mentoring. Maintain disciplined records of client meetings, actions, opportunities and decisions through the company CRM system. The successful candidate will ensure: Client relationships are stronger, broader and more senior, with Munich Re viewed as a credible strategic partner. Business development activity is targeted, commercially disciplined and visibly aligned to Ambition 2030. New business opportunities are identified early, progressed with momentum and converted where they meet Munich Re’s commercial and risk criteria. The Head of Business Development has greater strategic support, market intelligence and senior capacity across priority client relationships. Internal teams are well coordinated, with clear ownership, timely follow-through and strong client delivery. Existing business is actively managed, with risks, profitability concerns and relationship issues addressed proactively. Development through feedback and reflection, seeking out opportunities to learn and demonstrate growth in the role. Competencies: Strategic mindset (we think big) – you look, plan and move into the future with clear intentions and purposeful actions, seeking regular feedback, that allows you to make decisions today that will lead the business towards its future commitments. Ensures accountability (we lead the ‘we’) – you hold yourself and others accountable to take responsibility and meet commitments, creating a culture where people own their decisions and actions and appreciate how they contribute to the team/organisation commitments. Managing complexity (we grow with our clients) – you make sense of complex and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems, learning and sharing along the way. Sponsors work (we care and dare) – you know when to lead and when to let others lead, providing direction and delegating to others, empowering and trusting them to achieve their commitments. Develops talent (we care and dare) – you develop the team to meet their career ambitions, building capability at an individual and organisational level, preparing them for future opportunities. You discuss feedback and development regularly and promote a diverse and inclusive workforce. Being resilient (we are clear and authentic) – setbacks are unavoidable; however, you recover quickly, seek feedback, learn and unlearn and move forward with courage and commitment. Key Skills & Experience: Strong business development, account management and strategic client relationship experience in financial services, insurance or reinsurance. Deep commercial judgement, with the ability to balance client opportunity, profitability, risk appetite and long-term relationship value. Proven ability to lead senior client conversations, influence decision-makers and negotiate commercially robust outcomes. Strong understanding of the UK protection market. Excellent communication skills, including the ability to produce high-quality material and present complex issues clearly to senior audiences. Strong internal influencing skills, with the ability to mobilise technical experts and senior stakeholders around client priorities. Highly organised and disciplined, with the ability to manage multiple client priorities, actions and deadlines at pace. Comfortable operating with autonomy, ambiguity and accountability in a senior commercial role. Actuarial, underwriting, pricing, product, reinsurance or broader protection market experience would be advantageous. Leadership Expectations Act as a trusted deputy and strategic support to the Head of Business Development where required. Operate as a senior member of the Business Development team, setting a high standard for client engagement, follow-through and commercial discipline. Anticipate future client and market needs, translating long-term opportunities and risks into clear strategic plans. Provide constructive challenge and insight to support better commercial decisions. Role-model collaboration across functions, ensuring client opportunities are progressed in a way that reflects the strength of the whole Munich Re proposition, holding yourself and others accountable. Demonstrate resilience in the face of setbacks, learning quickly and adapting the approach to maintain momentum and deliver strong client and commercial outcomes. Bring energy, curiosity and external perspective to help the team adapt and succeed as the market evolves. Qualifications and Educational Requirements: Qualified actuary (desirable) Thought Leaders: You are seen as an expert in your field and will be the ‘go to’ person for your area of specialism within Munich Re. You will be seen as a role model/mentor to others – identifying opportunities to share your knowledge with others. You will demonstrate and role model inclusive behaviour and encourage your colleagues to play an active role in creating an inclusive culture as well. You will treat your colleagues and sales and business partners fairly and with respect. Regulatory & Conduct Requirements: In addition to the responsibilities set out above, the Senior BDM role will also become responsible for: Ensure compliance with Insurance Distribution Directive Satisfying all regulatory reporting requirements in collaboration with the reporting function Liaising with all relevant regulatory bodies in the UK, creating a highly credible reputation and strong, collaborative relationship Ensuring compliance with Munich Re’s Code of Conduct and the FCA Conduct Rules Benefits You will be rewarded with a great compensation package, on target bonus, 25 days annual leave with the option to purchase more along with private medical insurance and employers' contributory pension of 10% We are one of the few employers to offer fully paid 6months family leave for times when you need it the most.