VP, Business Development

The VP of Business Development at Assurant is responsible for establishing and managing strategies that foster sustainable growth. This includes coordinating business opportunities with major carriers in Canada and creating client-specific value propositions. Additionally, this role involves managing product development processes, collaborating with global teams to ensure clarity on go-to-market strategies, and optimizing brand relationships to drive business success.

To qualify for the VP of Business Development position at Assurant, candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in business management, marketing, or related fields, with an MBA considered a strong asset. They should also have over 15 years of experience in commercial and business development, particularly in international contexts, and be knowledgeable about market trends and client relationships, especially within the Asia Pacific region.

At Assurant, career growth for a VP of Business Development is supported through continuous learning opportunities, mentorship programs, and a culture that encourages innovation and collaboration. The company emphasizes professional development and provides employees with the resources they need to achieve their career goals, ensuring that leaders can thrive in their roles while embracing new challenges.

Valuable experience for the role of VP of Business Development at Assurant includes significant exposure to commercial business practices, strategic relationship management, and a deep understanding of the mobile and connected living sectors. Experience working with executive teams in matrix organizations is essential, along with a proven track record of successfully launching products and driving growth.

The work culture at Assurant is characterized by a collaborative and innovative spirit, where employees are encouraged to share ideas and take calculated risks. Recognized as a Great Place to Work in numerous countries, Assurant fosters a supportive environment that values a passion for service and a commitment to continuous improvement. As a VP of Business Development, you'll find yourself in a dynamic and engaging workplace that champions diverse talents and perspectives.

To enhance business development at Assurant, I would focus on establishing strong relationships with key carriers, leveraging data to inform our strategies, and aligning our product offerings with market needs. Collaborating with the sales and marketing teams to create clear value propositions and ensuring our global teams are involved in product decisions would be essential.

I prioritize growth opportunities by conducting thorough market research to assess potential partnerships and their alignment with our company goals. Understanding customer needs and industry trends plays a crucial role in identifying high-impact opportunities, while keeping an eye on the competition allows for timely adjustments to strategies.

In my previous roles, I successfully managed local teams by fostering open communication and clear expectations. I also coordinated with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on objectives. I prioritize building relationships and trust among team members, which I believe is crucial for effective teamwork and achieving desired outcomes.

My approach to product development in a fast-paced environment involves agile methodologies, ensuring that we iterate quickly based on market feedback. I believe in collaborating closely with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to ensure that new products meet consumer needs efficiently and effectively.

When conflicts arise between departments, I approach the situation by facilitating an open dialogue to understand each party’s perspective. I strive to find common ground and create a win-win scenario, always keeping the company’s objectives in focus. If needed, I’m not afraid to escalate to higher management for a resolution.

Essential metrics for measuring business development success include revenue growth, market share expansion, customer acquisition costs, and client retention rates. Additionally, it’s important to assess the return on investment from partnerships and track engagement from our marketing initiatives.

I successfully led a business development project where we established a strategic partnership with a carrier, resulting in a 30% increase in sales within the first year. I managed the negotiations, coordinated teams across various functions, and ensured that our value propositions resonated with the client’s needs.

To ensure alignment between business development and marketing teams, I schedule regular meetings to discuss strategies, share insights, and collaborate on initiatives. I encourage both teams to participate in goal-setting processes, which helps create a unified approach towards market penetration and sales effectively.

Technology plays a significant role in my business development strategy by enabling data analysis, automating outreach efforts, and improving communication channels. I leverage CRM tools to track interactions and manage relationships, which enhances our capability to make informed decisions that drive growth.

I assess market trends in the mobile industry through a combination of competitive analysis, consumer feedback, and engagement with industry reports. Networking with industry peers and attending relevant conferences also provide valuable insights that help me stay ahead of emerging trends and market shifts.