Automotive Business Development Director (Midwest & Midcentral)

Assurant, Inc.; United States; Remote; USD 190,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

Assurant Dealer Services seeks an Automotive Director of Business Development to drive profitable growth by acquiring new dealer partnerships across the Midwest and surrounding states.

The role collaborates with field teams to maximize opportunities and aligns with our sales strategy and processes. Base salary $190,000 with commission; total target compensation typically $300,000–$400,000+ annually. Domestic travel up to 50% is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years B2B sales in F&I, training, and reinsurance; 15 years preferred.
• Automotive retail management experience desirable.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency with PowerPoint and MS Office.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Generate profitable growth through adding new dealer partnerships and identifying opportunities.
• Establish and maintain relationships with prospective dealers to grow business.
• Oversee product launch strategy, market research and client onboarding.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Product Development and Communications on initiatives.
• Maintain timely sales reporting in Salesforce; travel as required.

Skills

B2B sales

F&I products

Reinsurance knowledge

Retail automotive experience

Negotiation

PowerPoint

MS Office

Travel readiness

Communication skills

Salesforce

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

The Automotive Director of Business Development is responsible for generating profitable business growth through the acquisition of new business within their assigned geographic area. Doing so by working independently and in tandem with our field team to assist clients in maximizing profit opportunities.

As a leader within the Assurant Dealer Services organization, this position will contribute to the development and oversight of consistent sales processes, implementation of our business development strategy and input into strategic business growth initiatives.

This position offers a base salary of $190,000. In addition, the role is eligible for a monthly commission plan, with total target compensation generally expected to range from approximately $300,000 to $400,000+ annually. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as individual performance, experience, skills, and geographic location. Commission earnings are not guaranteed and are subject to the terms of the applicable incentive plan.

What makes us different?

Assurant Dealer Services is the leader in driving F&I and overall performance for dealers in changing markets. We are unmatched in our ability to increase dealer profitability while providing an exceptional experience for their teams and their customers. With products and participation that adapt to shifting conditions. Innovative digital approaches that meet customers where they are. And training that helps build the dealership of the future, today. Dealers choose us — and stay with us — for the long term because we have the vision to help them thrive today and tomorrow.

What will be my duties and responsibilities in this job?

• Generating profitable growth through the addition of new client partnerships. Understanding client (i.e., dealership) needs, presenting the Assurant Dealer Services value proposition, determining strategic fit, and successfully positioning products and solutions to satisfy needs.
• Establishes, cultivates, and maintains relationships with prospective dealers to grow new business opportunities by providing support, information, and guidance; researching and recommending new opportunities; assessing dealership performance/production and recommending product, process and service improvements.
• Oversee the product launch strategy including conducting market research, competitor analysis, product demand and support the launch and installation of new clients to ensure a favorable experience for clients.
• Partner with the field team to identify existing opportunities, collaborating on presentation development and lead generation by working in tandem on prospecting and sales opportunities to deliver results for the company and clients.
• Partner with cross functional teams in Marketing, Product Development and Communications to design, implement, and measure marketing approaches.
• Attend industry trade and client events along with networking opportunities and other relevant meetings/seminars.
• Ensure timely and accurate sales reporting within the Sales Performance Management tool (i.e., Salesforce) is achieved.
• Undertake domestic travel to industry partners, clients and for other business development opportunities as required.

What are the requirements needed for this position?

Previous Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of successful Business to Business sales experience within F&I products, training, and reinsurance. 15 years preferred.
• Experience working in a retail management capacity within the automotive industry is desirable.
• Knowledge regarding the various reinsurance structures available to an Automotive Dealer is highly preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Excellent sales, negotiation, and team building skills are required.
• Ability to effectively utilize PowerPoint for presentations is a requirement, along with utilization of all other Microsoft Office applications (Word, Copilot, Excel, etc.).
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• A valid driver's license and the ability to travel.
• Extensive contacts along with strong knowledge of F&I Products, Training and Reinsurance structures.

Location:

• This territory includes Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia.
• Preference is for the candidate to live in the Chicago, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, or Minneapolis marketplace.

How much should I expect to travel?

• 50% travel required.

#LI-Remote