Description
Howden is seeking a highly motivated Vice President, Business Development to lead and expand Howden Private Capital's commercial development efforts across the Midwest region, with Chicago serving as the primary market.
This is a market-facing role focused on originating new relationships, creating opportunities for our brokerage team, and strengthening the Howden Private Capital brand among private equity firms, corporate acquirers, investment banks, and M&A law firms.
The successful candidate will be responsible for developing a disciplined business development strategy, generating qualified meetings and opportunities, coordinating market outreach efforts, and partnering closely with brokers to convert relationships into revenue-generating business.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute a strategic business development plan for the Midwest region.
- Build and maintain relationships with private equity sponsors, independent sponsors, corporate development teams, investment banks, and leading M&A law firms.
- Generate qualified meetings and introductions for senior brokers and coverage specialists.
- Identify and cultivate new business opportunities primarily with respect to RWI and secondarily with respect to other key transactional and operational insurance products.
- Maintain an organized and methodical outreach process utilizing CRM systems and reporting tools.
- Serve as an ambassador for the Howden Private Capital brand throughout the Midwest deal community.
- Maintain regular contact with existing and prospective clients through targeted outreach and relationship-building initiatives.
- Coordinate roadshows, networking events, conferences, and client entertainment activities.
- Partner with brokers and senior leadership to develop and deepen key market relationships.
- Represent Howden Private Capital at industry conferences, association events, and transaction-focused networking opportunities.
- Assist with the planning and execution of Chicago-based client events and educational programs.
- Develop local market intelligence regarding sponsors, advisors, deal activity, and competitive dynamics.
- Collaborate with marketing and leadership teams to increase brand recognition and market penetration.
- Work closely with senior brokers and deal teams to transition opportunities through the sales cycle.
- Coordinate with other Howden specialty practices when opportunities arise across healthcare, tax, real estate, cyber, structured solutions, and other product lines.
- Maintain accurate pipeline reporting and activity tracking through CRM systems.
- Contribute to broader business development strategy and commercial initiatives.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree.
- 4+ years of experience in business development, sales, investment banking, private equity, transactional legal practice, insurance brokerage, or a related field.
- Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail, able to effectively manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated success building and managing executive-level relationships.
- Strong networking, communication, and presentation skills.
- Self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset and strong organizational abilities.
- Ability to travel throughout the Midwest and nationally as needed.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working with private equity firms, investment banks, law firms, or M&A advisory businesses.
- Existing network within the Chicago and broader Midwest deal community.
- Familiarity with transactional insurance products and M&A processes.
- Experience with Salesforce or comparable CRM platforms.
Compensation and Benefits:
- The expected base salary range for this role is $125,000 - $150,000+; actual base salary will be determined based on factors including candidate experience and work location.
- In addition to a competitive base salary, employees are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus.
- Howden also offers a variety of benefits and programs, subject to eligibility, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including healthcare savings and reimbursement accounts
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Flexible Paid Time Off and paid parental leave
- Life and Disability insurance