Vice President - Business Development at Howden in Chicago - 1 South Wacker Drive

Job description

• About Howden Private Capital
• Howden Private Capital (formerly Atlantic Global Risk) is the transactional risk arm of Howden, one of the world's leading independent insurance brokers. We advise private equity sponsors, corporations, investment banks, and law firms on Representations & Warranties Insurance (RWI), Tax Liability Insurance, Contingent Risk, Structured Risk, and Credit Insurance solutions. Our team supports many of the most complex M&A and capital markets transactions across North America and globally.
• We are 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

• Business Development & Origination
• 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 (e.g., Tax, Contingent, Structured Risk, and Credit Insurance) and operational insurance products)
• Maintain an organized and methodical outreach process utilizing CRM systems and reporting tools.
• Relationship Management
• 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.
• Market Presence
• 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.
• Internal Collaboration
• 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

• Required
• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Required

• Strong organizational abilities

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. This role is classified as exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
• 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