Commercial Insurance, Business Development Associate

Are you looking to launch a rewarding career in sales and business development?

Hardenbergh Insurance Group is seeking a motivated, coachable, and results-oriented Business Development Associate (Sales Trainee) to join our growing team.

This role is designed for individuals who are interested in building a long-term career in insurance sales and commercial risk management. As a Business Development Associate, you'll focus on generating new business opportunities, developing prospecting skills, and learning the fundamentals of becoming a successful commercial producer. Through structured training, mentorship, and hands-on experience, you'll build the foundation needed to advance into an Associate Producer role.

What You'll Do:

Prospecting & Lead Generation

• Conduct outbound prospecting through phone calls, email campaigns, and digital outreach


• Work from assigned target lists, lead sources, and industry-focused prospecting initiatives


• Generate qualified discovery meetings for the Business Development team


• Maintain consistent follow-up and prospect engagement activities


• Build and manage a pipeline of prospective clients

Opportunity Qualification

• Apply agency-defined qualification standards to identify viable opportunities


• Evaluate prospects based on industry fit, revenue profile, decision-maker access, and business needs


• Confirm scheduled meetings and maintain strong appointment hold rates


• Gather preliminary information to help prepare producers for discovery conversations

Sales Process & Pipeline Management

• Maintain accurate and current information within the CRM system


• Track prospect activity, conversations, meeting outcomes, and next steps


• Participate in weekly pipeline and activity review meetings


• Follow established sales processes and stage progression guidelines


• Support data integrity and reporting requirements

Professional Development

• Actively participate in the USLI 50/50 Program


• Complete required training, licensing, and development milestones


• Shadow producer and client meetings to build industry knowledge and sales acumen


• Participate in role-playing, coaching sessions, and skill-development exercises


• Continuously develop sales, prospecting, and relationship-building capabilities

What Success Looks Like:

Activity & Performance Metrics

• Consistently generate qualified meetings for the Business Development team


• Maintain strong appointment hold rates and prospect engagement


• Demonstrate continuous improvement in prospecting and qualifying opportunities


• Maintain accurate CRM records and documentation


• Show ongoing growth toward Associate Producer readiness

Professional Behaviors

• Strong coachability and willingness to learn


• Consistent preparation and follow-through


• Positive attitude and resilience in a sales environment


• Excellent organizational and time management skills


• Commitment to personal and professional development

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience


• Prior sales, customer service, business development, or internship experience preferred


• Strong written and verbal communication skills


• Comfortable initiating conversations and building relationships with new prospects


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)


• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail


• Ability to work independently while thriving in a team-based environment


• Demonstrated desire to pursue a career in sales, business development, or insurance

Why This Role?

• Structured career path into commercial insurance sales


• Hands-on training and mentorship from experienced producers


• Opportunity to participate in industry-leading development programs


• Exposure to business owners, executives, and diverse industries


• Collaborative team environment focused on growth and development


• Clear performance expectations and advancement opportunities

Compensation & Benefits

*Remote on Fridays 

Target Salary: $50,000- $55,000 base salary, plus incentive compensation

Benefits

• Medical


• Dental


• Vision


• Life Insurance


• Retirement Plan


• Paid Time Off


• Professional Development & Licensing Support


• Producer Development Program Participation