Are you a strategic leader with a passion for coaching, growth, and building high-performing teams? Desjardins is seeking a Director, Business Development to lead and inspire a team of Regional Directors across multiple regions. This pivotal role is responsible for driving profitable, multi-line growth and fostering a strong, client-first culture within the Desjardins Agent Network (DAN). As part of Desjardins Group, Canada’s largest cooperative financial group and one of the country’s top employers, the DAN offers Property & Casualty (P&C) and Life & Health Insurance. With approximately 500 independent Agents across Ontario, Alberta, and New Brunswick, DAN manages over $2.5 billion in P&C direct written premiums and $170 million in annualized life insurance premiums. At Desjardins, we put our members and clients first. You’ll be part of a purpose-driven organization that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. As a key member of the DAN Management Committee, the Director will provide operational leadership and collaborate closely with internal and external partners across the Desjardins Group to ensure alignment and execution of national priorities. This is your opportunity to shape the future of the DAN and make a meaningful impact across multiple provinces. The ideal candidate is a strategic and inspiring leader with a demonstrated ability to build high-performing, values-driven cultures within independent contractor and sales environments. They bring deep expertise in P & C Insurance and the broader financial services industry, along with the vision, influence, and leadership acumen required to drive performance across a distribution network. More specifically, you will be required to:

• Lead and coach a team of Regional Directors, instilling a business development mindset and fostering a high-performance culture aligned with Desjardins’ cooperative values.
• Develop and execute national and regional growth strategies to drive multi-line performance across P&C, Commercial, and Life & Health Insurance.
• Partner with Independent Exclusive Agents to enhance business performance, client experience, and retention through strategic consultation and influence.
• Oversee agent recruitment and development, attracting entrepreneurial talent and supporting onboarding, mentorship, and succession planning in collaboration with HR and internship teams.
• Manage strategic partnerships with Desjardins Financial Security (DFS) and other product manufacturers and partners to ensure product alignment and support profitable growth initiatives.
• Champion the Desjardins brand, acting as a visible ambassador and modeling our values and behaviors in every interaction.
• Deliver and manage the department’s business plan, translating strategic priorities into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.
• Promote change leadership and talent development, fostering engagement, diversity, and continuous learning across the network.

What we offer*

• Competitive salary and annual bonus
• 4 weeks of flexible vacation starting in the first year
• Defined benefit pension plan that provides predictable, stable income throughout retirement
• Group insurance including telemedicine.
• Reimbursement of health and wellness expenses and telework equipment
• Benefits apply based on eligibility criteria.

What you bring to the table

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• A minimum of twelve years of relevant experience including eight years of management experience
• Please note that other combinations of qualifications and relevant experience may be considered
• Proven leadership experience in business development, sales, or agency operations.
• Experience in Property & Casualty insurance and Financial Services
• Experience coaching and consulting with the ability to influence without formal authority.
• Experience with agent compensation models, segmentation tools, and market planning
• Presentation skills experience
• Academic specialization in MBA
• Advanced proficiency in English due to the nature of the duties or work tools or because the position involves interactions with English speaking partners, members and/or clients
• Advanced knowledge of Personal & Commercial P&C Insurance (including front-line underwriting) and Life & Health Insurance
• Advanced knowledge independent distribution channels/business model
• Must have a valid driver’s licence and access to a vehicle
• Available for frequent travel within Canada based on business needs

Action oriented, Business insight, Communicates effectively, Decision quality, Develops talent, Directs work, Drive results, Engagement, Networks, Strategic mindset, Teams

LI-Hybrid

Trade Union (If applicable)
At Desjardins, we believe in equity, diversity and inclusion. We’re committed to welcoming, respecting and valuing people for who they are as individuals, learning from their differences, embracing their uniqueness, and providing a positive workplace for all. At Desjardins, we have zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind. We believe our teams should reflect the diversity of the members, clients and communities we serve.
If there’s something we can do to help make the recruitment process or the job you’re applying for more accessible, let us know. We can provide accommodations at any stage in the recruitment process. Just ask!
Job Family
Management (FG)
Unposting Date
2025-09-

• Lead and coach a team of Regional Directors, instilling a business development mindset and fostering a high-performance culture aligned with Desjardins’ cooperative values.
• Develop and execute national and regional growth strategies to drive multi-line performance across P&C, Commercial, and Life & Health Insurance.
• Partner with Independent Exclusive Agents to enhance business performance, client experience, and retention through strategic consultation and influence.
• Oversee agent recruitment and development, attracting entrepreneurial talent and supporting onboarding, mentorship, and succession planning in collaboration with HR and internship teams.
• Manage strategic partnerships with Desjardins Financial Security (DFS) and other product manufacturers and partners to ensure product alignment and support profitable growth initiatives.
• Champion the Desjardins brand, acting as a visible ambassador and modeling our values and behaviors in every interaction.
• Deliver and manage the department’s business plan, translating strategic priorities into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.
• Promote change leadership and talent development, fostering engagement, diversity, and continuous learning across the network