At NerdWallet, we are on a mission to bring clarity to all of life's financial decisions. Every great mission needs exceptional Nerds. We have built an inclusive, flexible, and candid culture where you are empowered to grow, take smart risks, and be unapologetically yourself (cape optional). Whether you work remotely or in our offices, we support how you thrive best. We invest in your well-being, development, and ability to make an impact because when one Nerd levels up, we all do.

The Business Development Lead supports assigned insurance verticals and plays a critical role in shaping and elevating NerdWallet’s partner ecosystem within the insurance business. You will own and evolve a portfolio of external partners, helping define partnership strategy while driving a defensible and sustainable partner value proposition. This client-facing role blends strategic thinking, operational excellence, and effective relationship management.

As an individual contributor, you will collaborate closely with teammates who oversee partner relationships and program operations. You will also work directly with the Category General Manager, Business Development Manager and Product teams to align on strategy and execute high-impact initiatives. This role is well-suited for someone who thrives in dynamic environments, enjoys solving complex problems and brings forward balanced, innovative solutions.

This role reports to the Manager, Business Development.

Where you can make an impact:

In this role, you will directly influence the future of NerdWallet’s Insurance business through strategic partnership development, operational excellence, and revenue optimization. Your work will include:

• Grow and strengthen high-impact partnerships by cultivating deep, trust-based relationships with existing insurance clients to achieve revenue and performance goals.

• Drive revenue growth by identifying, socializing, and executing short- and long-term opportunities through pricing wins, UX improvements, marketplace optimization, and new monetization models.

• Shape the partnership strategy by contributing to a sustainable and differentiated value proposition across assigned verticals.

• Champion new business initiatives and collaborate with cross-functional teams to evaluate vertical-specific trends, develop business cases, and operationalize strategic ideas.

• Elevate partner operations by defining and implementing standards and processes that improve efficiency, predictability, and effectiveness.

• Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented environment that inspires both internal partners and external stakeholders.

Your experience:

You’re a strategic, analytical, and relationship-driven operator who thrives in ambiguity and enjoys building. You bring both the rigor needed to influence financial outcomes and the creativity required to design new solutions. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Results orientation & analytical strength — You know how to identify business drivers, structure insights, and track progress toward meaningful goals.

• Strategic + methodical thinking — You can zoom out to understand the full landscape and zoom in to focus on what matters most.

• High productivity in fast-moving environments — You manage partner needs across multiple products while keeping stakeholders aligned.

• Exceptional communication & influence — You craft compelling messages for partners, internal teams, collaborators, and executives.

• Creativity & resourcefulness — You leverage past learnings to uncover growth opportunities and navigate complexity.

• Strong organization & prioritization — You balance competing priorities with clarity and calm.

• Entrepreneurial drive — You enjoy building new things, solving ambiguous problems, and driving toward outcomes.

• 6+ years of experience in strategic and B2B partnership roles with a proven track record of developing, nurturing, and executing partnership strategies.

• Insurance or digital acquisition expertise — Experience in Auto and/or Home DTC insurance, affiliate or online-based business models, or distribution through clicks, leads, or calls is highly valuable.

• A demonstrated record of delivering and exceeding business results through partnership management, negotiation, and strategic execution.

• Curiosity & growth mindset — You are eager to become a category expert and continually learn.

Where:

• This role will be remote (based in the U.S.).

• We believe great work can be done anywhere. No matter where you are based, NerdWallet offers benefits and perks to support the physical, financial, and emotional well being of you and your family.

What we offer:

Work Hard, Stay Balanced (Life’s a series of balancing acts, eh?)

• Industry-leading medical, dental, and vision health care plans for employees and their dependents

• Rejuvenation Policy – Flexible Vacation Time Off + 11 holidays + holiday company shutdown

• New Parent Leave for employees with a newborn child or a child placed with them for adoption or foster care

• Mental health support

• Paid sabbatical after 5 years for Nerds to recharge, gain knowledge, and pursue their interests

• Health and Dependent Care FSA and HSA Plan with monthly NerdWallet contribution

• Monthly Wellness Stipend, Cell Phone Stipend, and Wifi Stipend (Only remote Nerds are eligible for the Wifi Stipend)

• Work from home equipment stipend and co-working space subsidy (Only remote Nerds are eligible for these stipends)

Have Some Fun! (Nerds are fun, too)

• Nerd-led group initiatives – Employee Resource Groups for Parents, Diversity, and Inclusion, Women, LGBTQIA, and other communities

• Hackathons and team events across all teams and departments

• Company-wide events like NerdLove (employee appreciation) and our annual Charity Auction

• Our Nerds love to make an impact by paying it forward – Take 8 hours of volunteer time off per quarter and donate to your favorite causes with a company match

Plan for your future (And when you retire on your island, remember the little people)

• 401K with 4% company match

• Be the first to test and benefit from our new financial products and tools

• Financial wellness, guidance, and unlimited access to a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) through Northstar

• Disability and Life Insurance with employer-paid premiums

If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents linked here.

NerdWallet is committed to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, so all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

NerdWallet will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the San Francisco Fair Chance Act, which requires this notice, as well as the Los Angeles Fair Chance Act, which requires this notice.

NerdWallet participates in the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services E-Verify program for all US locations. For more information, please see:

• E-Verify Participation Poster (English+Spanish/Español)

• Right to Work Poster (English) / (Spanish/Español)