Associate Consultant, Employee Benefits

About the position Reporting to an Employee Benefits Practice Leader (PL), the Associate Consultant, Employee Benefits responsible for supporting and servicing a key book of business (BOB). Responsible for the strategic oversight of a client’s benefit program and for managing client and vendor relationships. Uses team resources appropriately in delivering superior services to clients. Serves as each client’s trusted benefits advisor by understanding of how benefits fit into the overall corporate strategy.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct, hands-on management of a BOB ranging in size from $1.5 - $3.0M with oversight and guidance from PL.
• Provides a benefits strategy that includes an understanding and evaluation of each client’s benefit programs for every line of coverage (plan design(s), contributions, eligibility rules, administration, compliance review, etc.).
• Conducts meetings with key staff and decision makers.
• Uses benchmarking tools, data, and market trends to initiate strategy discussions.
• Provides recommendations relative to each client’s goals and objectives.
• Manages the RFP process, negotiates financials and evaluates justification of renewals.
• Manages compliance needs
• Oversees employee communications, vendor implementations, ongoing service items, and coordination of vendor/finalist meetings.
• Sets expectations of Associate Consultant, oversees workflow by establishing priorities and performance expectations.
• Reviews contracts against corresponding proposals to ensure accuracy of agreed upon terms.
• Remains current on industry trends, new products and coverages, legislation and regulatory changes, compliance and technology. Proactively communicates pertinent information with clients.
• Meets Conner Strong & Buckelew’s retention goals and identifies opportunities to add voluntary products and otherwise increase revenue.
• Meets Conner Strong & Buckelew’s established producer communication protocols.
• Uses PowerPoint to build presentations. Prepares and presents annual stewardship reports. Provides annual benefits confirmation letter.
• Ensures timeliness and accuracy of client information in Benefit Point.
• Communicates with PL and/or producer on issues or concerns that affect BOB.
• Attends meetings at Conner Strong offices, client facilities, and other locations on a regular, as appropriate basis that may include out-of-state and overnight travel.
• Available on-call outside regular working hours.
• Participates in sales presentations as needed and other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience from a leading brokerage or consulting firm managing employee benefits for middle market and/or large group clients.
• Demonstrated ability to consult, make decisions and recommendations.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing benefit plans with a variety of funding arrangements.
• Experience negotiating financials and placing coverage.
• Experience working with private and public sector clients.
• Ability to present confidently and effectively and to change direction when necessary.
• Ability to work in a demanding, challenging environment.
• Ability to provide mentorship to support staff.
• Excellent organizational, communication, interpersonal, collaborative skills.
• Ability to manage relationships within EB, CSB and with vendors and carriers.
• Working knowledge of compliance and benefits plan regulatory issues.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent business experience required.
• Valid state Life and Health Insurance License required.
• Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without Company sponsorship.

Nice-to-haves

• GBA designation recommended.

Benefits

• Qualifying positions will also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, such as participation in family medical and dental insurance programs, 401K plan, and PTO.

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