Employee Benefits Client Executive

Description

The Client Executive on the Employee Benefits team is responsible for client satisfaction of our largest, most complex clients. The Client Executive partners with Benefits Advisors to provide a consultative and strategic approach to designing benefit programs that best fit the client’s goals. The Client Executive is expected to consistently provide excellent customer service to our clients, as well as establish effective working relationships with internal partners and carriers.

Responsibilities

Strategic Account and Client Relationship Management

• Implement and maintain benefit programs for UNICO clients.
• Identify problems, summarize, and develop strategic employee benefit solutions.
• Conduct regular strategic meetings with clients to understand evolving needs, provide insurance advice, and offer tailored solutions.
• Evaluate carrier renewal proposals and collaborate with clients to determine if a market bid is warranted. If bidding is required, oversee the entire process, analyze results, and prepare a comprehensive renewal report. Present findings to clients using professional, consultative sales techniques to support informed decision-making.
• Prepare and present compelling materials that demonstrate UNICO's unique approach during quarterly meetings with clients to review plan designs, rate history, claims experience, discuss client concerns and introduce new plan ideas.
• Collaborate with insurance carriers and underwriters to negotiate coverage terms, pricing, and claims settlements on behalf of clients. 
• Serve as a point of contact for receipt of client and carrier inquiries (e.g. procedural matters, legislative / compliance, claim issues, plan provisions, etc.) through a variety of channels (e.g. phone, email, etc.) and provide a response to the inquiry in a timely manner ensuring accuracy.
• Strengthen relationships with existing clients by understanding their evolving needs and identifying opportunities to enhance their experience. Collaborate with clients to provide solutions that deliver additional value and support their long-term goals.
• Verify that accurate and organized client records, policy documentation, and other relevant information are being managed in our customer and agency management software.

Insurance Product Knowledge

• Stay current in the group insurance industry and working knowledge of various funding methods, state and federal legislation, insurance products, self-insurance programs, and Section 125 plans and maintains the ability to evaluate provider networks.
• Remain well-versed in self-funded insurance arrangements with the ability to apply advanced concepts.
• Develop strong knowledge of industry, markets, companies, and carrier appetites.
• Learn and understand alternative benefit opportunities to explain and offer to clients when applicable.
• Remain informed regarding UNICO resources, industry information, and new product information.
• Develop and maintain excellent carrier relationships.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Organize workflow and follow established service timelines to support sales efforts effectively.
• Maintain open and clear communication channels with internal partners, clients and carriers.
• Work closely with the Client Manager and act as liaison between the Client Manager and Advisor when applicable.
• Plan an employee communication strategy with the client, working with the Client Manager in the preparation of communication materials, review and approve appropriate employee communication material to be used by the client, and deliver material to the client. Conduct employee meetings and / or webinars as needed.
• Provide analytical support to meet the data and reporting needs of the client. This includes assistance in developing routine client reports for a variety of purposes, including renewal information, renewal history, mid-year planning, stewardship, monthly or quarterly utilization and claims analysis, etc.
• Assist with creation of custom reports as needed to respond to client inquiries. This includes plan cost variances, plan change analysis, claim history, claim projections, etc. and assist with complex analysis of data when required.
• Communicate critical issues to Advisors and the Service team.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in benefits brokerage, insurance or employee benefits customer service, account administration, or a related field preferred. An equivalent combination of education and/or relevant work experience may be substituted in lieu of minimum qualifications
• Strong knowledge of employee benefits, self-funding arrangements and group insurance, including underwriting principles, and carrier processes.
• Proven experience managing complex client relationships and delivering strategic benefit solutions in a consultative or client-facing environment.
• Ability to interpret and apply benefit-related regulations (e.g., ERISA, ACA) and stay current with industry trends and legislative updates.
• Proficiency with data analysis related to premiums, claims, and plan performance; comfort with applying basic algebra and interpreting financial metrics.
• Candidates must be willing to travel approximately six times per year.
• Licensure: State life and health insurance license, or ability to obtain, required.

Knowledge & Skills

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects at a time while paying strict attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and present information professionally and effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to successfully interact with a variety of client personality types.
• Ability to follow up on activities from start to finish while working independently.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess risk, interpret market trends, and develop client focused solutions. 
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts in a clear, client-friendly manner. 
• Alignment with UNICO’s core values: professionalism, trust, teamwork, and positivity. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and a variety of other software, systems, and programs, with the ability to learn new software applications. 

Physical Demands

• This role’s physical exertion is sedentary and within an office environment. 
• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. 
• Substantial movements and repetitive motion of the wrists, hands, and fingers. 
• Individuals should have close visual acuity to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing, viewing a computer, and extensive reading.

UNICO Group is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, UNICO Group will take steps to ensure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, contact People Operations at [email protected]