Associate Consultant, Employee Benefits

Principal Responsibilities

• Provides direct, hands-on management of a book of business ranging in size from $1.5 - $3.0M with oversight and guidance from practice leaders.
• 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.
• Mets Conner Strong & Buckelew’s retention goals and identifies opportunities to add voluntary products and otherwise increase revenue.
• Mets 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 practice leaders and/or producer on issues or concerns that affect book of business.

Other Functions

• 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.
• GBA designation recommended.
• Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without Company sponsorship.

Qualifications

• Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without Company sponsorship.

Benefits

• Compensation: Salary for this position ranges from $70,000.00 - $120,000.00. The base pay offered will be determined on factors such as experience, skills, training, location, certifications, and education. Decisions will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
• Comprehensive benefits: Participation in family medical and dental insurance programs, 401K plan, and PTO.