Howden Middle Market - Health & Benefits Account Executive (Wichita, KS)

About the role

We are seeking a strategic, relationship-driven Employee Benefits Account Executive to lead and grow a portfolio of clients across our Employee Benefits practice. In this role, you will serve as a trusted advisor to employers on the design, implementation, and management of employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, voluntary benefits, and wellness initiatives. The ideal candidate is consultative, proactive, and experienced in navigating the complexities of employee benefits while delivering innovative solutions that support clients' workforce strategies and business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary strategic advisor and point of contact for assigned employee benefits clients.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with client leadership, human resources teams, and key stakeholders.
• Gain a deep understanding of each client's workforce, organizational goals, benefits philosophy, and employee population to provide tailored recommendations.
• Deliver ongoing strategic guidance related to benefits market trends, plan design, cost containment strategies, employee engagement, and workforce wellbeing.
• Lead annual renewal strategy and planning, including carrier negotiations, plan design analysis, benchmarking, contribution modeling, and financial review.
• Analyze renewal proposals and recommend plan strategies that align with client objectives and budget considerations.
• Coordinate with carriers, vendors, and internal teams to ensure seamless implementation of benefit programs and enrollment processes.
• Oversee the timely execution of plan changes, open enrollment activities, and ongoing benefits administration support.
• Support clients with employee benefits compliance matters, including ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, and other applicable regulations.
• Ensure client records, documentation, and service deliverables are maintained accurately within agency management systems.
• Maintain the highest standards of service quality, responsiveness, and accuracy across all client interactions.
• Collaborate with compliance and subject matter experts to address evolving regulatory requirements.
• Serve as the primary advocate for clients in carrier and vendor discussions.
• Facilitate resolution of escalated service, billing, eligibility, and claims-related issues.
• Coordinate with insurance carriers, TPAs, wellness vendors, pharmacy benefit managers, and other service providers to deliver exceptional client outcomes.
• Communicate market developments, carrier updates, and strategic recommendations to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for cross-selling, account expansion, and additional consulting services.
• Partner closely with producers, account managers, analytics teams, compliance specialists, and other internal subject matter experts.
• Participate in client presentations, stewardship meetings, and strategic planning sessions.
• Contribute to internal initiatives, process improvements, and professional development efforts that strengthen team performance and client outcomes.

Requirements

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in employee benefits consulting, account management, account executive, or client advisory roles within a brokerage, consulting, or carrier environment.
• Demonstrated success managing employer-sponsored employee benefits programs and client relationships.
• Active Health and Life insurance license (state specific).

Skills

• Strong knowledge of employee benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, voluntary benefits, and wellness offerings.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, including benefits financial analysis and renewal strategy development.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency with agency management systems and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).

Qualifications

• Experience working with middle market or large group employee benefits accounts preferred.
• CEBS, GBA, RHU, REBC, SHRM, or similar professional designation preferred.
• Experience with self-funded health plans, captives, alternative funding arrangements, and population health strategies preferred.
• Familiarity with employee benefits compliance requirements, including ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, and COBRA preferred.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including healthcare savings and reimbursement accounts
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Flexible Paid Time Off and paid parental leave
• Life and Disability insurance