Benefit Consultant

Gallagher•Rolling Meadows, IL

About The Position

At Gallagher Benefit Services, you’re a trusted partner to organizations navigating some of their most important people decisions. We help clients build better workplaces, where people feel supported, empowered, and inspired to thrive. Whether it’s shaping benefit strategies, designing wellbeing programs, or advising on workforce challenges, the work you do here creates meaningful change for businesses and the people who power them. We’re a community of bold explorers, trusted experts, and compassionate partners; working side by side to solve problems, and shape the future of work. Here, curiosity is encouraged, collaboration is second nature, and your ideas have room to grow. If you’re looking for a place where your contribution matters and where you can help build a better world of work; think of Gallagher. Overview The Account Manager works closely with GBS Consultants to support and develop effective employee benefit strategies and programs for assigned clients. The Account Manager is responsible for the day-to-day account management for routine/moderately complex client accounts and manages an assigned book of business. Serving as the primary internal point of contact for all day-to-day service requirements, the Account Manager will work closely with assigned clients to form effective business relationships through proactive client service, managing renewals, coordinate the appropriate resources to address the clients’ needs and lead any ongoing problem resolution. May coordinate the work of administrative support staff and provide support to GBS Consultant.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and 3 or more years client coordination and/or claims management experience, OR High School degree with 8 or more years client coordination and/or claims management experience.
License required.
Able and willing to travel approximately 25% of the time.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing, implementing and renewing small and large group health & welfare plans including medical, dental, ancillary, FSA and COBRA plans
Working knowledge of HIPAA, ERISA, COBRA and other state and federal employee benefit regulations
Basic understanding of the key challenges in employee benefit plans and current health care trends, including Health Care Reform
100% client focused
Excellent verbal/written/communication skills
Strong presentation skills and confidence in presenting in front of large groups
Ability to work under significant pressure in order to handle frequent interruptions and high volume activity
Ability to coordinate and manage multiple projects while ensuring timely and accurate client deliverables, with effective problem solving and resolution skills
Strong organizational, project planning and management, analytical and multi-tasking skills
Multi-level relationship building skills
Self-motivated; must be able to work independently, be goal and people oriented, with ability to work towards team and individual goals
Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite – ability to create & deliver charts/graphs, spreadsheets, formulas and presentations utilizing PowerPoint and Excel required

Responsibilities

Act as primary contact for all day-to-day service issues and other inquiries for all assigned clients; act as liaison between client and vendors to resolve issues and identify process improvement opportunities.
Prepare and manage all client deliverables.
Manage and collaborate with client service team members to effectively on-board new GBS clients. The Account Manager, in conjunction with the Consultant will oversee the implementation project plan, facilitate resources and ensure that service deliverables meet sales guarantees and satisfy client expectations.
Develop and manage strong business relationships with assigned clients in conjunction with GBS Consultant through in-person visits, entertainment opportunities and phone contact at multiple levels within client organization.
Manage client service plan with corresponding activities and deliverables, including action planning, mid-year and renewal planning and management objective setting.
Provides guidance on regulatory issues that impact health & welfare benefit plans.
Analyze carrier reports, benefit plan structures, plan design and industry trends and make appropriate benefit plan recommendations in conjunction with GBS Consultant.
May be prepared to handle market Requests for Proposals (RFPs), prepare client renewals and negotiate rates with carriers in conjunction with GBS Consultant; may prepare and present alternate benefit options when appropriate.
Provide consulting to clients regarding health & welfare benefit program plan design and trends within the benefits industry (healthcare, voluntary benefits, etc.) in conjunction with GBS Consultant.
Assist clients in developing employee communication strategies & materials. Be prepared to create and deliver employee communication through technology tools, benefit summaries, webinars, open enrollment meetings and other methods as required and appropriate.
Provide compliance reviews for clients and make recommendations for changes to bring clients into compliance in conjunction with GBS Consultant.
Review all new and renewal policies, summary plan descriptions (SPDs) and plan amendments for accuracy (using required procedures) prior to delivery
Adherence to BOSS mandatory compliance standards
Identify new business opportunities and additional lines of coverage for GBS products and services among the current book of business client.
Ability & willingness to travel 25% of the time
Establish and maintain solid working relationships with GBS Consultants, fellow account managers and other Employee Benefits team members
Provide technical support to GBS Consultants and Employee Benefits staff, and work as a team to effectively cross-train client assignments and workflow
Demonstrate initiative to continue growing personally and professionally as our industry changes.
Solutions focused approach for addressing and resolving internal and external challenges
Attend available training classes, including established webinars and local seminars
Participate in industry related educational and product information seminars and courses
Attendance required at regular department meetings

Benefits

Medical/dental/vision plans, which start from day one!
Life and accident insurance
401(K) and Roth options
Tax-advantaged accounts (HSA, FSA)
Educational expense reimbursement
Paid parental leave
Digital mental health services (Talkspace)
Flexible work hours (availability varies by office and job function)
Training programs
Gallagher Thrive program – elevating your health through challenges, workshops and digital fitness programs for your overall wellbeing
Charitable matching gift program