Benefits Consultant

HUB International•Baton Rouge, LA

About The Position

A Benefits Consultant manages a book of business and partners with clients to assess their employee benefits needs, develop strategic benefit plans, and recommend viable solutions that support the client’s goals and competitiveness. The consultant advises clients on emerging benefits trends, annual renewals, plan options, compliance, and other opportunities to enhance their benefits offerings. The role requires understanding client expectations, addressing problems proactively, and delivering accurate, timely service. The Benefits Consultant builds trusted relationships with client HR and benefits staff and senior management, maintains strong communication, and works with carrier representatives and internal colleagues. The role also supports business development through cross-selling and referrals, mentors and develops team members, and coordinates implementation and transitions when carriers or plans change. Consultants are expected to contribute to a collaborative team environment and pursue ongoing professional development.

Requirements

5–7 years of experience in benefits, including strong knowledge of self-insured plans, ancillary lines, and current legislation.
Louisiana Life and Health license, or willingness to complete it as soon as possible.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Ability to interact effectively with people at varying levels of responsibility and authority, including employees, key contacts, and executives.
Strong organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is highly preferred.
Professional designations such as RHU, REBC, or CEBS are a plus.

Responsibilities

Understand clients’ business issues and how benefits support their business; articulate long-term benefit goals and develop strategic plans to achieve them.
Educate and support clients and serve as a trusted advisor.
Identify client problems and expectations, provide viable solutions, and act proactively when potential issues arise.
Plan and execute renewals strategically, maintain regular client communication, share emerging trends and solutions, and anticipate renewal-related concerns.
Stay current on employee benefits, plan designs, riders, legislation, and industry trends.
Attend training, read and share industry knowledge, and complete coursework to earn or maintain professional designations.
Alert clients to potential legislative and coverage issues and provide and explain an annual compliance package.
Shadow other consultants and invite them to shadow client appointments to exchange knowledge of business segments, techniques, and consulting styles.
Meet with medical and ancillary carrier representatives at least twice a year to learn about innovations and strategies, maintain professional relationships, and provide feedback on quotes.
Conduct professional, informative client presentations, encourage feedback, and project confidence.
Assess cross-selling opportunities, encourage innovation, involve voluntary consultants and financial representatives when appropriate, request referrals, and generate sales opportunities.
Discuss strategic partnerships and services with clients, including ADP, Chase, carrier wellness offerings, COBRA administration, and FSA administration.
Discuss compensation and value proposition with clients and address compensation adjustments when needed.
Strive for 100% client retention.
Deliver accurate and timely client materials in accordance with performance standards; thoroughly review presentation materials in advance and ensure follow-up issues are handled and communicated promptly.
Offer HUB value-added services to clients, including benefit summaries, Mywave, POP plans, wellness communications plans, and Hope Health newsletters.
Build and maintain strong relationships with client HR and benefits staff and upper management through regular, proactive communication.
Mentor Associate Benefit Consultants, Account Managers, BA/CSS, and ISRs; support their growth through communication and instruction, delegate appropriately, set expectations, and hold team members accountable.
Hold regular team meetings and communicate client issues, renewals, and proactive work clearly to team members; foster engagement and positive working relationships.
Use Benefit Point to document and assign client service issues and key renewal-process steps.
Coordinate smooth implementation and transition processes for carrier changes with minimal disruption; communicate and document major issues and changes, track next steps, and ensure submissions and documents are processed accurately and on time.
Proactively verify information such as new rates, employee enrollments and changes, and ID cards; promptly address problems arising during renewals.
Stay prepared, organized, and methodical, using a system to track and manage active issues and projects.

Benefits

Competitive salaries and benefits offerings.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance and voluntary insurance options.
Health Savings Account funding.
401(k) matching program.
Company-paid life and short-term disability plans.
Supplemental life and long-term disability options.
Comprehensive wellness program.
Paid parental leave.
Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, sick time, and personal time off.
Structured training, licensing support, and ongoing development opportunities.
Collaborative culture, employee engagement events, community involvement through HUB Gives, and career growth opportunities.