Director of Carrier Relations - Group Benefits

Amwins•Dallas, TX

11h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Carrier Relationships is a senior leadership role responsible for driving enterprise-wide carrier strategy, strengthening business to business partnerships by optimizing operational performance, while advancing long-term business growth initiatives. This leader serves as a key strategic liaison between carrier partners, executive leadership, sales, and operations to ensure alignment, accountability, innovation, and scalable execution.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional working experience required
10+ years of experience in group benefits, stop loss, or ancillary products required
5+ years of leadership experience within carrier relations, strategic partnerships, or operations
Detailed knowledge of self-funded health plans and the importance of stop loss and ancillary products in an overall benefits program required
Knowledge of stop loss carrier operations and financials with a basic understanding of reinsurance markets and how they support the stop loss market required
Detailed knowledge of third-party administrator operations required
Ability to analyze and review stop loss policy forms and have a detailed understanding of ERISA rules and benefit plan eligibility
A detailed understanding of how stop loss policies are underwritten and sold by Carriers, Brokers/Consultants and where a general agent fits into the process
Knowledge of the structure of Carrier vs MGU offerings and the strength and weakness of both
Demonstrated success managing long term business relationships with understanding that many issues are best handled by in person meetings
Exceptional communication, negotiation, and executive presentation skills
Ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment
Strong organizational leadership, problem-solving, and change management capabilities
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Power BI

Nice To Haves

Experience with benefit platforms and operational workflow optimization preferred

Responsibilities

Develop and execute carrier partnership strategies aligned with key organizational objectives
Serve as the primary relationship lead for strategic carrier partners and key vendors
Negotiate, manage, and oversee partnership agreements, evaluate performance, and measure long-term strategic initiatives
Lead executive business reviews with carrier partners, presenting performance metrics, operational initiatives, and future growth opportunities
Identify and implement opportunities to expand carrier relationships, enhance joint product offerings, and strengthen market competitiveness
Support and track sales development initiatives through carrier reporting and engagement while promoting strategic collaboration between Carriers, Partners and Amwins
Resolve and track escalated internal and external carrier-related issues while developing process changes to limit future issues
Serve as primary point of contact for escalations, demonstrating the ability to enthusiastically solve problems and execute high priority deliverables
Establish, maintain, and continually improve carrier performance metrics, KPIs, and reports
Drive initiatives focused on efficiency and automation that improve service quality
Partner with Finance and Premium Operations teams on carrier compensation and bonus reconciliation
Work with cross functional teams creating enterprise reporting initiatives, translating complex data into actionable business insights
Provide strategic oversight for carrier onboarding, implementation, integrations, and workflow optimization, including process transitions and technology enhancements
Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing operational support teams
Partner cross-functionally with leadership, sales, and operations to align strategic priorities
Facilitate enterprise-wide communication and alignment regarding carrier initiatives, service issues, compliance requirements, and growth opportunities
Champion organizational change management efforts tied to operational transformation and carrier strategy initiatives
Assist affiliated operating companies by identifying potential business opportunities and facilitating strategic introductions with carrier partners, vendors, and other applicable internal stakeholders
Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Identify and track market trends to inform strategic decision-making
Identify emerging opportunities within stop loss and ancillary markets
Lead special projects and executive initiatives that drive organizational performance and enhance revenue growth opportunities