Employee Benefits Client Executive

Unico Group•La Vista, NE

About The Position

The Client Executive on UNICO’s Employee Benefits team is responsible for client satisfaction for the organization’s largest and most complex clients. The role partners with Benefits Advisors to take a consultative, strategic approach to designing benefit programs aligned with client goals. It provides excellent client service and builds effective working relationships with internal partners and insurance carriers. The Client Executive manages strategic client relationships and benefit programs, evaluates renewal proposals and market bids, presents analysis and recommendations, and works with carriers and underwriters on coverage, pricing, and claims matters. The role also maintains client records, stays current on group insurance products and regulations, coordinates employee communications, supports client reporting and analysis, and collaborates with Client Managers, Advisors, service teams, clients, and carriers.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent combinations of education and relevant work experience may substitute for minimum qualifications.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in benefits brokerage, insurance or employee benefits customer service, account administration, or a related field preferred.
Strong knowledge of employee benefits, self-funding arrangements, group insurance, underwriting principles, and carrier processes.
Experience managing complex client relationships and delivering strategic benefit solutions in a consultative or client-facing environment.
Ability to interpret and apply benefit-related regulations, such as ERISA and ACA, and stay current with industry trends and legislative updates.
Proficiency in analyzing premiums, claims, and plan performance; comfort applying basic algebra and interpreting financial metrics.
Willingness to travel approximately six times per year.
State life and health insurance license, or ability to obtain one, required.
Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining strict attention to detail.
Professional and effective communication and presentation skills at all organizational levels.
Ability to interact successfully with a variety of client personality types.
Ability to independently follow activities through to completion.
Strong analytical skills, including assessing risk, interpreting market trends, and developing client-focused solutions.
Ability to explain complex concepts clearly in client-friendly language.
Alignment with UNICO’s core values of professionalism, trust, teamwork, and positivity.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other software, systems, and programs, with the ability to learn new applications.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 5 years of relevant experience in benefits brokerage, insurance or employee benefits customer service, account administration, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Implement and maintain benefit programs for UNICO clients.
Identify client problems, summarize them, and develop strategic employee benefit solutions.
Hold regular strategic meetings to understand clients’ evolving needs, provide insurance advice, and offer tailored solutions.
Evaluate carrier renewal proposals and collaborate with clients to determine whether a market bid is warranted.
Oversee market-bidding processes when needed, analyze results, and prepare comprehensive renewal reports.
Present findings to clients using professional, consultative sales techniques to support informed decisions.
Prepare and present materials for quarterly client meetings covering plan designs, rate history, claims experience, client concerns, and new plan ideas.
Collaborate with carriers and underwriters to negotiate coverage terms, pricing, and claims settlements on clients’ behalf.
Respond accurately and promptly to client and carrier inquiries about procedural matters, legislation and compliance, claims, and plan provisions through channels such as phone and email.
Strengthen existing client relationships by understanding changing needs and identifying ways to improve the client experience and provide additional value.
Ensure accurate, organized client records, policy documents, and other relevant information are maintained in customer and agency management software.
Stay current on group insurance, funding methods, state and federal legislation, insurance products, self-insurance programs, Section 125 plans, and provider networks.
Develop knowledge of industry markets, companies, carrier appetites, alternative benefit opportunities, UNICO resources, and new products; maintain strong carrier relationships.
Organize workflow and follow service timelines to support sales efforts.
Maintain clear communication with internal partners, clients, and carriers.
Work with the Client Manager and serve as a liaison between the Client Manager and Advisor when applicable.
Plan employee communication strategies with clients; coordinate preparation, review, approval, and delivery of employee communications with the Client Manager.
Conduct employee meetings and webinars as needed.
Provide analytical support and develop routine client reports for renewals, renewal history, mid-year planning, stewardship, and monthly or quarterly utilization and claims analysis.
Create custom reports and assist with analysis of plan cost variances, plan changes, claim history, and claim projections.
Communicate critical issues to Advisors and the Service team.