Employee Benefits Client Executive

UNICO Group Inc•La Vista, NE

About The Position

The Employee Benefits Client Executive is responsible for client satisfaction among UNICO’s largest and most complex clients. Working with Benefits Advisors, the role takes a consultative, strategic approach to designing benefit programs that align with client goals, while providing excellent customer service and building effective relationships with internal partners and insurance carriers. The position manages benefit programs and client relationships, evaluates renewal and market-bid options, negotiates with carriers, and presents strategic recommendations and analyses to clients. It also supports employee communications, prepares reports, maintains accurate client documentation, and stays current on employee benefits products, funding arrangements, legislation, and industry developments. The role requires approximately six trips per year and is performed in a sedentary office environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
At least 5 years of experience in benefits brokerage, insurance or employee-benefits customer service, account administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent education and/or relevant work experience may substitute for minimum qualifications.
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, including 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 with strict attention to detail.
Ability to communicate and present professionally and effectively at all organizational levels, and to interact successfully with a variety of client personality types.
Ability to follow activities through to completion while working independently.
Strong analytical skills, including assessing risk, interpreting market trends, and developing client-focused solutions.
Exceptional communication skills and ability to explain complex concepts clearly to clients.
Alignment with UNICO’s values of professionalism, trust, teamwork, and positivity.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other software, systems, and programs, with ability to learn new applications.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Implement and maintain benefit programs for UNICO clients.
Identify client problems and develop strategic employee-benefit solutions.
Conduct strategic client meetings to understand evolving needs, provide insurance advice, and offer tailored solutions.
Evaluate carrier renewal proposals and work with clients to determine whether a market bid is warranted; oversee bidding when needed, analyze results, prepare renewal reports, and present findings to clients.
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 promptly and accurately to client and carrier inquiries about procedures, legislation and compliance, claims, and plan provisions.
Strengthen existing client relationships by understanding needs and identifying opportunities to improve client experience and deliver additional value.
Ensure accurate and organized client records and policy documentation 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, provider networks, industry markets, carrier appetites, and alternative benefit opportunities.
Develop and maintain strong carrier relationships and remain informed about UNICO resources and new product information.
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 appropriate.
Plan employee communication strategies with clients; coordinate, review, and approve communication materials with the Client Manager; deliver materials; and conduct employee meetings or webinars as needed.
Provide analytical support and develop routine client reports covering renewal information and history, mid-year planning, stewardship, and utilization and claims analysis.
Create custom reports addressing client inquiries, including plan cost variances, plan change analysis, claim history, and claim projections, and assist with complex data analysis.
Communicate critical issues to Advisors and the Service team.