Employee Benefits Senior Account Manager

Cross Insurance•Shelton, CT

2d•$100,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Cross Family of Agencies is seeking an experienced and strategically minded Senior Account Manager specializing in Employee Benefits and Health Insurance. In this role, you will serve as the primary strategic partner and trusted advisor to our mid-to-large-market corporate clients. Unlike an entry-level service role, the Senior Account Manager owns the overall retention, satisfaction, and strategic direction of a dedicated book of business. You will lead the annual renewal process, analyze financial data, navigate complex compliance landscapes, and work closely with Producers to deliver high-touch, consultative service that keeps our clients ahead of the curve.

Requirements

Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in employee benefits account management, preferably within a commercial insurance brokerage or consulting firm.
Active Life and Health Insurance License is required.
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources, Finance, or a related field preferred.
Deep understanding of group health insurance products (HMO, PPO, HDHP), funding vehicles (fully-insured, level-funded, self-insured), ancillary benefits, and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).
Ability to look at complex problems and data sets, identify the root issue, and formulate creative plan-design solutions for clients.
Superior organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex renewals and client deadlines simultaneously under minimal supervision.
Exceptional presentation, writing, and interpersonal skills. Comfortable discussing complex financial and regulatory topics with C-suite executives.
Mastery of benefits administration systems, agency management software (e.g., Employee Navigator, Vertafore/AMS363, Applied), and advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables).

Nice To Haves

Professional designations (e.g., REBC, CEBS, GBA) are a major plus.

Responsibilities

Act as the primary point of contact for a book of sophisticated corporate clients, building deep relationships with HR Directors, CFOs, and executives to understand and support their long-term business goals.
Lead the annual renewal process from start to finish, including gathering census data, analyzing carrier underwriting renewals, preparing requests for proposals (RFPs), negotiating with insurance carriers for optimal rates, and presenting comprehensive options to clients.
Review and interpret monthly claims reports, utilization data, and financial metrics to identify cost drivers and proactively recommend plan design changes, wellness initiatives, or alternative funding mechanisms (e.g., self-funded or level-funded strategies).
Keep clients fully informed and compliant with evolving federal and state laws, including ACA reporting, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, and FMLA.
Oversee the implementation of new plans and changes. Coordinate and lead open enrollment meetings (virtual and in-person), design employee communication materials, and ensure a smooth enrollment experience.
Partner seamlessly with the Sales/Producer team on new business and renewals. Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to junior account managers and administrative coordinators within the department.