Sr. Benefits Account Executive

Marsh McLennan•Houston, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Benefits Account Executive is responsible for managing client insurance programs, acting as a primary point of contact for producers, vendors, and clients. This role involves higher-level account management for larger and more complex accounts, requiring proactive decision-making, strong consultative abilities, and effective delegation. The position also involves market interaction, including vendor relationship management, renewal strategies, and carrier negotiations. Client interaction includes coordinating and presenting at meetings, developing communication materials, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Teamwork and mentorship are also key aspects of this role, as is becoming a subject matter expert in specific areas.

Requirements

Maintain Group 1 License
Demonstrated ability to meet and exceed objectives through effective delegation and account management
Possess operational knowledge of Word, Excel, Power Point Publisher and current internet technologies.
Ability to travel to meet client service needs.
Ability to speak professionally and comfortably in front of others.
Demonstrate ability to multi-task, prioritize work
Willingness to work to meet client needs beyond scheduled hours by watching e-mail activity and answering important e-mails and calls after hours and on weekend, if necessary.
Bilingual Spanish a major plus
Ability to service our clients, vendors and co-workers effectively through problem solving, appropriate confidentiality, diplomacy, sensitivity and tactfulness.
Ability to be pro-active (Does not have to be asked or reminded of tasks. Demonstrates a leadership role with the client in the overall administration of the Benefits Program).
Mastery level knowledge of fully-insured benefits products, services, market dynamics, carriers/vendors.
Functional knowledge of wellness programs (both carrier-based as well as proprietary/client specific strategies), and client advocacy concepts.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree Preferred
2-3 years of Account Executive experience preferred
Minimum of 5-7 years of midmarket Account Executive experience preferred
Demonstrated participation in (i.e. completed segments) in RHU, GBA or CEBS CE path
If no designation, then 7+ years of experience as an Account Executive preferred

Responsibilities

Act as a main point of contact with the Producer.
Function as a main contact with vendors to ensure proper processing of requests necessary to effectively maintain the client’s insurance program.
Maintain positive client relationship and have the ability to analyze situations, make proactive decisions and manage the follow-through.
Demonstrate a strong consultative ability to instruct and direct the client.
Responsible for sharing knowledge, providing instruction, and delegating tasks to the Account Manager, Call Center, Benefits Admin, wellness and iCAF and any team member not specifically identified, as per Benefits Timeline.
Inform Producer of upcoming deadlines and events.
Maintain R: Drive/client files as per Department Guidelines.
Manage “workflows” and administration as per Benefits Timeline.
Manage and monitor administration of client benefit programs.
Research and answer questions regarding client benefit plans, claims billings, etc.
Manage and/or Deliver Wellness Presentations so that client understands full scope of MMA vendor capabilities.
Demonstrate proactive work style and does not have to be asked or reminded of tasks. Demonstrates a leadership role in all aspects of job performance both within the office as well as with clients.
Manage upcoming deadlines and events (perhaps under direction of Executive Team Lead or Producer), informing and updating the Producer, as needed.
In absence of more senior team members, provide direction and guidance to other team members when appropriate.
Build and maintain vendor relationships.
Manage renewal bid/RFP strategy and process.
Manage ongoing carrier/TPA/Vendor renewal negotiations on clients’ behalf.
Oversee and monitor creation and maintenance of marketing binder as per Department guidelines and Benefit Timeline.
Oversee and monitor follow up with carriers to insure they have everything needed to quote clients Insurance program.
Oversee and monitor preparation of market spreadsheets.
Monitor and take appropriate action to ensure satisfactory vendor performance.
Stay up-to-date on carrier plans and websites.
Negotiate with carriers on cost and program design.
Assist bSwift team with completion of the bSwift requirements document for any assigned clients that are engaging bSwift as their ben admin and online enrollment technology.
Assist bSwift team with set-up of client web site as directed by Benefits Operations Manager.
Responsible for adherence to MMA Benefit Timeline Checklist to ensure appropriate level of service to client.
Oversee Development and preparation of communication booklets as per Department Guidelines and Benefit Timeline.
Ability to service our clients effectively through problem solving, appropriate confidentiality, diplomacy, sensitivity and tactfulness.
Coordinate, Present and Attend Client Meetings including though not limited to:
Responsible for visibility with client through occasional lunches and on-sight visits.
Schedule Mid-year and Renewal Meetings –Prepare materials used in these meetings- DELIVER TO PRODUCER 7 DAYS PRIOR TO MTG.
Enrollment Meetings – Coordinate meeting agenda and times with Client and Carriers and conduct meetings as necessary.
Develop stewardship report based on workflows in Benefit Point.
Capable of Gathering and Analyzing ICAF, Milliman, Aggregate and DMW reports.
Initiate own correspondence with clients. Ensure that these items are delivered or mailed to clients on a timely basis.
Visit clients with or w/o Producer as necessary throughout the year with demonstrated meeting purpose (i.e., pre renewal meeting, post renewal meeting, safety/loss control meeting, and gathering information, delivering policies, collecting payments ….etc.).
Review Summary Plan Descriptions. Communicate any corrections directly to vendors and ensure that SPD is updated and correct prior to sending final version to client.
Responsible for personally checking all client policies.
Oversee Compliance functions to include but not limited to: Benefit Timeline Checklist, Healthcare Reform Checklist, Self-Funded SPD Checklist, Stop Loss Checklist, Admin Agreement Checklist.
Compliance oversight for “Schedule A” request from carriers, Form 5500, Medicare Part D Disclosures and CMS Reporting, HIPAA and ERISA and COBRA.
Review 1st bill following renewal for each line of coverage to ensure sold rates/enrollment counts are accurate.
Function as team member of the Client Services team to ensure superior service to all MMA Clients.
Demonstrate appropriate judgement regarding what tasks are managed at their level or those that need to be delegated.
Provide direction and guidance to other members when appropriate.
Maintain and exhibit a positive, professional attitude in the performance of your job, treat clients, prospects, carriers/vendors, and agency employees with courtesy and respect, conform to the organizational chart on all personnel matters and contribute to a company team approach toward meeting agency goals and providing excellent client services.
Represent the agency in a competent, professional manner, appropriate business attire for all client events or meetings unless otherwise advised by the client.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Client Services.
Seen as a role model and begins to mentor both Account Executives and Managers, support their training and as a part of their training and development.
Assist in plan recommendations for the client.
Become subject matter expert and resource in area of interest or technical capability.