Employee Benefits Account Manager

Position Overview

The Employee Benefits Account Manager is responsible for managing and retaining an assigned portfolio of employee benefits clients while delivering strategic guidance, responsive service, and effective benefits solutions. This role oversees day-to-day account management, renewal planning, benefits marketing, open enrollment coordination, and client relationship development.

Working closely with clients, insurance carriers, producers, and internal teams, the Account Manager ensures benefit programs align with client objectives, employee needs, and applicable regulatory requirements. This position also contributes to business growth, cross-selling initiatives, service improvements, and team development. The ideal candidate is an experienced employee benefits professional with strong client management skills, sound industry knowledge, and the ability to operate independently in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Client Relationship Management and Service Delivery

• Manage and retain an assigned book of employee benefits business, maintaining strong client relationships and accountability for service delivery.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients regarding benefit plans, coverage questions, policy interpretation, and service needs.
• Lead client service activities, renewal planning, marketing processes, and open enrollment coordination.
• Address complex client concerns and escalated issues, working with insurance carriers and internal stakeholders to develop timely resolutions.
• Act as a liaison between clients and carriers to resolve billing discrepancies, claims-related matters, eligibility issues, and other service concerns.
• Monitor client satisfaction and proactively identify opportunities to improve service and strengthen long-term relationships.
• Maintain accurate client records, correspondence, transactions, and documentation within agency management systems.

Benefits Strategy and Renewal Management

• Analyze existing benefit programs and recommend plan designs that align with client budgets, workforce needs, and organizational objectives.
• Coordinate renewal reviews, benefit comparisons, carrier negotiations, and marketing strategies.
• Prepare and present renewal proposals, plan options, and recommendations to clients.
• Evaluate group medical, ancillary, and specialty benefit offerings to identify appropriate solutions.
• Coordinate open enrollment activities and help ensure employees receive clear, accurate information about available benefits.
• Monitor renewal timelines, deliverables, and implementation requirements to ensure a smooth client experience.
• Advise clients on benefit program changes, market developments, and opportunities to improve plan value and cost efficiency.

Business Development and Growth

• Identify opportunities to expand existing client relationships through account rounding and cross-selling employee benefits and other insurance services.
• Collaborate with producers and leadership to support new business development, referrals, and networking initiatives.
• Assist with proposal development, client presentations, and renewal marketing strategies.
• Identify additional client needs and recommend appropriate coverage options and services.
• Contribute to client retention, account growth, and overall practice performance.
• Support strategic initiatives designed to strengthen the employee benefits practice and enhance client service capabilities.

Compliance and Industry Knowledge

• Stay informed about legislative, regulatory, tax, and market developments affecting employee benefits programs.
• Proactively communicate relevant changes and potential impacts to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Support clients in understanding applicable employee benefits requirements and compliance considerations.
• Coordinate with carriers and other service partners to ensure accurate plan information and documentation.
• Maintain current knowledge of group medical, ancillary, and specialty benefits products, carrier offerings, and industry best practices.

Leadership and Team Collaboration

• Contribute to the development and implementation of service standards, operational best practices, and process improvements.
• Share industry knowledge and provide guidance or mentoring to colleagues as appropriate.
• Participate in internal meetings, training sessions, and cross-functional collaboration initiatives.
• Work closely with producers, account teams, operations, and leadership to coordinate client needs and practice objectives.
• Promote a collaborative, service-oriented culture focused on accountability, continuous improvement, and client satisfaction.
• Represent the organization professionally in interactions with clients, carriers, vendors, and business partners.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or higher preferred.
• Minimum of three years of employee benefits insurance experience, including group medical benefits.
• Minimum of three years of client-facing account management experience.
• Experience managing an assigned book of business, including renewals, marketing, client retention, and open enrollment activities.
• Prior leadership, mentoring, or team development experience strongly preferred.
• Active Life and Health insurance license required.
• Experience working with insurance carriers, benefit plan administration, and client service operations.

Technical Skills

• Strong working knowledge of Employee Navigator, Applied Epic, or comparable agency management and benefits administration systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to analyze benefit plan options, renewal proposals, and coverage comparisons.
• Strong documentation, reporting, and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with group medical, ancillary, and specialty benefits products and related compliance requirements.