Associate Consultant

Department: Employee Benefits Job Summary The Associate Consultant, Employee Benefits responsible for supporting and servicing a key book of business. Responsible for the strategic oversight of a client’s benefit program and for managing client and vendor relationships. Uses team resources appropriately in delivering superior services to clients. Serves as each client’s trusted benefits advisor by understanding of how benefits fit into the overall corporate strategy. Principal Responsibilities • Provides direct, hands-on management of a book of business ranging in size from $1.5 - $3.0M with oversight and guidance from practice leaders. • Provides a benefits strategy that includes an understanding and evaluation of each client’s benefit programs for every line of coverage (plan design(s), contributions, eligibility rules, administration, compliance review, etc.). • Conducts meetings with key staff and decision makers. • Uses benchmarking tools, data, and market trends to initiate strategy discussions. • Provides recommendations relative to each client’s goals and objectives. • Manages the RFP process, negotiates financials and evaluates justification of renewals. • Manages compliance needs • Oversees employee communications, vendor implementations, ongoing service items, and coordination of vendor/finalist meetings. • Sets expectations of Associate Consultant, oversees workflow by establishing priorities and performance expectations. • Reviews contracts against corresponding proposals to ensure accuracy of agreed upon terms. • Remains current on industry trends, new products and coverages, legislation and regulatory changes, compliance and technology. Proactively communicates pertinent information with clients. • Meets Conner Strong & Buckelew’s retention goals and identifies opportunities to add voluntary products and otherwise increase revenue. • Meets Conner Strong & Buckelew’s established producer communication protocols. • Uses PowerPoint to build presentations. Prepares and presents annual stewardship reports. Provides annual benefits confirmation letter. • Ensures timeliness and accuracy of client information in Benefit Point. • Communicates with practice leaders and/or producer on issues or concerns that affect book of business. Other Functions • Attends meetings at Conner Strong offices, client facilities, and other locations on a regular, as appropriate basis that may include out-of-state and overnight travel. • Available on-call outside regular working hours. • Participates in sales presentations as needed and other duties as assigned. Requirements • Minimum 5 years of relevant experience from a leading brokerage or consulting firm managing employee benefits for middle market and/or large group clients. • Demonstrated ability to consult, make decisions and recommendations. • Demonstrated experience analyzing benefit plans with a variety of funding arrangements. • Experience negotiating financials and placing coverage. • Experience working with private and public sector clients. • Ability to present confidently and effectively and to change direction when necessary. • Ability to work in a demanding, challenging environment. • Ability to provide mentorship to support staff. • Excellent organizational, communication, interpersonal, collaborative skills. • Ability to manage relationships within EB, CSB and with vendors and carriers. • Working knowledge of compliance and benefits plan regulatory issues. • Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word). • Bachelor's degree or equivalent business experience required. • Valid state Life and Health Insurance License required. • GBA designation recommended. • Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without Company sponsorship. Salary for this position ranges from $70,000.00 - $120,000.00. The base pay offered will be determined on factors such as experience, skills, training, location, certifications, and education. Decisions will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Qualifying positions will also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, such as participation in family medical and dental insurance programs, 401K plan, and PTO. Conner Strong & Buckelew is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, nationality, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or domestic partnership or Civil Union status, pregnancy, family medical history or genetic information, atypical cellular or blood trait, military service or any other status protected by law. Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without Company sponsorship. Conner Strong & Buckelew is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, nationality, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or domestic partnership or Civil Union status, pregnancy, family medical history or genetic information, atypical cellular or blood trait, military service or any other status protected by law.