Account Executive, Benefits

Description

The Benefits Account Executive is responsible for managing, retaining, and growing an assigned portfolio of employee benefits clients. This position serves as the primary relationship manager and strategic advisor to clients, ensuring they receive proactive guidance, exceptional service, and comprehensive employee benefits solutions.

The Account Executive leads the annual renewal and benefits planning process, develops strong relationships with client decision-makers, identifies opportunities to expand existing relationships, and coordinates internal resources to deliver a consistent and positive client experience.

Success in this position requires a balance of relationship management, benefits expertise, business development, and operational accountability. The Account Executive is expected to take ownership of client relationships, anticipate client needs, and contribute to the continued growth and profitability of CIP Group.

1. Client Relationship Management & Retention

• Serve as the primary relationship owner and trusted benefits advisor for an assigned portfolio of clients.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with business owners, executives, human resources professionals, and other key decision-makers.
• Develop a thorough understanding of each client's business, workforce, benefits objectives, and financial considerations.
• Maintain regular, proactive communication with clients throughout the year, rather than limiting engagement to renewal periods.
• Conduct periodic client meetings to review satisfaction, emerging needs, and opportunities for improvement.
• Take ownership of escalated client concerns, coordinating with internal teams to ensure timely and effective resolution.
• Identify potential retention risks early and develop strategies to strengthen client relationships.
• Maintain accurate and timely client documentation within CIP's designated account management systems.

2. Benefits Strategy & Annual Renewals

• Lead the annual renewal process for assigned clients from initial planning through final implementation.
• Review plan performance, utilization, claims experience, market conditions, and renewal pricing to develop recommendations.
• Partner with internal marketing and carrier representatives to obtain competitive proposals and negotiate favorable renewal terms.
• Evaluate alternative funding arrangements, plan designs, carrier options, and cost-containment strategies when appropriate.
• Develop clear, comprehensive renewal presentations outlining pricing, plan changes, alternatives, and recommendations.
• Conduct renewal meetings for all medical clients and ensure direct client communication for dental and ancillary renewals.
• Provide strategic recommendations that balance employer cost objectives with employee benefits needs.
• Secure timely client decisions and coordinate the completion of all required renewal documentation.
• Maintain accurate renewal status, activity, and documentation within CIP's designated management systems.
• Ensure all renewal deadlines and internal service standards are met.

3. Open Enrollment & Benefits Communication

• Lead the client-facing planning and coordination of annual open enrollment activities.
• Develop and present clear, professional employee benefits presentations explaining available coverage, plan changes, costs, and enrollment requirements.
• Conduct employee enrollment meetings, both virtually and in person, as appropriate.
• Work closely with CIP's internal Enrollment Team to establish timelines, coordinate enrollment materials, and ensure accurate and timely implementation.
• Assist clients with employee communication strategies to improve benefits understanding and participation.
• Address escalated enrollment questions and coordinate resolution of outstanding issues.
• Ensure a smooth transition from renewal decisions through completed enrollment and carrier implementation.

4. Ongoing Client Service & Internal Coordination

• Maintain overall accountability for the quality and responsiveness of service delivered to assigned clients.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex client service matters.
• Partner with account management, enrollment, and other internal service teams to resolve client and employee issues.
• Clearly communicate client expectations, deadlines, and priorities to internal team members.
• Monitor outstanding client matters and ensure appropriate follow-through and resolution.
• Identify recurring service challenges and recommend improvements to internal processes.
• Maintain thorough documentation of material client discussions, decisions, and service matters.
• Promote a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach across all CIP departments.

5. Client Reporting & Strategic Consulting

• Prepare and present relevant benefits reporting, including plan performance, claims experience, utilization, and cost trends.
• Provide recommendations to help clients manage benefit expenses, improve employee engagement, and strengthen their overall benefits programs.
• Keep clients informed of significant legislative, regulatory, and market developments affecting their employee benefits.
• Collaborate with internal subject matter experts to provide appropriate compliance guidance and resources.
• Conduct strategic benefits reviews and planning discussions throughout the year.
• Identify opportunities to improve benefits administration, employee education, and operational efficiency.

6. Account Growth & Business Development

• Identify and pursue opportunities to expand existing client relationships through additional products and services.
• Proactively introduce relevant CIP solutions, including employee benefits, retirement services, HR consulting, payroll, and other available offerings.
• Develop account growth strategies based on client needs and CIP's broader service capabilities.
• Collaborate with internal sales teams and division leaders to coordinate cross-selling opportunities.
• Generate referrals and introductions through strong client relationships.
• Participate in new business presentations and prospect meetings as needed.
• Maintain accountability for established retention, revenue growth, and cross-selling goals.
• Target a minimum of two additional lines of coverage per month across the assigned client portfolio.

7. Account Administration & Compliance

• Ensure client agreements, benefit documentation, and required records are accurate and maintained appropriately.
• Monitor renewal and enrollment deadlines to support timely execution.
• Maintain current and accurate client information within CIP's designated systems.
• Follow established internal procedures, documentation requirements, and service standards.
• Coordinate with internal teams to address discrepancies, outstanding requirements, or administrative concerns.
• Maintain confidentiality and safeguard sensitive client and employee information.

Performance will be evaluated based on the following areas:

Client Retention: Maintain strong client relationships, proactively address retention risks, and achieve established retention objectives.

Revenue Growth: Identify and secure additional lines of coverage and cross-selling opportunities that contribute to portfolio growth.

Renewal Management: Complete renewals accurately and on time, with appropriate client engagement, documentation, and strategic recommendations.

Client Satisfaction: Deliver responsive, proactive, and professional service while maintaining positive client relationships.

Strategic Engagement: Conduct regular client reviews, provide meaningful recommendations, and demonstrate an understanding of each client's business and benefits objectives.

Operational Excellence: Maintain accurate records, meet established deadlines, and ensure effective coordination with internal service teams.

Team Collaboration: Work effectively across CIP's departments to support client needs and organizational goals.

Requirements

Essential Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Insurance, Human Resources, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Previous experience in employee benefits account management, insurance brokerage, or benefits consulting preferred.
• Active Life, Accident & Health insurance license, or ability to obtain one within a designated period.
• Working knowledge of group medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other employee benefits products.
• Experience with group insurance renewals, carrier negotiations, benefits presentations, and client relationship management.
• Familiarity with employee benefits compliance requirements and applicable regulations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and client relationship management systems.

Essential Job Requirements

• Attend client meetings, renewal presentations, enrollment sessions, and other business-related events as required.
• Travel locally to client locations when necessary.
• Maintain required insurance licensing and participate in ongoing professional development.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.