Employee Benefits Account Manager

Description:

WHY NORTH RISK PARTNERS

Are you interested in doing work that matters everyday with an organization intentional about building and living out a values-driven team culture? North Risk Partners is a fast-growing firm dedicated to serving the insurance and risk management needs of businesses and individuals. We provide expertise in Commercial Lines, Employee & Individual Benefits, Personal Lines, Surety, Claims, and Risk Management. Our team consists of over 450 employees working in over 30 locations across five states, including Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska.

At North Risk Partners, our #oneTEAM lives out #oneMISSION: to provide extraordinary #service to our clients, to each other, and to our communities while living out our core values each day. Our team environments are designed to provide #oneTEAM members opportunity to focus on collaborative relationships (clients and team), variety from day-to-day, constant learning, and the tools and resources to learn and grow at work and in life.

JOB SUMMARY

We are looking for a proactive and customer-focused Employee Benefits Account Manager to serve as the primary point of contact for our clients. This position is responsible for supporting the sales team with the evaluation and management of employee benefits accounts and providing quality service to our clients. The Employee Benefits Account Manager position requires a combination of strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and a passion for delivering exceptional service.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients through advising and responding to all correspondence in a quick and accurate manner.
• Answer questions regarding all lines of coverage, and assisting with plan and/or carrier changes, claims, and billing.
• Collaborate with risk advisors to determine and meet client goals.
• Support risk advisors by exercising independent judgment and discretion to:
  • Analyze markets for competitive pricing and develop insurance solutions for current clients.
  • Analyze and offer guidance on alternatives and strategies.
  • Analyze quotes from carriers for accuracy.
  • Review policy contracts to be certain information and coverages are accurate.
  • Evaluate and prepare renewal comparisons and policy proposals.
  • Present, communicate, and educate clients on policy changes as needed.
  • Resolve inquiries on service problems to ensure client satisfaction.
  • Coordinate external (e.g. carriers) and internal (e.g. agency software systems) implementations of new groups as necessary.
  • Coordinate the implementation of renewal changes with the carriers and any other third party vendors.
  • Market new or renewal business when necessary.
  • Review and analyze client claims data for determining future plan design and pricing for both fully insured and self-funded plans.
• Schedule and participate in client meetings as necessary.
• Study trends and advancements in the employee benefits field, as well as changes to the regulatory climate for businesses and the insurance industry overall to keep knowledge current and plan strategically.
• Develop and maintain positive and effective relationships with partner insurance carriers.
• Promote value-added services available through North Risk Partners (i.e., professional consulting, webinars/seminars, communications, Zywave tools, and more).
• Refer business across all departments (i.e., property and casualty, employee benefits, and personal lines).
• Attend and actively participate in agency service training meetings.
• Enter activity and other relevant information into agency management systems and other software tools according to company procedures.
• Follow all federal and state regulations and best practices for avoiding errors and omissions.
• Continue professional development; pursue and maintain professional designations if applicable.
• Travel as necessary for client meetings.

Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities)

• A combination of education and experience generally attained through a high school degree, bachelor’s degree, and a minimum of 3 years in employee benefits insurance service
• Active life & health insurance license, or willing to obtain one
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong attention to detail with excellent organizational skills, demonstrating ability to prioritize tasks effectively
• Self-starter who takes initiative to identify problems and lead by example
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in CRM software and Microsoft Office suite

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

• A role model for North Risk Partners’ core values, mission, and desired culture
• Demonstrate enthusiasm and a positive attitude
• Professionally and positively represent North Risk Partners to all coworkers, clients, and external stakeholders
• A team player who collaborates and works well with his/her coworkers
• A professional who demonstrates the ability to carry on a conversation with clients, Risk Advisors, and other coworkers within North Risk Partners

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Perform under normal office conditions; may include lifting/carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds
• Twist, bend, stoop, kneel, squat, stand, walk, and reach frequently
• Hear, speak, and effectively verbally communicate in the English language, including following oral and written instructions to communicate with people inside and outside of the organization
• Sit and a desk for extended periods of time and perform long hours of work sitting at a computer
• Move around office/building/facilities repeatedly throughout the day
• Apply manual dexterity, visual acuity and ability, for computer keyboarding, office equipment uses, review of detailed reports, information, fine print, and warning labels
• Must possess valid driver’s license and be able to travel to different North Risk Partners locations for meetings, as well as various locations throughout the state and potentially the region for client meetings
• Able to work a flexible work schedule, including overtime, nights, and weekends to attend events and meetings as needed

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Incumbents must be able to use telephones, calculators, copy machines, computers, printers, and other office equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment is primarily indoors. Exposure to a variety of weather conditions during work related travel and events held outside of the workplace will occur and I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree with the contents of this position description. I agree to use my best efforts to fulfill all expectations of the position. I also acknowledge that I am an at-will employee.

This job description does not necessarily list all the job functions or accountabilities of the job. Employees may be asked by management to perform additional duties and tasks. Management reserves the right to revise and update job descriptions at any time.

BENEFITS

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life, long-term care, 401(k) plan, and more. North Risk Partners is growing which means your career can too. #oneTEAM members receive continuing professional education and development, volunteer time off, paid time off, paid holidays, and hybrid work opportunities.