Manager, Employee Group Benefits

Position Overview
The Benefits Manager is accountable for the overall performance and efficiency of the Employee Benefits department service team. This position directly manages 10-25 team members including Account Managers, Assistant Account Managers, Benefit Coordinators, Claims Advocates and administrative support staff. This is an integral position in the agency with responsibility for client retention.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Recruit, interview, train and manage day-to-day performance of all service team members
Assign service teams and oversee department workflow; identify and fulfill resource needs as workload varies
Engage, motivate, coach and support team members in delivering exceptional client service
Prepare & deliver annual performance reviews; set annual individual goals; make salary & bonus recommendations
Coach and mentor individual performance and development to promote professional growth, rewarding culture and succession planning
Identify performance problems; establish and drive performance improvement plans to correct areas of concern; take necessary action when problems areas persist
Identify areas for process improvement and drive operational efficiency
Learn and oversee the department revenue tracking process; implement and maintain quality controls over this process
Develop & deliver training on all department policies & processes as well as subjects including HIPAA, Health Care Reform (PPACA), ERISA, COBRA & applicable IRS regulations
Understand, oversee and monitor the department client management system (BrokerageBuilder); provide necessary training to all employees
Coordinate with multiple internal functions to identify interdepartmental dependencies; design processes to maximize positive impact on other departments
Develop quality controls to maximize accuracy of information sent to clients
Schedule team education meetings with carriers and other vendors
Meet with internal and external customers to strengthen understanding of client needs, resolve escalated issues and develop solutions
Participate in determining new services to be offered; secure adequate resources and develop methods for successful delivery
Conduct all business in accordance with established policies and procedures
Attend onsite and offsite client meetings as necessary
Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Required:

High School Diploma or GED
8+ years in group benefits with focus on strategy and plan design
3+ years managing teams of at least 5 people
Licensed in Arizona Health, Life and Disability (or ability to obtain license upon hire)
Strong customer focus
Proven track record of being self motivated and a self starter
Energy, enthusiasm and drive to contribute to agency growth
Ability to motivate and lead people and foster a positive, inclusive and rewarding team culture
Ability and willingness to make difficult decisions in the best interests of clients and the agency
Flexibility and eagerness to adapt and excel in a fast-paced, changing environment
Comfortable with ambiguity and the skills to make effective decisions with incomplete information
Strong analytical skills
Ability to effectively communicate, both written and verbally, with internal and external parties
Ability to present to and interact productively with sales executives, management and client C-suite executives
Excellent time management, prioritization, organizational and multi-tasking skills with high attention to detail
Ability to build, adapt and maintain effective relationships with clients, carriers and peers
Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams
Ability to develop and work with mathematical formulas
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Products (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point)

Preferred:

Client-facing experience in an account management or higher role
First hand experience in human resources operations
Knowledge of and experience with HR & Benefits technology solutions
Prior experience within a brokerage firm or similar setting
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources, Risk Management or other related discipline
Continuing education such as RHU, REBC, CEBS, or CBP
Experience using Zywave/BrokerageBuilder

Working Environment

Work is performed indoors in a climate controlled office environment
General technology as it relates to office administration
Regular business hours with additional hours required during certain periods
Occasional travel to client sites within AZ; Minimal travel possible outside of AZ
Some lifting of up to 50 pounds required during transportation of presentation and client materials

Qualifications

Education

Required

High School or better in Other.

Licenses & Certifications

Required

Life & Health Licence