Account Manager, Group Benefits

This role is being posted by Navacord on behalf of Dehoney Financial Group.The ideal candidate can be located with British Columbia or Alberta on a on-site, hybrid or remote basis.Position Summary The Account Manager, Group Benefits is responsible for overseeing, providing advice on, and delivering group benefits programs to clients, ensuring solutions align with client strategy, objectives, and internal quality standards. This position is also responsible for building long-term relationships with clients to contribute to our overall success. Key Duties and Responsibilities Manage and oversee the complete employee benefits cycle by serving as the strategic partner and advisor in the design and management of clients their health and benefits programs. This includes: Benefit plan analysis, design, cost savings and funding strategies. Vendor procurement, negotiation and optimization. Recommend absence and disability management processes. Perform pharmacy and data analytics and recommend cost containment and future-oriented strategies. Benchmark our client’s programs by researching prevailing practices among similar organizations. Make recommendations according to findings. Prepare delivery of annual renewal reports, market surveys and carrier transitions as necessary. Consistently monitor client relationships and strengthen those relationships by identifying needs through adding lines of coverage, products or services. Oversee the management of a block of group benefit accounts to ensure quality standards are met. Ensure deliverables, objectives, budget and timelines are met. Provide advice to resolve escalated administrative, contractual, financial or claim issues. Design and deliver presentations to clients, lead client meetings as well as key employee presentations. Maintain close working relationships with insurance partners. Initiate problem solving and negotiate when necessary. Effectively track and communicate the progress of monthly/quarterly metrics to internal stakeholders and the leadership team. Actively pursuing new opportunities with existing clients and identifying opportunities to cross-sell other products and services available through DFG and all Navacord partners. Drive new revenue opportunities via participation in RFP exercises and presentations, where appropriate. Make introductions to sales team, and/or actively promoting DFG at industry events/online forums/social media and applicable networking events. Actively seeking feedback from existing clients and asking for referrals wherever possible. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong relationships (clients, internal, insurance carriers and business community) Ability to positively influence and negotiate with others to achieve results balancing the interests of the client and DFG Ability to develop client-centered solutions and understand “big picture” Self-motivated and works well independently as well as within a collaborative team Excellent attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving skills Excellent communication (written and oral), and presentation facilitation skills Strong time management and project management skills Leadership skills to coach and mentor in order to maintain a positive collaborative team environment Advanced working knowledge in MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), specifically in transferring data to meaningful client exhibits A valid drivers’ license and access to a vehicle for occasional client meetings Training, Education and Experience Minimum 2 years related industry experience with a strong knowledge of group benefit products as well as applicable legislation Proven experience and success in the design & management of group benefits programs gained in a consulting, brokerage or carrier environment LLQP/Life Licensed in the Province of BC (or willingness to become licensed within the first 90 days is required) Bachelor’s Degree, and preferably a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation (or willingness to work towards designation) is an asset Critical Success Factors Analytical with problem solving abilities Strong ability to develop long-term client relationships Ability to see the “big picture”