Health & Benefits Consultant

Health & Benefits ConsultantHowden is seeking a Health & Benefits Consultant to serve as a trusted advisor to clients on employee benefits strategy, plan design, cost management, compliance, and employee wellbeing initiatives. This individual will partner closely with clients, carriers, producers, and internal service teams to deliver strategic guidance and innovative solutions that help organizations attract, retain, and support their workforce.The ideal candidate combines deep employee benefits expertise with strong consultative skills and the ability to build lasting client relationships. This role provides an opportunity to work with organizations across a variety of industries while helping clients navigate an increasingly complex healthcare and benefits landscape.Key ResponsibilitiesServe as a primary consultant for clients regarding health and welfare benefit programs.Advise clients on healthcare cost management strategies, plan design changes, funding arrangements, wellness initiatives, and employee engagement programs.Conduct benefits strategy discussions and annual planning meetings with client leadership teams.Provide market intelligence and benchmarking on benefit trends, emerging solutions, and carrier developments.Develop and deliver client presentations related to renewals, plan recommendations, and strategic initiatives.Lead annual renewal processes including marketing, carrier negotiations, financial analysis, and recommendation development.Evaluate carrier proposals and prepare detailed analyses comparing costs, plan provisions, and service offerings.Support implementation of new benefit programs and vendor solutions.Coordinate with account management and service teams to ensure seamless delivery and client support.Analyze healthcare utilization, claims experience, contribution strategies, and funding arrangements.Develop financial models and projections to support client decision-making.Review carrier renewals and identify opportunities to optimize program performance and control costs.Prepare reports, executive summaries, and presentations for client stakeholders.Maintain knowledge of employee benefits regulations and industry developments.Assist clients with compliance-related matters involving ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and other applicable regulations.Partner with internal subject matter experts and external resources to address complex compliance questions.Support producers and business development teams in client retention and growth efforts.Participate in prospective client meetings and presentations.Identify opportunities for additional consulting services and cross-functional solutions.Develop strong relationships with carrier partners and industry contacts.What Are We Looking For?ExperienceBachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.5+ years of employee benefits consulting, brokerage, carrier, or related healthcare advisory experience.Experience advising employer groups on health and welfare benefit programs.Proven ability to manage client relationships and communicate effectively with senior stakeholders.SkillsStrong knowledge of group medical, dental, vision, life, disability, voluntary benefits, and wellbeing programs.Ability to analyze financial data, carrier proposals, and claims information.Excellent presentation, communication, and relationship-building skills.Strong project management and organizational abilities.Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.Collaborative mindset with a client-first approach.Preferred QualificationsActive Life & Health License or ability to obtain.CEBS, GBA, SHRM, SPHR, or other relevant professional designation.Experience with self-funded and alternative funding arrangements.Experience working with mid-market and large employer clients.Compensation and BenefitsThe expected base salary range for this role is $110,000 - $160,000; actual base salary will be determined based on factors including candidate experience and work location.This role is classified as exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).In addition to a competitive base salary, employees are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus. Howden also offers a variety of benefits and programs, subject to eligibility, including:Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including healthcare savings and reimbursement accounts401(k) retirement planFlexible Paid Time Off and paid parental leaveLife and Disability insuranceWhat Do We Offer in Return? A Career That You Define.Our business succeeds by allowing our people to make a mark in the areas they care about most, whether that's personal development, volunteering, or creating new insurance products that address society's greatest challenges. We support our people in every aspect of their lives, recognizing that fulfillment at home and work go hand in hand.Our Sustainability PromiseWe're on a life-long journey to become an ever-more sustainable group. It's a commitment to taking care of our people and the world we live in, to doing good business, and to making a positive impact wherever we can.Reasonable AdjustmentsWe're committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs. Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours* or hybrid working*.If you're excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it's the right fit for you, send us your application – if your profile fits the role's criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require.*Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or locations. Reach out to your Recruitment Partner if you want to know more.Permanent