Practice Leader, Employee Benefits

Position Summary The Employee Benefits (EB) Practice Leader is responsible for meeting overall retention and service targets for the EB Line of Business across the Central and Northern California region. Reporting to the HUB President and Regional Leader, this executive-level position serves as a strong client relationship manager and employee benefits expert, maintaining and growing carrier and vendor relationships, overseeing day-to-day practice operations, and leading the EB service team across all locations. In partnership with the EB Sales Leader, the Practice Leader provides overall strategic and operational leadership for the Employee Benefits Line of Business — including team development, client stewardship, workflow optimization, and cross‑functional collaboration with Commercial and Personal Lines. Duties & Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Practice Management Fully represent the entire HUB value proposition to clients, carriers, vendors, and prospects. Accountable for EB practice retention, service delivery, and growth targets across the Central and Northern California region. Provide thought leadership on technical aspects of Employee Benefits, including benefits design, compliance, and market strategy. Co‑own and manage the EB budget for the region in partnership with the EB Sales Leader and President. Lead innovation and strategy for the practice, ensuring continuous development of EB products and service offerings aligned with current and future client needs. Be responsible, along with the President, CSO, and EB Sales Leader, for implementing and executing on the Critical Path Process (HUB's strategic account planning process). Positively and proactively represent HUB at meetings, seminars, trade shows, and networking events. Dotted‑line accountability to the Regional President. Team Management & Development Recruit, onboard, train, and manage the EB service team, including Practice Managers, Account Managers, and Strategic Account Executives. Establish and sustain a positive service culture that maximizes the individual strengths of each team member. Set departmental expectations, standards, policies, and procedures; periodically audit and review to provide coaching and feedback. Conduct annual performance reviews for all direct reports; assist in annual budgeting and ongoing operational expense monitoring. Assess and adjust workloads across the department; coordinate team schedules and re‑appropriate workloads as needed. Optimize workflows, staffing, and the deployment of specialty resources to best serve clients. Institute effective employee development procedures addressing training, processes, E&O avoidance, continuing education, and disciplinary actions when necessary. Foster a positive and mutually supportive working environment to provide the best possible client service and producer support. Client Stewardship & Account Management Implement and champion best practices for account stewardship across the practice. Actively communicate with or visit prominent EB clients on a planned, periodic basis to assess satisfaction and identify additional service needs. Play a key role at finalist meetings as the EB Expert; activate and strategically deploy specialty services to win business, secure existing accounts, and evolve multi‑year client plans. Acquire a deep understanding of clients' business and insurance objectives; critically analyze and compare plans to determine suitability. Serve as an escalation resource for complex client and carrier issues; reach resolutions or identify need for further escalation and communicate with all necessary parties. Ensure all client deliverables meet client expectations and HUB branding and presentation standards. May directly support a book of business in the capacity of Account Manager or Strategic Account Executive as needed. Carrier, Vendor & Community Relations Develop long‑lasting relationships with carriers, key vendor partners, and other stakeholders; interface as needed to grow business and resolve issues. Maintain strong visibility within the communities served by HUB across the Central and Northern California region. Develop best practices for leveraging standard technology platforms and tools such as Benefitpoint, Zywave, ImageRight, and other systems. Seek continued knowledge; stay current on carrier updates, state and federal regulations, and industry trends; attend continuing education training and courses. Cross‑Functional Collaboration Partner with Commercial Lines and Personal Lines to facilitate cross‑sell activities and services. Work with the Regional EB Practice Leader to identify, develop, and execute regional and national initiatives through project management and resource coordination. Coordinate team to deliver necessary shared services; champion communication of HUB leadership goals, vision, and procedures. Assist assigned producers and HUB leadership in developing new business opportunities and delegating to appropriate team members. Attend and participate in the Central and Northern California region ECM meetings; conduct regular team meetings to communicate best practices, expectations, and responsibilities. Perform other duties and projects as assigned. Job Specifications Required Qualifications 10+ years of experience in employee benefits, human resources, healthcare, insurance, or a related field. College or university degree required; advanced degree or professional certifications (CEBS, GBA, PHR, etc.) strongly preferred. Life, Accident, and Health Insurance License. 2+ years of supervisory or practice management experience. Proven client service record in retaining business and improving cross‑sell results. Demonstrated financial statement and budget literacy; ability to manage P&L and communicate value to financially sophisticated clients. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Hands‑on management style with a passion for mentoring and direct development of staff. Consultative, positive, and resourceful approach to dealing with prospects, clients, and associates. Deep understanding of the insurance market, carriers, and EB products across all size segments including small group, middle market, and key/national accounts (up to 10,000+ employees). Ability to work with national accounts and companies with multi‑national footprints. Influential and persuasive, with the ability to partner across HUB and work effectively with segment and practice leaders. Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving skills; ability to identify complex issues and implement effective solutions. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; public speaking and presentation experience. Highly developed organizational and time‑management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines with accuracy. Confidence and demeanor to effectively interact with all levels of the organization. Strong degree of self‑motivation and a drive to complement and support a high‑performing team. Proficiency in MS Office Suite; familiarity with agency management and EB technology platforms (Benefitpoint, Zywave, ImageRight preferred). A passion to seek emerging strategies and vendors; ability to help the business evolve service delivery as markets change. Working Conditions & Physical Demands This position primarily involves remaining in a stationary position for the majority of the workday. Frequent communication with colleagues, clients, carriers, and vendors both in person and by telephone; must be able to communicate and exchange accurate information. Required travel: up to 25% of schedule for client visits, finalist meetings, industry events, and regional leadership activities. Constantly operates a computer and standard office productivity equipment. The expected salary range for this position is $180,000‑250,000 depending on geographical location and will be impacted by factors such as the successful candidate's skills, experience and working location, as well as the specific position's business line, scope and level. HUB International is proud to offer comprehensive benefit and total compensation packages which could include health/dental/vision/life/disability insurance, FSA, HSA and 401(k) accounts, paid‑time‑off benefits, and eligible bonuses, equity and commissions for some positions. Additional Information Department: Business Operations. Required Experience: 10-15 years of relevant experience. Required Travel: Up to 25%. Required Education: Bachelor's degree (4‑year degree). HUB International Limited is an equal‑opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race/ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran's status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations. #J-18808-Ljbffr HUB International