Benefits Renewal Consultant

Role: Benefits Renewal Consultant

Location: Northbrook, IL (Hybrid, 3 days a week onsite)

Salaried, Non-Exempt: $70,000 to $90,000

Reports to: Benefits Renewal Manager

Position Summary

The Benefits Renewal Consultant serves as the primary strategic advisor to clients throughout the annual benefits renewal process. This role is responsible for understanding client goals, priorities, and concerns, collaborating with the Group Health Benefits Analyst Team to develop solutions, and presenting renewal recommendations that help clients make informed decisions regarding their employee benefits programs.

The Benefits Renewal Consultant acts as the bridge between clients, analysts, and operations teams, ensuring a seamless renewal experience from initial consultation through implementation and employee enrollment.

This position plays a critical role in maintaining client satisfaction, supporting retention efforts, and delivering innovative healthcare cost management strategies.

Essential Responsibilities

Client Renewal Strategy & Consultation

• Conduct pre-renewal discovery meetings to identify client goals, concerns, budget considerations, and strategic priorities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with client decision-makers.
• Serve as the primary point of contact throughout the renewal process.
• Gather and communicate client requirements to the Benefits Analysis & Strategy Team.
• Collaborate with analysts to develop renewal strategies and benefit recommendations.
• Manage client expectations and timelines throughout the renewal cycle.

Proposal Presentation & Client Advisory

• Present renewal recommendations and benefit strategies to client leadership.
• Clearly communicate plan design changes, financial impacts, contribution strategies, and available alternatives.
• Facilitate discussions regarding healthcare cost management strategies and benefit program enhancements.
• Gather client feedback and coordinate proposal revisions with the Group Health Benefits AnalystTeam.
• Guide clients through the decision-making process and help them select the most appropriate benefits strategy.

Open Enrollment & Employee Education

• Conduct employee benefit meetings and open enrollment presentations.
• Educate employees regarding available benefit options and plan changes.
• Explain benefit concepts including:
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA)
• GAP Plans
• Medical Expense Reimbursement Plans (MERP)
• Ancillary benefit offerings
• Ensure employees have the information necessary to make informed enrollment decisions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate with Benefits Operations to ensure timely implementation of approved benefit programs.
• Partner with Benefits Analysts to support proposal development and client strategy.
• Assist in identifying opportunities for additional products, services, and cost-saving solutions.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives designed to enhance the client renewal experience.

Qualifications

Required

• 3+ years of employee benefits, group health insurance, broker, consulting, PEO, or related experience.
• Illinois Health Insurance License required.
• Strong presentation, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to communicate complex benefit concepts in a clear and understandable manner.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple client renewals simultaneously while meeting deadlines.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources, Finance, Communications, or related field.
• Experience presenting benefits solutions to executive leadership teams.
• Experience conducting employee benefit meetings and open enrollment presentations.
• Knowledge of self-funded, level-funded, and fully insured medical plans.
• Familiarity with benefits administration platforms and enrollment systems.

Success Measures

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Client retention and satisfaction
• Renewal completion timelines
• Effectiveness of client presentations
• Open enrollment execution
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Identification of strategic opportunities that improve client outcomes

Reporting Structure

Reports to: Benefits Renewal Manager

Works closely with:

• Benefits Analysis & Strategy Team
• Benefits Operations Team
• Client Support Team