Strategic Account Executive

Employee Benefits Strategic Account Executive

Higginbotham, a privately held, independent insurance and financial services firm that ranks within the top 20 nationwide, has an immediate opening for an Employee Benefits Strategic Account Executive for our Houston, TX office. The Employee Benefits Strategic Account Executive serves as the strategic leader or member of the client management team for the most complex benefit accounts, and is responsible for client satisfaction, strategic planning, and quality assurance. Position Summary: The Account Executive serves as the strategic leader or member of the client management team for the most complex benefit accounts and is responsible for client satisfaction, strategic planning, and quality assurance.

Essential Tasks:

• Manage a complex book of business comprised of clients with various funding methods, advanced contract features and structures that require a higher level of expertise.
• Provide strong insurance technical expertise to clients and members of the internal account management and sales teams.
• Works at a strategic level to develop and retain consultative, partnership relationships with customers/prospects.
• Creates and Executes proactive and on-going contact initiatives.
• Develops, executes, and monitors comprehensive customer service plans that reflect the customer's business and risk management goals.
• Delegate administrative client tasks to account team members.
• Serve as the main point of contact for "C Suite" clients, which includes all escalated issues.
• Serve as primary internal contact to coordinate all deliverables for clients.
• Work with Internal Partners, Clients and Carriers to ensure accurate and timely response to all outstanding issues.
• Oversee data preparation for all RFPs and manage the marketing/negotiation process for clients.
• Assist in preparation of renewal and new business proposals.
• Prepare standard and custom materials needed for client meetings including but not limited to agendas, reports, calendars, etc.
• Educate, advise and be a technical expert for clients on all employee benefit topics ranging from specific insurance products to compliance topics and data analysis.
• Expected to attend, and lead as needed, client meetings (occasional travel may be required).
• Maintain various actuarial and data analytical reports for clients.
• Consults regularly with clients to review claims experience, trends, discuss strategies.
• Document items in agency management system.
• Maintain current, sound documentation of all pertinent business-related activities and communications regarding clients' account and ensure protection and security of sensitive client data.
• Other miscellaneous projects that support the overall department and team.

Non-Essential Tasks:

• Attends and completes any training sessions or assignments as required.
• Performs other related tasks as needed.

Specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proactive, customer service focus.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, team environment with minimal instructions.
• Enthusiastic attitude, cooperative team player, adaptable to new or changing circumstances.
• Professional demeanor, sensitive to client needs, self-motivated, creative, and innovative.
• Knowledge of the full range of Group Employee Benefit products – medical, dental, vision, life, disability, etc.; including applicable carrier networks, carrier administrative guidelines, and compliance requirements.
• Sets priorities and manages workflow to ensure efficient, timely and accurate processing of transactions and other responsibilities.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency with internet-based programs and Microsoft Office products.
• Keep informed regarding industry information, new product information, legislation, coverage, and technology to continuously improve knowledge and performance.
• Able to assist and mentor account management team members as needed.

Core Competencies:

• Leadership: Display leadership skills and ability to motivate fellow employees.
• Ability to Analyze and Solve Problems: Skill in recognizing challenges, exploring options, and implementing effective solutions in a timely manner.
• Attention to Detail: A strong focus on completing tasks and projects accurately and thoroughly.
• Communication Skills: Capable of expressing ideas clearly in both verbal and written forms and engaging with various audiences.
• Timely Task Completion: Ability to finish tasks and projects efficiently, managing resources and priorities effectively.
• Team Collaboration: Willingness to work together with others, promoting teamwork and supporting shared goals.
• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and addressing the needs of clients and stakeholders to ensure their satisfaction.
• Dependability: Acknowledgment of the importance of being present and punctual.
• Creative Thinking: Openness to suggesting new ideas and methods to improve processes and outcome.
• Organizational Skills: Capability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Adaptability: Willingness to adjust to changing situations and priorities, showing resilience in a dynamic work environment.

Location: Houston, TX

Experience: 5 (+) years of previous employee group benefits experience required

Licenses/Certifications: Life and DI License required

Physical Requirements: Ability to lift 25 pounds Repeated use of sight to read documents and computer screens Repeated use of hearing and speech to communicate on telephone and in person Repetitive hand movements, such as keyboarding, writing, 10-key Walking, bending, sitting, reaching and stretching in all directions

Benefits & Compensation: Higginbotham offers medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, 401K, equity incentive plan as well as multiple supplemental benefits for physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing. Company paid holidays, plus PTO Employee Wellness Program