Client Manager - Group Benefits

Would you like to take ownership in a dynamic, high-growth business that truly walks the talk? Oswald Companies seeks goal-driven professionals ready to take their career to the next level. Job Summary The Client Manager will be responsible for providing quality client management of client relationships by anticipating client needs and questions, performing research to ensure the client's employee benefits program supports their financial and organizational goals, and providing renewal management with oversight, guidance, and input from other senior members of the team. This also includes growth on the current book of business, an understanding of the client's business, and a minimum of 95% retention and client satisfaction rating. Essential Functions Quality, Client Service & Expertise Proficiently manage the client service cycle, monitor time frames and meet renewal deadlines. With oversight, guidance and input from the CE/Producer: Participate in annual meeting planning by completing pertinent portions of the report and conducting research. Retain and develop accounts by: Preparing and writing proposals, and providing quote comparisons. Performing program benchmarking/demographic analysis, analysis of claims utilization data, financial underwriting review, and cost projection reporting. Providing additional resources for the client as needed. Market renewal and new lines of coverage including: Creating coverage specifications. Analyzing quotes received from carriers. Negotiating with carriers. Creating and presenting the coverage analysis. Review policy coverage and identify cross-selling and additional revenue opportunities. Develop a thorough understanding of client business, their policies, practices and industries. Understand and guide clients through the initial objective setting process. Analyze data to draw conclusions and recommend findings to client. Respond to client needs and questions, making sound recommendations on a day-to-day basis. Produce high quality work and remain informed on technical and professional standards by attending company-sponsored and industry educational activities, to include webinars/seminars and conferences. Ensure legislative, regulatory and technical developments are appropriately communicated to clients. Service clients in accordance with PAR E&O professional service standards by complying with all E&O Plus, legal and regulatory requirements. Achieve a minimum rating of 90% from E&O Plus audits on all accounts. Functional understanding of EPIC and update accordingly. Ensures adequate time for peer review of all client work including calculations, reports and presentations for accuracy prior to client delivery. People Management and Relationship Skills Even though this position does not manage people, the Client Manager must be able to perform the following: Delegate appropriately and provide development opportunities for co-workers. Display professional, social and teamwork skills Work well within a team and possess a positive attitude Manage and meet expectations of co-workers and clients. Possess good oral and written communication skills both internally and externally. Productivity Participate in internal and external networking activities. Manage projects to meet deliverable deadlines and meet expectations. Remain up-to-date and current on all tasks. Possess awareness of firm's service capabilities to generate ideas and solutions for clients and cross selling opportunities. Minimum Education/Abilities/Skills Bachelor's Degree in Business, Risk Management, Analytics or other related field is preferred; high school diploma or GED, in concert with industry experience, in lieu of an associate's or bachelor's degree is necessary. 3 – 5 years' employee benefits experience handling medium accounts at a high level of responsibility. Exhibits executive presence, and has strong rapport-building/interpersonal skills for positive interaction with customers and co-workers. Exercises sound judgment and exhibits a strong critical thought process to make good decisions, despite time constraints. Able to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, be a team player and exhibit a positive attitude. Possesses strong oral and written communication skills; communicates effectively with clients and insurance companies. Possesses excellent organizational skills and strong financial analysis acumen. Excellent working knowledge of EPIC agency management system and of underwriting requirements of carriers as well as policy provisions and policy changes. Exhibits solid time management skills; able to work under pressure and meet deadlines and deliverables, and is highly responsive to internal and external stakeholders' needs and requests. Demonstrates agility and is able to multi-task, as well as pivot to changing priorities, as circumstances warrant. Contribute to team efficiency by sharing knowledge and best practices. Proficient with Microsoft Office Products, including Excel and PowerPoint, are required. This position requires a high energy level and the ability to handle stress-related situations on a daily basis. Other Qualifications Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Required to Perform the Essential Job Functions Possess appropriate, jurisdictional licenses - Life and Health Who is Oswald? Oswald is a 129-year-old company that creates a world of protection around the lives and businesses of our clients. We are an independent, employee-owned company. So, essentially, you own your own success in a personally and financially rewarding opportunity. Inclusivity is a priority. We foster an environment of collaboration and belonging where our Employee-Owners thrive on their unique path. Our diverse talent reflects the communities and clients we serve, while driving unmatched risk and insurance innovations. Our people-first culture and client service excellence have built our reputation of integrity, resourcefulness, and a relentless care for our clients and employees. Don't believe us? Ask your friends, colleagues, and mentors about Oswald. There's a reason Oswald has been named a Top Workplace for nine consecutive years. What you'll get... At Oswald, you will have the opportunity to build a long-term career with unlimited growth potential. Aim high, work hard and we'll help you achieve your goals. At Oswald, you will experience our caring work environment. We care about our Employee-Owners, we care about our customers, and we care about the world around us. Our caring personality comes to life in the form of volunteering in the community. We even give employees paid time off to volunteer with an organization of their choice. At Oswald, you will achieve a work-life balance. We care about your physical and emotional well-being, so work-life balance is encouraged and practiced. We understand you have a life outside of work, and we want you to live it. At Oswald, you will have access to a world-class Total Rewards package. We truly value our people, which shows in our compensation, benefits, and perks. In addition to competitive pay, we have designed a performance-based annual incentive program. All employees are eligible to earn a bonus by meeting performance objectives. Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans and numerous supplemental benefit offerings. Paid time off annually and a sabbatical at every 10-year service anniversary. Ownership in the company in the form of company stock (discretionary profit-sharing and 401(k) match contribution) Assistance with parking expenses, discount programs for area services/experiences, and financial support for professional development and licensure/designations Access to specialized leadership development programming designed to take your career to the next level. And so much more! To learn more about Oswald, our culture and everything we have to offer, visit us on LinkedIn. Oswald, a Unison Risk Advisors company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic. Drive Your Career With Oswald! Oswald is ranked among the top independent insurance advisory firms in the United States. Our specialized teams provide strategic solutions and consulting for risk management, insurance and employee benefits. Oswald ranks among the top five largest independently owned firms in the country. Oswald is consistently recognized as an employer of choice in our communities.