Benefits Specialist - Hybrid (15-month contract)

Cowan Insurance Group; Brantford; Hybrid; CAD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Benefits Specialist, where you will provide exceptional service and analytics to group benefit clients. In this dynamic role, you will assess and negotiate group renewals, prepare detailed reports, and ensure a seamless transition of benefits to new carriers. Your analytical skills will be key in evaluating financial implications and presenting solutions to clients. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, this established industry player offers a hybrid work environment and opportunities for professional growth. If you thrive in a fast-paced setting and are passionate about making a difference, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits plan from day one

Company-paid training and development courses

Community involvement

Hybrid work environment

Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ experience in Group Benefits with strong analytical and client service skills.
• University Degree or College Diploma required; GBA, CEBS preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assess and negotiate group renewals and prepare client presentations.
• Analyze financial implications and coordinate carrier presentations.
• Resolve escalated client issues and provide administrative support.

Skills

Client Service

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Prioritization Skills

Attention to Detail

Numerical Skills

Bilingual Communication (English & French)

Education

University Degree

College Diploma

GBA, CEBS designation

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Word

EPIC

Job description

The Benefits Specialist will be responsible for providing service and analytics excellence to our group benefit clients. Providing your block of clients with a variety of solutions will take many forms ranging from critical evaluation of the current programs and providers in place, support through changes, new implementations, onboarding, customized communications and more.

What You Will Do

• Assess, negotiate, write reports and prepare presentations relating to group renewals
• Review, prepare and peer review analysis of regular reporting, benefit summaries, process amendments and employee presentations/communications
• Peer review contract, booklet and collective agreement differences and identify risk exposure
• Assessment, negotiation and report/presentation preparation for marketing and peer review of quote comparisons
• Coordinate carrier finalist presentations
• Be accountable for the smooth transition of benefits to new carriers ensuring any client risk and exposure is mitigated (i.e. plan mapping, member coverage, communication)
• Analyze carrier change financial/rate implications to client's budget
• Analysis of financial and/or plan design benchmarking and preparation of reports/presentations
• Analyze carrier financial reports and peer review of estimated financials
• Price and analyze costings including assessment and analysis of alternative funding arrangements
• Perform commission reconciliations and analysis
• Resolve and address escalated client issues and inquiries
• Assist on specific projects, initiatives and research
• Provide and coordinate support for Consultant as requested and in accordance with procedures and service agreements
• Schedule appointments, monitor email, voicemail, prepare letters, spreadsheets, maintain filing and perform other administrative duties as required
  
  

What You Will Bring

• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in the Group Benefits industry which includes Client Service and Analytical skills
• Completion of University Degree or College Diploma
• GBA, CEBS designation preferred or working towards
• Strong working knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint including excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office and Word
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong prioritization skills and flexibility to work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy
• Analytical and numerical skills
• Able to work independently and self-motivated
• Knowledge of EPIC an asset
• Bilingual written and oral communication (English & French) is an asset
• Periodic travel may be required
  
  

Who We Are

Proudly independent and Canadian-owned, Cowan Insurance Group has been a true market leader in the insurance industry since 1927. With an extensive range of product offerings and integrated commercial and personal insurance, group benefits, and wealth management solutions, we provide our clients with outstanding customized, comprehensive insurance and risk management professional advice and placement.

Recognized as one of Canada's Most Admired Cultures and a Canada's Best Managed Companies Platinum Club Member, Cowan Insurance Group's award-winning client-centric approach emphasizes innovation, excellence, and collaboration. Join our team as we prepare for our centennial celebration in 2027!

What sets us apart?

Be In Good Company

Integrity matters. It drives our award-winning workplace culture and fuels our collective desire to help our clients, employees, and communities thrive.

Challenge your thinking

You're valued for your passion, drive and creativity. The pace is fast but the work is meaningful, interesting, and complex, just the way you like it.

Grow together

We believe in your potential. If you’re looking to develop your expertise with learning opportunities and mentoring, we’ll make that happen.

Benefits And Perks

• Competitive salary
• Participate in our comprehensive benefits plan on day one — no waiting period
• Company-paid training and development courses
• Community involvement
• Hybrid work environment
  
  

Are you interested?

Please Apply!

This position is subject to appropriate background checks that may include, credential, employment, credit, criminal and reference checks.

While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, we will contact only those selected for interviews. If you are an applicant with disabilities and require accommodations, please let us know at the time of our contact so that we may arrange for their provision.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates will be selected strictly on the basis of an individual's technical qualifications, knowledge and experience, as they relate to the requirements of a particular position. Selections will be made without regard to: age, ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, place of origin, creed, disability, family status, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, record of offences, sex, or sexual orientation.