Senior Benefits Account Manager

Summit Search Group; Winnipeg; Hybrid; CAD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

Continuous development opportunities

Job summary

A recruitment firm is seeking an experienced Senior Account Manager to join its Winnipeg team. This role is crucial for managing complex group benefits clients and driving organizational growth by acting as a trusted advisor. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of experience in account management within the group benefits industry and possess strong communication skills. They will collaborate closely with various stakeholders to enhance client experience, drive new business opportunities, and ensure compliance with local regulations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in group benefits brokerage or HR role with benefits experience.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian group benefits programs and funding methodologies.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, confident when presenting.

Responsibilities

• Manage client relationships and oversee onboarding, implementation, and renewals.
• Lead annual renewal negotiations and develop cost management strategies.
• Support client training on technology and virtual events.

Skills

Client Relationship Management

Financial Reporting

Analytical Skills

Strong Communication Skills

Negotiation Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, HR, Actuarial Science, or related field

Tools

Microsoft 365

CRM platforms

Benefits administration technology

Job description

Summit Search Group has been retained by McFadden Benefits| Pension| Wellness on the recruitment of their newest Senior Account Manager. The firm is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Senior Account Manager to join our Winnipeg team. This role is integral to managing complex group benefits clients, strengthening strategic relationships, and driving organizational growth. You will act as the trusted advisor and primary point of contact for a diverse portfolio of mid‑market and enterprise clients, ensuring exceptional service delivery, compliance, and continuous program optimization.

You will collaborate closely with clients, insurers, TPAs, consultants, and internal teams to support plan design strategy, renewals, financial reporting, wellness integration, and digital engagement solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Client Relationship Management & Consulting

• Serve as the primary relationship lead for assigned clients, overseeing onboarding, implementation, renewals, plan marketing, and ongoing support.
• Act as a strategic advisor on plan design, cost containment, ASO funding, disability management, mental health solutions, retirement/pension alignment, and total rewards integration.
• Build and strengthen relationships with HR, Finance, senior executives, and other corporate stakeholders.
• Provide proactive communication and education on market trends, legislative changes, benchmarking data, and best practices.
• Lead annual renewal negotiations with insurers/TPAs, including preparation of financials, claims analysis, retention accounting, and rate‑stability strategies.
• Develop multi‑year cost and risk‑management strategies using analytics and industry benchmarking tools.
• Coordinate marketing (RFPs), insurer evaluations, and transition support.

Digital Client Experience & Communications

• Create clear, engaging communications—including written, visual, and video—for plan changes, enrollment, and education campaigns.
• Leverage digital platforms (benefits admin systems, HRIS integrations, reporting dashboards) to enhance client experience.
• Support client training on tools, portals, technology, and virtual benefits events.

New Business, Growth & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Prospect and drive new business opportunities within the marketplace.
• Lead finalist meetings, presentations, and proposal development.
• Identify opportunities for plan improvements, cross‑selling (wellness, pension, HR consulting), or additional services that align with client goals.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and client functions to enhance brand presence.

Compliance, Governance & Risk Management

• Ensure client programs remain compliant with federal/provincial requirements.
• Maintain accurate client documentation, service level expectations, and governance reporting.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive account management experience in group benefits brokerage, consulting, insurer environment, or in an HR role with experience in benefits.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, HR, Actuarial Science, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian group benefits programs (insured and ASO), disability management, underwriting, and funding methodologies.
• Experience managing mid‑market & large/complex groups, including unionized environments.
• Advanced skills in claims analytics, financial reporting, cost modeling, and insurer comparisons.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and video communication skills; demonstrates confidence presenting to executives and large groups.
• Proficient with Microsoft 365, Apple ecosystem, CRM platforms, HRIS integrations, and benefits administration technology.
• CEBS, GBA, CHRP/CPHR, or CAFII designations considered strong assets.
• Strong negotiation skills, problem‑solving ability, and a consultative approach with measurable client impact.
• Ability to work independently in a hybrid environment and manage competing priorities with precision.
• Willingness to travel as required for client meetings and corporate events.

Summit Search Group has a strong commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion. We strive for continuous development, modeling, inclusive behaviors and proactively managing bias throughout our process.