Account Executive- Employee Benefits (Higginbotham Public Sector)

Higginbotham; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Higginbotham is seeking an Employee Benefits Account Executive to lead client advisory and operations for complex benefits accounts. You will manage the client service strategy, oversee the account team, and ensure delivery aligned with the Gold Standard Service Model.

Responsibilities include technical guidance on employee benefits, compliance, renewal proposals, and proactive engagement with clients to drive retention and satisfaction.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience as an Account Manager or Senior Account Manager in the insurance industry.
• Experience with ACA and ERISA required.
• Experience with fully insured financial arrangements and alternate funding methods required.

Responsibilities

• Manages a complex book of business; self-funded methods and advanced contract features.
• Provides insurance technical expertise to clients and internal teams.
• Develops consultative, partnership relationships with customers/prospects.
• Develops and executes proactive client contact initiatives.
• Prepares renewal and new business proposals; analyzes claims trends.
• Educates clients on employee benefit topics and compliance requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Communication

Timely execution

Team collaboration

Client focus

Dependability

Creative thinking

Organizational skills

Adaptability

Education

Life & Health license

Tools

Applied Epic

AMS (Agency Management System)

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Position Summary: The Employee Benefits Account Executive serves as the primary client advisor and operational leader for complex employee benefit accounts. This role is responsible for executing the client service strategy, overseeing the account team, and ensuring consistent delivery aligned with the firm’s Gold Standard Service Model. The Account Executive focuses on technical expertise, service execution, compliance, and proactive client engagement while supporting producers and contributing to client retention and satisfaction.

Essential Tasks:

• Manages a complex book of business and accounts comprised of clients with mostly of self- funded methods, advanced contract features, and structures that require a higher level of expertise
• Provides strong insurance technical expertise to clients and members of the internal account management and sales teams
• Works to develop and retain consultative, partnership relationships with customers/prospects
• Creates and executes proactive and ongoing contact initiatives
• Develops, executes, and monitors comprehensive customer service plans that reflect the customer's business and risk management goals
• Delegates administrative client tasks to account team members
• Serves as primary internal contact to coordinate all deliverables for clients
• Works with Internal Partners, Clients, and Carriers to ensure accurate and timely responses to all outstanding issues
• Oversees data preparation for all Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and manage the marketing/negotiation process for clients
• Assists in the preparation of renewal and new business proposals
• Prepares standard and custom materials needed for client meetings, including but not limited to agendas, reports, calendars, and other handouts
• Educates and advises as a technical expert for clients on all employee benefit topics ranging from specific insurance products to compliance topics and data analysis
• Ensures client accounts are compliant, including educating and advising clients as well as executing compliance requirements and deadlines
• Identifies and educates clients on product opportunities for new business and promotes cross- selling
• Attends and presents at local enrollments/client meetings as necessary (occasional travel may be required)
• Maintains various actuarial and data analytical reports for clients
• Consults regularly with clients to review claims experience and trends to discuss strategies
• Documents items in the agency management system
• Maintains current, sound documentation of all pertinent business-related activities and communications regarding clients’ accounts and ensures protection and security of sensitive client data
• Acts as a mentor for employees that are new to the employee benefits industry and assists with training/continuing education of less senior employees
• Other miscellaneous projects that support the overall department and team
• Attends and completes any training sessions or assignments as required
• Performs other related tasks as needed

Core Competencies:

• Leadership: Display leadership skills and ability to motivate fellow employees (If applicable)
• 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

Experience and Education:

• 8+ years of experience as an Account Manager or Senior Account Manager in the insurance industry
• Experience with ACA and ERISA Required
• Experience with fully insured financial arrangements and alternate funding methods required

Licensing and Credentials:

• Requires Active Life & Health License

Systems:

• Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Applied Epic experience preferred, but knowledge of similar Agency Management System (AMS) is acceptable

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