Account Manager-Associate

Independent Health Association; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 58,240 - 68,640; Full time

Job summary

Independent Health Association in Buffalo, NY is seeking an Account Manager-Associate responsible for retention and growth of self-funded clients under 500 subscribers. You will partner with employers, brokers, and plan administrators to analyze cost drivers and present strategic solutions, meet monthly productivity goals, and manage renewal activity.

The role requires a NY health insurance license or the ability to obtain within 90 days, plus 3 years of corporate sales or account management

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate's degree preferred; NY health insurance selling license required or must be obtained within 90 days of employment.
• Three (3) years of corporate sales or account management experience required; experience with self-funded health plans preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills to assess needs and deliver solutions.
• Ability to build and leverage relationships for business growth.
• Knowledge of health insurance or related industries.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong presentation skills.
• Collaborative mindset for working with brokers, employers, and leadership.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM tools like Salesforce.
• Ability to learn and use claims platforms (e.g., Health Rules).
• Flexibility to work outside standard business hours.
• Local travel required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with key decision makers and brokers to facilitate member retention and growth in existing clients.
• Develop account-specific tactics that support overall account strategy.
• Document strategy and tactics in business plan.
• Administer or oversee electronic enrollment implementations and on-going administration of these processes.
• Interact with 3rd party administrators in the management of membership data including on-line or e-mail acknowledgements.
• Deliver appropriate messaging to all clients demonstrating IH value proposition.
• Support implementation process to seamlessly onboard new clients.
• Collect necessary information to analyze medical plan performance and recommend alternatives to clients including associated financial costs and risks.
• Lead internal cross functional teams for issue resolution or implementation tasks.
• Present Independent Health programs and services to employee groups during open enrollment meetings.
• Work closely with brokers and external vendors to coordinate account activity.
• Assist with the development and coordination of related events in the book of business or market segment.
• Collaborate with other members of the organization to provide value-added services and information to identified accounts.
• Provide on-site staffing at community/employer-based events; after hours and weekends may be required.

Job description

Overview

The Account Manager-Associate will be responsible for retention and growth of profitable membership for self-funded clients with fewer than 500 subscribers. They will partner with clients to analyze healthcare cost drivers and deliver strategic solutions. The Account Manager-Associate will lead meetings with executives and plan administrators, applying strong sales and consultative skills to identify needs and recommend IHC products and services. They will build and maintain relationships with employers, brokers, and consultants. They will manage account activities, resolve benefit and billing issues, and support high dollar claims without dedicated account support and will be accountable for meeting monthly productivity goals and maintaining detailed records of renewal and engagement efforts.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required. Associate's degree preferred. It is a condition of employment that the applicant shall have the license required to sell health insurance in the state of New York at the time of employment or obtain that license within 90 days of commencing employment.


• Three (3) years of successful corporate sales or account management experience required, preferably in the service industry or selling intangibles. Experience with self-funded health plans preferred.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess needs and deliver solutions.


• Ability to build and leverage relationships for business growth.


• Knowledge of health insurance or related industries.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong presentation skills.


• Collaborative mindset for working with brokers, employers, and leadership.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM tools like Salesforce.


• Ability to learn and use claims platforms (e.g., Health Rules).


• Flexibility to work outside standard business hours.


• Local travel required. Any Independent Health associate who uses a motor vehicle in the course of their duties representing Independent Health must be compliant with State Motor Vehicle laws and must follow the Policy that pertains to Driver's License Requirements as a condition of employment.


• Proven examples of displaying the IH values: Passionate, Caring, Respectful, Trustworthy, Collaborative and Accountable.

Essential Accountabilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with key decision makers and brokers to facilitate member retention and growth in existing clients.


• Develop account-specific tactics that support overall account strategy.


• Document strategy and tactics in business plan.


• Administer or oversee electronic enrollment implementations and on-going administration of these processes.


• Interact with 3rd party administrators in the management of membership data including on-line or e-mail acknowledgements.


• Deliver appropriate messaging to all clients demonstrating IH value proposition.


• Support implementation process to seamlessly onboard new clients.


• Collect necessary information to analyze medical plan performance and recommend alternatives to clients including associated financial costs and risks.


• Lead internal cross functional teams for issue resolution or implementation tasks.


• Present Independent Health programs and services to employee groups during open enrollment meetings.


• Work closely with brokers and external vendors to coordinate account activity.


• Assist with the development and coordination of related events in the book of business or market segment.


• Collaborate with other members of the organization to provide value-added services and information to identified accounts.


• Provide on-site staffing at community/employer-based events. Will require after hours and weekends. Extended hours may be required during peak season.

Immigration or work visa sponsorship will not be provided for this position

Hiring Compensation Range: $28.00 - $33.00 hourly + Sales Incentive

Compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to skills, education, location and experience.

In addition to base compensation, associates may be eligible for a scorecard incentive, full range of benefits and generous paid time off. The base salary range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer, Independent Health and its affiliates will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship and immigration status, physical and mental disability, criminal record, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status with respect to receiving public assistance, domestic violence victim status, a disabled, special, recently separated, active duty wartime, campaign badge, Armed Forces service medal veteran, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.

Click here for additional EEO/AAP or Reasonable Accommodation information.

Current Associates must apply internally via the Job Hub.