Associate Director, Client Partner (DentaQuest) - Des Moines IA

Sustainable World, Inc.; Des Moines, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 97,600 - 146,400; Full time

Job summary

Sun Life U.S. is seeking an Associate Director, Client Partner to oversee day-to-day operations of the Iowa market, including contract management, business performance, client retention, and staff development in Des Moines area.

The role drives P&L, strengthens client relationships, and leads DQ staff to meet contract terms and client expectations. Ideal candidate will have 5+ years’ external client experience, 3+ years in supervision, strong communication skills, and deep knowledge of group

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Healthcare Administration (or related field) or equivalent.
• Five years' experience with external clients/customers.
• Three years' supervisory/management experience.

Responsibilities

• Maintain ongoing communications with clients via on-site meetings and calls.
• Manage overall P&L for the region and monitor loss ratio.
• Generate new business opportunities within existing accounts.
• Meet with Sales Director monthly to review prospects.
• Provide leadership to DQ staff and ensure client expectations are met.
• Develop relationships with key contacts in healthcare and community organizations.
• Represent DQ at health fairs, conferences, and advisory meetings.
• Support program improvements and client-driven benefit designs.

Skills

Client management

Leadership

Communication

Group benefits knowledge

MS Office

Travel up to 30%

Problem solving

Time management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business or Healthcare Administration

Job description

Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. We have more than 6,400 employees and associates in our partner dental practices and operate nationwide.

At Sun Life, we're driven by our Purpose: helping our Clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. Our values shape how we work: caring, authentic, bold, inspiring, and impactful.

When you join Sun Life, you'll work with passionate colleagues and empowering leaders who support your growth and celebrate your contributions, so you can make a meaningful difference in our Clients' lives.

Visit our website to discover how Sun Life is making life brighter for our customers, partners and communities.

DentaQuest manages dental and vision benefits for more than 33 million Americans. Our outcomes-based, cost-effective solutions are designed for Medicaid and CHIP, Medicare Advantage, small and large businesses, and individuals. With a focus on prevention and value, we aim to make quality care accessible to improve the oral health of all.

Job Description

Location

Ideal candidate will live in or around Des Moines

The opportunity

The Associate Director, Client Partner is responsible for oversight of day-to-day operations of the Iowa market. This role has oversight of functional operational areas within the Iowa market. They are responsible for contract management, business performance, client retention, staff development and growth of the current business in the local market.

How you will contribute

• Responsible for on-going, effective communications and service to the current clients via on-site meetings, conference calls, and day-to-day interaction.
• Manage overall P&L for the region, including managing loss ratio to predetermined target.
• Generate new business opportunities within existing accounts.
• Meet with Sales Director monthly to review prospect opportunities.
• Provide on-going leadership for all DQ staff on administration of the client's program, and communicate information accurately and efficiently, to ensure that DQ is meeting and exceeding client expectations, and the terms of the RFR and contract.
• Proactively identify client expectations, communicate expectations to DQ staff, and ensure expectations are delivered effectively. Proactively resolve issues and strengthen relationships at various professional levels within the client's organization.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key contacts in various healthcare and community-based organizations, including through participation on internal DQ committees.
• Represent DQ at health fairs, conferences and advisory meetings through the State.
• As applicable, directs/manages process that increase member access by strengthening outreach programs and provider networks.
• Support innovative business practices and process improvement opportunities for current and prospective clients (e.g., P4Q, QARR, ER Diversion).
• Draft and negotiate Amendments to Dental Service Agreements as necessary.
• Monitor changes in regulations and fee schedules, and ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting to clients.
• Responsible for ensuring Office Reference Manuals are kept up to date, corrective action plans are implemented and client audits are organized effectively.
• Manages process for obtaining program requirements, documentation, support and other special requests from clients, providers and other organizations.
• Provide leadership and supervision to local DQ staff. Responsible for the determination and implementation of performance and wage evaluations, performance improvement plans, disciplinary processes, and terminations for local staff, in accordance with company policy.
• Provides regular updates to senior management on internal and external issues affecting market performance.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Manages project(s) and/or consultant(s) dedicated to increasing quality scores in a given market or locality, in collaboration with Outreach team and senior leadership.
• Support the design and implementation of client or DQ-driven benefit designs, in consultation with clinical management and operations teams.

What you will bring with you

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Healthcare Administration (or related field) or equivalent, relevant work experience.
• Five years' experience working with external clients/customers; proven track record of providing superior service to internal and external customers.
• Three years' experience in a supervisory/management role.
• Superior organizational, written and oral communication skills, particularly presentation skills.
• Knowledge of group benefits. Proven ability to provide consultative services to proactively meet customer needs, using management reports, offering training opportunities and recommending innovative solutions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficient with general computer software including Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex business problems.
• Ability to make good judgment conclusions based on data available with minimal supervision.
• Ability to prioritize and organize multiple tasks with tight deadlines.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Up to 30% travel
• Ability to efficiently operate all job-related office equipment.
• Ability to communicate via telephone and work in virtual teams.
• The office environment is active with high voice levels and interruptions that may challenge hearing and concentration.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in a traditional professional office setting/remote environment.
• Ability to effectively operate computer equipment.
• Work schedule may vary and is determined by project schedules.

Salary

Salary: $97,600- 146,400

At our company, we are committed to pay transparency and equity. The salary range for this role is competitive nationwide, and we strive to ensure that compensation is fair and equitable. Your actual base salary will be determined based on your unique skills, qualifications, experience, education, and geographic location. In addition to your base salary, this position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive award based on your individual performance as well as the overall performance of the business. We are dedicated to creating a work environment where everyone is rewarded for their contributions.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees feel they belong, are supported and empowered to thrive. We are dedicated to building teams with varied experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and ideas that benefit our colleagues, clients, and the communities where we operate. We encourage applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.

Life is brighter when you work at Sun Life

At Sun Life, we prioritize your well-being with comprehensive benefits, including generous vacation and sick time, market-leading paid family, parental and adoption leave, medical coverage, company paid life and AD&D insurance, disability programs and a partially paid sabbatical program. Plan for your future with our 401(k) employer match, stock purchase options and an employer-funded retirement account. Enjoy a flexible, inclusive and collaborative work environment that supports career growth. We're proud to be recognized in our communities as a top employer. Proudly Great Place to Work® Certified in Canada and the U.S., we've also been recognized as a "Top 10" employer by the Boston Globe's "Top Places to Work" for two years in a row. Visit our website to learn more about our benefits and recognition within our communities.

We will make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of otherwise-qualified individuals with disabilities or special disabled veterans, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. Please email [e-mail] to request an accommodation.

For applicants residing in California, please read our employee California Privacy Policy and Notice.

We do not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.

Sun Life will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including applicable fair chance ordinances.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected vetera n.

Job Category: Sales - Client Relationship Management

Posting End Date: 29/09/2026