Client Relationship Executive - Upper Mid-West Territory

sunlife; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Sun Life U.S. seeks a Client Relationship Executive to manage a portfolio of group benefits clients in the upper Mid-West. You will collaborate with brokers, plan sponsors, sales, and service partners to drive long-term success and retention.

The role emphasizes strategic consulting, business planning, and cross-sell opportunities to grow revenue and improve client outcomes.

Qualifications

• Proven consultative selling and account management experience.
• Ability to build trusted advisor relationships with brokers and plan sponsors.
• Strong business planning and territory management skills.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and negotiation abilities.
• Analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary relationship manager for a portfolio of group benefits clients.
• Partner with brokers, plan sponsors, sales teams, and service partners to drive growth.
• Develop and execute client-specific business plans for engagement and retention.
• Lead client reviews, renewals, and implementation planning.
• Provide educational programs and webinars on benefit programs.

Skills

Relationship management

Consultative selling

Territory management

Presentation skills

Negotiation abilities

Analytical thinking

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.

Job Description

The Opportunity

Are you passionate about building trusted partnerships, driving business growth, and helping clients maximize the value of their employee benefits programs? At Sun Life, we're looking for a Client Relationship Executive (CRE) to serve as a strategic advisor and advocate for a portfolio of group benefits clients located in the upper Mid-West.

What You'll Do

As a Client Relationship Executive, you'll serve as the primary relationship manager for a portfolio of group benefits clients, partnering closely with brokers, plan sponsors, sales teams, and service partners to drive long-term success.

Relationship Management & Strategic Consulting

• Build trusted advisor relationships with brokers and plan sponsors, providing strategic guidance across Life, Disability, Dental, Absence, and supplemental health benefit programs.
• Understand each client's unique business goals and challenges, proactively identifying opportunities to enhance their benefits strategy and overall experience.
• Deliver consultative recommendations that improve client outcomes while supporting retention, growth, and profitability objectives.
• Create and execute client-specific business plans focused on engagement, retention, growth, and overall portfolio success.

Business Growth & Revenue Expansion

• Identify opportunities to expand client relationships through organic growth and cross-sell initiatives.
• Partner with sales teams and Employee Benefits Representatives (EBRs) to develop and execute territory strategies that drive persistency and revenue growth.
• Participate in finalist presentations and renewal discussions, showcasing the value of Sun Life's solutions and service experience.
• Analyze client needs and market trends to recommend innovative benefit solutions that support evolving workforce needs.

Client Experience & Service Excellence

• Lead all aspects of the client relationship, serving as the primary escalation and coordination point for service-related issues.
• Collaborate across underwriting, implementation, enrollment, claims, operations, and service teams to ensure a seamless client experience.
• Guide clients through implementation, renewals, enrollment strategies, and ongoing plan administration.
• Conduct regular business reviews, providing insights into claims experience, plan performance, and opportunities for continuous improvement.

Education & Partnership

• Deliver educational programs, webinars, and consultative discussions that help clients and brokers maximize the value of their benefit programs.
• Train and support Benefits Administrators on industry trends, administrative processes, and best practices.
• Foster strong partnerships internally and externally that drive collaboration, innovation, and long-term success.

What Makes You Successful

We're looking for someone who combines strong business acumen with a passion for building relationships and delivering exceptional client experiences.

• A relationship-first mindset and ability to build credibility with clients, brokers, and internal partners.
• Proven consultative selling and account management skills.
• Strong business planning and territory management capabilities.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and negotiation skills.
• The ability to influence, problem-solve, and navigate complex situations with confidence.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with the abilit