Client Relationship Executive - Upper Mid-West Territory

Sun Life; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous vacation and sick time

401(k) employer match

Stock purchase options

Company paid life and AD&D insurance

Sabbatical program

Job summary

Sun Life U.S. is seeking a Client Relationship Executive to manage a portfolio of group benefits clients in the upper Midwest. You’ll work with brokers, plan sponsors, and internal teams to drive retention, growth and a best-in-class client experience.

You’ll shape benefits strategy and navigate complex client needs, delivering value and strategic counsel. This role emphasizes relationship management, cross-functional collaboration, and sales-enabled account growth within a nationwide benefits

Qualifications

• Strong relationship-first mindset with credibility with clients, brokers and internal partners.
• Proven consultative selling and account management skills.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and negotiation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary relationship manager for a portfolio of group benefits clients, partnering with brokers, plan sponsors, sales teams and service partners to drive long-term success.
• Build trusted advisor relationships with brokers and plan sponsors and provide strategic guidance across Life, Disability, Dental, Absence, and supplemental health programs.
• Deliver consultative recommendations to improve client outcomes while supporting retention, growth and profitability.
• Lead client reviews, coordinate across underwriting, implementation, enrollment, claims, and operations for seamless service.

Skills

Relationship management

Consultative selling

Account management

Presentation & negotiation

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Proactive problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

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.

In this highly visible role, you'll own and strengthen relationships with employers, brokers, and internal partners while helping clients navigate their benefits strategy and achieve their business goals. You'll have the opportunity to influence retention and growth, identify new solutions for clients, and play a critical role in delivering an exceptional customer experience.

If you thrive in a consultative, relationship-driven environment and enjoy solving complex challenges while making a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you.

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 ability to manage multiple priorities.
• A proactive, self-directed approach and a passion for driving results.
• Resilience, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

What You Will Bring

• 4+ years of experience in Employee Benefits, Group Insurance, Account Management, Client Relationship Management
• Knowledge of group employee benefit plans and benefit design.
• Experience working with brokers, employers, or corporate clients preferred.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Current insurance license is a plus.
• Understanding of benefit industry trends and competitive landscape preferred.
• Absence Management experience is beneficial but not required.

Location: Upper Mid-West
Travel: Approximately 20% within the assigned territory

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. National Average Salary Range: $78,100 - $117,200

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 accommodation to the known physical or mental limitation 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] 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 veteran.

Job Category: Sales - Client Relationship Management

Posting End Date: 07/09/2026