Harvey Hohauser & Associates is proud to present
their most Current Executive Search:

Director, Benefit Services
RHH 29018

THE COMPANY:

With more than 145 years of industry experience, our client is ranked among the Fortune 100. In addition to their insurance products and services, their representatives are able to help assist with the financial goals of individuals and businesses. They are committed to integrity, financial strength, and building enduring client relationships. Their mission is to develop enduring relationships with their clients by providing expert guidance for a lifetime of financial security. With the help of their network of specialists, they provide innovative solutions using world-class insurance products and investments. Currently serving Mid and Southeastern Michigan with offices in Oakland, Washtenaw, Isabella, Saginaw and Genesee Counties they employee over 200.

THE CHALLENGE:

Our client is looking for an experienced industry professional that will play an integral part of moving this business unit forward. The Director, Benefit Services will be responsible for the development and performance of the Employee Benefits business unit. They will staff and direct employee benefit operations support teams in successfully selling service group products and assist in building interactive relationships with carriers. And be expected to stay current with industry trends such as product and legislative changes.

• Sales Strategy
• Sales Training Programs
• New Business Development
• Group Insurance Products
• Business Plans
• Carrier Knowledge
• Market / Product Planning & Research
• Team Builder/Facilitator
• Sales Management

JOB DEFINITION / CHARACTERISTICS:

• Position reports to Managing Partner.
• Direct supervision of the Employee Benefits Support Team (approximately a staff of six)
• Presents to Managing Partner strategic planning for growth and development of the Strategic Employee Benefit Services operation.
• Responsible for joint sales interviews and cross-selling with Financial Representatives to present proposals to Clients.
• Utilizes market knowledge to obtain quotes and Preferred Carrier availability.
• Evaluates proposals to assure they meet Client needs.
• Gathers application and enrollment materials for case submission and coordinates with carriers throughout the underwriting process.
• Manages and/or handles appropriate renewal development processes.
• Assists Managing Partner in providing Financial Representative training and education in the employee benefits area.
• Directs promotion of the group operation within the Network Office.
• Manages group operation personnel, expenses, and other daily activities of the group operation.
• Recommends to the Managing Partner and the Network Office the necessary staffing, skills and amount of support required.
• Recruits, tests, and hires Account Executives based on criteria agreed upon by senior management.
• Conducts one-on-one performance reviews with each member of the team to build more effective communications and recommend merit increases and promotions to the Managing Partner.
• Maintains all necessary employee records and documentation.
• Documents performance problems and, if necessary, works with the Managing Partner to terminate staff with less than acceptable performance.
• Adheres to all company policies, procedures and corporate values and ensures that they are communicated and implemented within the team.
• Assists with special projects; e.g. community involvement.
• Provides and/or assures adequate support (including backup support) for all support team positions.

THE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelors Degree in Business or Marketing.
• Knowledge of group insurance products is required.
• Knowledge of carriers in the marketing territory is required or the ability to obtain needed knowledge within 3 months of assuming the position.
• Three to five years of previous personnel management is highly desirable.
• Must meet state licensing requirements. (Michigan Life & Health)
• Demonstrated leadership ability to motivate and hold others accountable.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High degree of organizational skills with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and facilitate groups of people.
• Basic knowledge of PC’s. Strong working knowledge of Excel and Word.
• Ability to take independent action and make sound decisions.
• Ability to handle change, pressure and criticism.
• Hands-on, customer driven manager.

  
  If you know of anyone who has these qualifications and is looking for a challenging career, please call:
  

Ruthann Liagre
Consultant