Employee Benefits Account Management Team Lead

Employee Benefits Account Management Team LeadHigginbotham, a privately held, independent insurance and financial services firm that ranks within the top 20 nationwide, has an opening for an Employee Benefits Account Management Team Lead for our Houston, TX office.This team lead will be responsible for assisting in workflow strategy development, deployment and training, collaborating with producers to oversee assigned team including workflows, workload, adherence to agency policies and procedures; also responsible for conflict resolution, performance reviews, expense management and salary administration for assigned team.Essential tasks:Overall management and support of team and Office Advocates, if applicableInterview and evaluate prospective team membersCoordinate training and guidance regarding department proceduresAssist in needs assessment and training where neededAssist with back up, when necessaryParticipate in disciplinary and termination issuesAssist with implementation of new procedures and/or changesEnsure compliance with policies and procedures of team and Office Advocates, if applicableAssists with cultivating efficient operations of the EB department within respective RegionAssist in resolving workflow issues as they ariseRemains abreast of employee benefits insurance marketsParticipates in staff recognitionAudit development, implementation and oversightFor Team Leaders with assigned book of business, the following also apply:Acts as primary contact between client, prospect, agency, and producer; represents the agency in handling complaints, arbitrating disputes, or resolving grievances.Handles or refers all service requests by our clientsInitiates and handles marketing of account beginning 120 days prior to renewal date. Gathers the necessary information regarding new/existing accounts and submits this information to the various and appropriate carriers to obtain proposals; investigate carrier products, analyzes and reviews clients' data to appropriate carriers to recommend appropriate plans and proposals to offer the client.Reviews the proposals received for accuracy, works hand in hand with Producer to generate proposal presentation through spreadsheets and proposal exhibitsCalculates premium and payroll deductions, audit billing statements for accuracy on behalf of clientsGenerates open enrollment material i.e. enrollment guides, election forms, personalized confirmation sheets, enrollment/change forms, power point presentations for client presentationsConducts open enrollment presentations in front of an audienceProcesses necessary paperwork for submission to carrierDirects a smooth transition from one carrier to anotherUpdates all accounts, timely, to maintain files on the agency management systemsSets priorities and manages workflow to ensure efficient, timely and accurate processing of transactions and other responsibilities.Maintains knowledge of new developments or changes with the various carriers and new Federal/State laws that may affect how our clients must administer their benefit programs, and communicate this information to clients and team membersDevelops and maintains a positive relationship and rapport with each insurance carrier to satisfy our clients' needs and facilitate the processing of businessNon-essential tasks:Attends and completes any training sessions or assignments as requiredPerforms other related tasks as neededSpecific knowledge, skills and abilities:Highly motivated self-starter with ability to work independently to accomplish established agency goalsAbility to work as a team player with a committed positive approach to working through adversityStrong organizational and time management skills, with an extreme attention to detailCritical thinking skills with ability to use logic and reasoning to identify deficiencies or other concernsAbility to adhere to and meet deadlinesAbove average mathematical skillsAccountable and delivers on commitmentsExceptional communication skills, both in the verbal and written word, necessary to communicate with clients, carriers and prospects concerning employee benefit lines of coverageIntermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Products Outlook, Word and Excel preferred; basic working knowledge of Power Point preferredExperience and education:High school diploma or equivalentLife and Health Agent's licenseMinimum four years' experience in account management preferredACSR designation preferredCommitment to continuous learningLocation:Houston, TXPhysical requirements:Ability to lift 25 poundsRepeated use of sight to read documents and computer screensRepeated use of hearing and speech to communicate on telephone and in personRepetitive hand movements, such as keyboarding, writing, 10-keyWalking, bending, sitting, reaching and stretching in all directions