Description
Howden is seeking a Health & Benefits Consultant to serve as a trusted advisor to clients on employee benefits strategy, plan design, cost management, compliance, and employee wellbeing initiatives.
This role provides an opportunity to work with organisations across a variety of industries while helping clients navigate an increasingly complex healthcare and benefits landscape.
Key Responsibilities
Client Consulting & Strategic Advisory
- Serve as a primary consultant for clients regarding health and welfare benefit programs.
- Advise clients on healthcare cost management strategies, plan design changes, funding arrangements, wellness initiatives, and employee engagement programs.
- Conduct benefits strategy discussions and annual planning meetings with client leadership teams.
- Provide market intelligence and benchmarking on benefit trends, emerging solutions, and carrier developments.
- Develop and deliver client presentations related to renewals, plan recommendations, and strategic initiatives.
Benefits Program Management
- Lead annual renewal processes including marketing, carrier negotiations, financial analysis, and recommendation development.
- Evaluate carrier proposals and prepare detailed analyses comparing costs, plan provisions, and service offerings.
- Support implementation of new benefit programs and vendor solutions.
- Coordinate with account management and service teams to ensure seamless delivery and client support.
Financial Analysis & Reporting
- Analyse healthcare utilisation, claims experience, contribution strategies, and funding arrangements.
- Develop financial models and projections to support client decision-making.
- Review carrier renewals and identify opportunities to optimise program performance and control costs.
- Prepare reports, executive summaries, and presentations for client stakeholders.
Compliance & Risk Management
- Maintain knowledge of employee benefits regulations and industry developments.
- Assist clients with compliance-related matters involving ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and other applicable regulations.
- Partner with internal subject matter experts and external resources to address complex compliance questions.
Business Development & Relationship Management
- Support producers and business development teams in client retention and growth efforts.
- Participate in prospective client meetings and presentations.
- Identify opportunities for additional consulting services and cross-functional solutions.
- Develop strong relationships with carrier partners and industry contacts.
What Are We Looking For?
Experience
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 5+ years of employee benefits consulting, brokerage, carrier, or related healthcare advisory experience.
- Experience advising employer groups on health and welfare benefit programs.
- Proven ability to manage client relationships and communicate effectively with senior stakeholders.
Skills
- Strong knowledge of group medical, dental, vision, life, disability, voluntary benefits, and wellbeing programs.
- Ability to analyse financial data, carrier proposals, and claims information.
- Excellent presentation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Strong project management and organisational abilities.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
- Collaborative mindset with a client-first approach.
Compensation and Benefits
- The expected base salary range for this role is $110,000 - $160,000; actual base salary will be determined based on factors including candidate experience and work location.
- In addition to a competitive base salary, employees are eligible to receive a discretionary bonus.
- Howden also offers a variety of benefits and programs, subject to eligibility, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including healthcare savings and reimbursement accounts
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Flexible Paid Time Off and paid parental leave
- Life and Disability insurance