📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Account Manager - Employee Benefits
🔹 Company: The Standard
🔹 Location: Murray Hill, NJ (Virtual NJ)
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Insurance
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-22
🔹 Experience Level: 5+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (with remote flexibility)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing client relationships and providing exceptional service to retain and grow assigned accounts
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to resolve administrative issues and improve plan designs
- Negotiating contract provisions and rates to enhance profitability and retention
- Identifying and promoting additional lines of coverage or plan improvements
- Leading the submission, set-up, and installation of new groups and supporting new administrators at in-force accounts
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to effectively manage complex accounts and build strong client relationships.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and manage effective primary relationships with key policyholders and producers through frequent on-site visits, professional negotiation, responsive communication, problem resolution, and meeting customer expectations.
✅ Work with clients to understand their concerns and needs, and act as a liaison between home office departments and customers to initiate plan improvements and resolve administrative inconsistencies.
✅ Prior to each renewal, organize a face-to-face visit with key identified clients to present an analysis of claims experience and/or review the adequacy of the contract to recommend coverage or contractual changes to appropriately affect their experience and/or rates.
✅ In partnership with the assigned sales rep and underwriter, monitor renewal activity and prepare to present renewals with a customized strategy to retain the account.
✅ Identify and promote the sale of additional lines of coverage or plan improvements on assigned block of business whenever possible.
✅ Request and review inforce proposal requests, providing all appropriate information to Regional or National Accounts, and present or assist in the presentation of the proposal to the broker and/or policyholder.
✅ Lead and coordinate the submission, set up, and installation of assigned new groups with the policyholder, producer, and home office. Provide similar support to new administrators at assigned in-force accounts.
✅ Facilitate the enrollment process, which may involve preparation of enrollment materials, conducting enrollment meetings, or being present at benefit fairs.
✅ Serve as a mentor to all service and sales employees in the office on service issues.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves frequent travel within the territory for face-to-face client and broker meetings, as well as regular communication with various stakeholders to understand their needs and provide top-notch service.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 5+ years of experience in group insurance account management in the 1500+ lives space
Required Skills:
- Proven ability to build and maintain strong client relationships
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
- Strong analytical and decision-making skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software
- Valid driver's license with a safe driving record and adequate insurance
- Life and Disability insurance license for all states within the office’s assigned territory
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with group insurance account management software
- Bilingual or multilingual proficiency
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the insurance industry and a proven track record of successful account management will be strongly considered for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $95,000 - $120,000 (based on industry standards for this role and experience level)
Benefits:
- Collaborative, positive, and supportive work culture
- Personal and professional growth opportunities
- Excellent incentive compensation
- Generous PTO (encouraged to use)
- 11 paid holidays
- Medical, dental, vision, life, STD, and LTD insurance
- 401K with great matching and non-elective contribution
- Supplemental benefits
- Quarterly bonus program
- Flexible work schedule
- Tuition reimbursement
Working Hours: Full-time, with flexible scheduling options
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for this role and experience level. Actual compensation may vary based on individual performance and organizational goals.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Financial Services, specifically focused on group and individual disability insurance, group life insurance, and retirement plans products and services.
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees (large enterprise)
Founded: 1906 (over 115 years ago)
Company Description:
- Leading provider of financial products and services, including group and individual disability insurance, group life insurance, and retirement plans services
- Committed to helping people achieve financial well-being and peace of mind
- Focuses on offering products and services to meet the diverse needs of customers
Company Specialties:
- Group and individual disability insurance
- Group life insurance
- AD&D
- Vision and dental insurance
- Retirement plans products and services
- Individual annuities and investment advice
Company Website: www.standard.com
ASSUMPTION: The Standard is a well-established company with a strong reputation in the financial services industry, offering a comprehensive range of products and services to meet the diverse needs of its customers.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior, with opportunities for growth and advancement
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Sales Manager or Regional Vice President
Work Arrangement: On-site, with remote flexibility for certain tasks and meetings
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to senior account management or sales roles
- Expansion of territory or account portfolio
- Cross-functional career moves within the organization
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development, with a clear path for advancement within the company.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate office environment with remote flexibility
Office Location(s): Murray Hill, NJ (with remote work options)
Geographic Context:
- Murray Hill is a suburban area in New Jersey, with easy access to major highways and public transportation
- The office is located near various amenities, including restaurants, shops, and parks
- The region offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with a diverse range of housing options
Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible scheduling options and the possibility of working from home for certain tasks and meetings
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at The Standard is collaborative, positive, and supportive, with a focus on helping employees reach their full potential.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the sales team
- Final interview with the regional vice president
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Communication and negotiation skills
li>Client management and relationship-building skills
- Industry knowledge and understanding of insurance products
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your account management and client relationship-building experiences
- Research The Standard and the insurance industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
ATS Keywords: Account Management, Client Relations, Problem Solving, Negotiation, Communication, Business Development, Sales Support, Plan Design, Claims Analysis, Administrative Support, Enrollment Facilitation, Mentorship, Collaboration, Retention Strategies, Profitability Improvement, Service Excellence
ASSUMPTION: The application process at The Standard is thorough and comprehensive, designed to assess the candidate's skills, experience, and cultural fit for the role.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Zoho CRM)
- Account management software (e.g., PolicyAdmin, iPipeline)
- Video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams)
ASSUMPTION: The Standard uses industry-standard tools and technologies to support its account management and sales processes.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Putting customers first
- Collaborating and winning together
- Acting with integrity
- Fostering an inclusive environment
- Pursuing excellence
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on continuous improvement
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Customer-centric and committed to exceptional service
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How have you demonstrated your ability to build and maintain strong client relationships in previous roles?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to negotiate a complex contract or rate with a client or broker?
- How do you approach continuous learning and professional development in your current role?
ASSUMPTION: The Standard values a diverse and inclusive work environment, where employees can bring their authentic selves to work and reach their full potential.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a large portfolio of complex accounts with diverse needs and expectations
- Balancing the demands of client management, sales support, and administrative tasks
- Navigating a large organization with multiple stakeholders and reporting lines
- Adapting to changes in the insurance industry and regulatory environment
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth and development, requiring a proactive and adaptable approach to account management and client relations.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from related positions in its focus on managing complex accounts with 500-4999 lives, requiring a higher level of problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Compared to other account management roles in the insurance industry, this position offers a competitive salary range and comprehensive benefits package
- Career progression in this role may involve moving into senior account management, sales, or other leadership positions within the organization
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for experienced account managers to apply their skills and experience in a challenging and rewarding environment.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a strategic account management plan for a complex, multi-location client with 2,500 lives
- Negotiating a complex contract renewal for a 1,500-life account, resulting in a 15% reduction in premiums and improved client satisfaction
- Leading the submission, set-up, and installation of a new 750-life account, resulting in a successful enrollment and positive client feedback
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and challenges faced by the Account Manager in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does the company support the professional development and growth of its account managers?
- Can you describe the typical career path for an account manager within the organization?
- How does the company measure and evaluate the performance of its account managers?
- What opportunities are there for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among account managers within the company?
- How does the company approach work-life balance for its employees?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process can help applicants better understand the role, the company, and the opportunities for growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your account management and client relationship-building experiences
- Research The Standard and the insurance industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
