Account Executive, Small Business

at  Saskatchewan Blue Cross

Saskatchewan Blue Cross®, one of Saskatchewan’s Top Employers, is currently recruiting for a full-time permanent Account Executive, Small Business to join our team in the Group Benefits department. This position offers the flexibility to be in-office or participate in hybrid options in our Saskatoon or Regina office.

JOB FUNCTION

If you are passionate about producing exceptional client solutions and driving growth, while inspiring and delivering exceptional client experiences, then we’re looking for you! Reporting directly to the Manager, Group Benefits, the successful candidate will be responsible for acquiring, developing, and servicing small group benefit plans across a designated sales territory. This role focuses on driving profitable growth by cultivating strong relationships with advisors, consultants, Managing General Agents (MGAs), Third-Party Administrators (TPAs), and employers. To be successful in this position, you’ll need to take a Member First approach to managing and exceeding the needs of group clients to enable them to deliver upon business growth plans and strategic sales objectives.

WHY CHOOSE SASKATCHEWAN BLUE CROSS?

We’re driven by a mission to empower communities on their journey to whole health and wellness, and have a lot of exciting things ahead of us. We’re improving our members’ experiences through investment in our people, technology, services and products. When you join our team, you’re joining an organization where employees are valued, recognized for their contributions and empowered to make us stronger. The wellbeing of our employees, our members, our partners and our communities is at the heart of our operations.

Our industry is evolving fast, and so are we! We’re looking for people who:

• Share our values
• Believe that creating great experiences is totally within their control
• Collaborate and always set others up for success
• Build positive relationships and an understanding of what people’s needs are
• See solutions and possibilities (not problems!)
• Are simply outstanding at what they do

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Post-Secondary Diploma in Business, Sales & Marketing, or a related field
• A minimum 1 year of relevant sales experience within the health insurance industry or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Life Insurance License (LLQP) required, and must be committed to continuous learning, the desire to enroll in industry training and to maintaining the educational requirements of the Life License
• CEBS Group Benefits Associate (GBA) designation preferred
• Must be service oriented, responsive to our client and company values and demonstrate an entrepreneurial approach that is flexible and adaptable to change
• Proven track record in developing, growing and managing sales accounts
• Exceptional relationship building, active listening and interpersonal skills, paired with strong organizational, time management and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrate a high level of personal accountability and professionalism
• Organized, analytical thinker with a mathematical aptitude
• Proven ability and desire to learn and identify innovative sales and service opportunities
• Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally, including the ability to develop and deliver presentations
• Strong computer skills, with demonstrated proficiency in CRM and the Microsoft suite of products, including Word, Excel and Power Point with the ability to easily learn new programs
• Must maintain a valid Class 5 driver’s license and be willing to travel, work remotely and outside regular business hours
• Security clearance will be required to complete licensing requirements
• Legally entitled to work in Canada on an unrestricted basis
• Criminal Record and background check satisfactory to Saskatchewan Blue Cross

• Acquire new business by identifying small group clients and developing strategies to drive new growth, support the achievement of defined annual sales goals, ensure continued business success, and enhance our value proposition and differentiation in the marketplace – including managing and maintaining a robust strategic target list to ensure a strong pipeline
• Establish and maintain healthy and enduring relationships with existing and prospective clients, advisors, MGAs, TPAs, and internal Saskatchewan Blue Cross teams to develop solutions to meet client needs
• Act as a subject matter expert and resource on market dynamics to clients, advisors, MGAs, TPAs and Saskatchewan Blue Cross teams promoting service capabilities, recommending changes and additions, as well as explaining sales strategies, concepts, product offerings and benefit contracts
• Leverage industry knowledge to recommend new products, services, and innovative solutions that align with client goals and market trends
• Coordinate and present proposals, finalist presentations and annual customized renewal benefit presentations that clearly define a strong value proposition – including negotiating appropriate plan design and pricing, and maintaining agreements with clients
• Act as a brand champion, regularly engaging in opportunities to promote Saskatchewan Blue Cross Group products and services - including active participation at community and client events, trade shows, conventions, public functions and special corporate functions
• Regularly review existing accounts to identify additional value-added services for new lines of benefits that will address the needs of the clients
• Regularly follow up on quotations and identify and share market insights
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to execute on business growth plans and strategic sales objectives. Develop strategies to enhance the profitability of the existing block of business
• Analyze reports, statistics, market and financial information relating to plan renewals, proposals and new opportunities to support the attainment of personal targets and departmental goals and priorities
• Ensure timely and meticulous maintenance of account files, consistently documenting client discussions/meetings within the Saskatchewan Blue Cross CRM and ancillary systems and processes to ensure effective and accurate data exchange on all prospective and existing clients’ relationships
• Comply with company corporate governance with regard to all organizational processes and controls, privacy, contracts and all financial transactions
• Work in concert with the Group Benefits Team to provide superior service, identify and assess opportunities to enhance experiences – including ensuring timely follow up and resolution of client issues and initiatives
• Provide assistance to sales team for escalated or complex product inquiries and service needs to ensure client and advisor/consultant satisfaction
• Develop and remain current with product and industry knowledge and insights and share this rich knowledge with your colleagues, supporting the growth and development of the Account Executive team
• Liaise with the Group Benefits and Group Underwriting Departments to provide them with accurate information to determine appropriate rating and plan design that will ensure a positive client relationship; maintain positive and effective relationships with all internal Saskatchewan Blue Cross stakeholders to ensure organizational goals and priorities are met
• Other related projects and duties as assigned