Benefits Specialist

You are a highly **effective communicator**, **organized** and your **attention to detail** is outstanding

You love the idea of working in a **dynamic** and **fast paced environment**

You get satisfaction from providing solutions to clients and colleagues

If this sounds like you, then we’d love to hear from you

**What’s the ask?**

The Benefits Specialist will be responsible for providing service and analytics excellence to our group benefit clients. You will provide your block of clients with a variety of solutions will take many forms ranging from critical evaluation of the current programs and providers in place, support through changes, new implementations, onboarding, customized communications and more.

More specifically, the Benefits Specialist will:

- Assess, negotiate, write reports and prepare presentations relating to group renewals.
- Review, prepare & peer review analysis of regular reporting, benefit summaries, process amendments and employee presentations/communications.
- Peer review contract, booklet and collective agreement differences and identify risk exposure.
- Assessment, negotiation and report/presentation preparation for marketing and peer review of quote comparisons.
- Coordinate carrier finalist presentations.
- Be accountable for the smooth transition of benefits to new carriers ensuring any client risk and exposure is mitigated (i.e. plan mapping, member coverage, communication).
- Analyze carrier change financial/rate implications to client's budget.
- Analysis of financial and/or plan design benchmarking and preparation of reports/presentations.
- Analyze carrier financial reports & peer review of estimated financials.
- Price and analyze costings including assessment and analysis of alternative funding arrangements.
- Perform commission reconciliations and analysis.
- Resolve and address escalated client issues and inquires.
- Assist on specific projects, initiatives and research.
- Provide and coordinate support for consultant as requested and in accordance with procedures and service agreements.
- Prepare employee education sessions, and present to employees.
- Answer correspondence related to the administration of the plan(s), enrolment of new plan members.

**What does it take?**
- Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in the Group Benefits industry which includes Client Service and Analytical.
- GBA, CEBS designation an asset.
- Strong working knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint including excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office and Word.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Strong prioritization skills and flexibility to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
- Analytical and numerical skills.
- Able to work independently and self-motivated.
- Knowledge of EPIC an asset.
- Periodic travel maybe required.

**Who we are**:
Canadian-owned and operated, Cowan Insurance Group is a leading independent insurance brokerage and consulting operation, providing real value to our clients. With over 500 employees hired out of 6 locations across Canada, we’re proud to have been named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2012.

We partner with leading national and international insurance companies to:

- deliver insurance and risk management solutions to businesses, organizations and individuals.
- advise on and create retirement, group benefits, disability management and international benefits programs for employee groups.

We also offer wealth and asset management as well as financial and succession planning services to individuals, and specialize in property, casualty and credit insurance.

**What sets us apart?**

**Be in good company**
***Integrity matters. It drives our award-winning workplace culture and fuels our collective desire to help our clients, employees, and communities thrive.

**Challenge your thinking**
***You're valued for your passion, drive and creativity. The pace is fast, but the work is meaningful, interesting, and complex, just the way you like it.

**Grow together**
We believe in your potential. If you’re looking to develop your expertise with learning opportunities and mentoring, we’ll make that happen.

**Benefits and perks**
- Competitive salary
- Participate in our comprehensive benefits plan on day one — no waiting period.
- Company-matched Retirement Savings Plan
- Company-paid training and development courses
- Community involvement
- Hybrid work environment

**Are you interested?**

**Please Apply**

While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, we will contact only those selected for interviews. If you are an applicant with disabilities and require accommodation, please let us know at the time of our contact so that we may arrange for their provision.

LI-Hybrid