Director of Operations

Description

The Director of Operations leads the Benefits Division to ensure the delivery of high-quality healthcare insurance and related services to clients. This role involves managing day-to-day operations, driving strategic growth, ensuring regulatory compliance, and building strong relationships with clients, carriers, and team members. The Director spearheads initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, supports client acquisition and retention, and positions UNICO as a leader in the employee benefits marketplace. This position is partnered with the Executive Team and other UNICO Directors to set and achieve targeted business results. 

Requirements

• Lead, manage, and hold the Employee Benefits service team accountable
• Report on the financial performance of the division
• Champion initiatives to enhance team dynamics and organizational synergy. 
• Take ownership of operational processes within the division. 

Expectations 

New Business Production and Client Retention

• Personally service and maintain a modest book of existing accounts.
• Leads the delivery and relationship management for a defined book of business. 
• Produces and helps new clients and prospective clients place insurance 

Operational Leadership 

• Oversee all aspects of benefits operations, including client service delivery, plan design, implementation, and administration.
• Develop and execute strategies to optimize the division's efficiency and effectiveness.

Client Relationship Management, Carrier, and Vendor Relations 

• Act as the senior point of contact for key client relationships, ensuring satisfaction and addressing escalated concerns.
• Support the benefits sales team in presenting customized healthcare solutions to prospective clients.
• Collaborate with account managers to provide strategic advice and guidance to clients on their benefits programs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with insurance carriers and vendors.
• Negotiate terms and pricing to secure the best outcomes for clients.
• Monitor carrier performance and hold partners accountable for service commitments.

Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management 

• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, including but not limited to ACA, HIPAA, ERISA, and state insurance laws.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to minimize risk and ensure adherence to industry standards.
• Stay updated on legislative changes and guide clients on regulatory impacts on their benefits programs.

Strategic Planning and Growth, Technology and Process Improvement

• Collaborate with senior leadership to align benefits operations with organizational goals.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to expand the Benefits Division’s market presence.
• Provide insights into market trends, client needs, and competitive dynamics to shape business strategy.
• Evaluate and implement technology solutions to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of benefits administration.
• Streamline workflows and processes to improve client service delivery and reduce redundancies.
• Drive innovation within the division to maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Education | Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Insurance, Healthcare Management, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in healthcare benefits operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Comprehensive knowledge of group health insurance plans, ancillary benefits, and compliance requirements.
• Licensure: Current Life & Health license or willingness to obtain in the first 90 days of employment

Knowledge | Skills

• Embodies our core values of Professional, Trust, Positive, and Team Player in all aspects of their work and relationships.
• Can lead in tough situations, create alignment, and garner movement from team members. 
• Takes personal responsibility for their actions and is willing to take a stand.
• Empowers people and creates a climate where people want to do their best. 
• Resourceful and creative when solving problems. 
• Make decisions based on analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment. 
• Organizes and prioritizes information and workload at a quick pace. Manages multiple projects at one time and meets established deadlines.
• Able to make timely decisions with incomplete information and under tight timelines or pressure, using analytics to discern complex challenges. 
• Effective communication skills. Able to conceptualize ideas (orally and written) to senior management, clients, and other stakeholders, to influence outcomes. 
• Knowledge of how business, competition, and tactics work in the marketplace. In addition to current and possible future policies, practices, trends, technology, and information affecting their business division. 
• Ability to effectively negotiate internally and externally, being both direct and diplomatic, and can win concessions without damaging relationships. 
• Ability to plan work, manage a project through implementation, and coordinate with various business units. 
• Steadfastly pushes self and others for rapid organizational growth and change. 
• Proficient in common office software, readily adapts to new technologies, and has a solid understanding of digital tools relevant to the role. 
• Proficiency in insurance agency management systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Expertise in benefits design, implementation, and administration.
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance, including ACA, COBRA, and HIPAA.
• Able to travel and attend meetings as required.

Physical Demands | Working Environment

• Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle.
• This role’s physical exertion is sedentary and within an office environment. 
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. 
• Substantial movements and repetitive motion of the wrists, hands, and fingers. 
• Individuals should have close visual acuity to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing, viewing a computer, and extensive reading.

UNICO Group is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, UNICO Group will take steps to ensure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, contact Linsey Renner at lrenner@unicogroup.com