Implementation leader position within the Group Benefits organization is responsible for managing and driving the setup processes for new and existing clients. The Implementation leader has overall responsibility for the end-to-end management of the implementation process and key deliverables for clients between 100 and 1000 lives and directs the implementation and communication process for clients, regardless of product mix or administrative arrangement within this market space. They are responsible for monitoring progress against timeline due dates and have direct interaction with clients, insurance producers, sales, client services and other internal business units as needed. The Implementation leader manages the gathering of critical information with the client and producer and resolves all issues relative to the overall implementation process and timing of deliverables. They own the initiation of client and internal meetings and facilitates those discussions and engages in clear, effective communication to establish responsibilities and internal due dates for all business partners on each implementation.
Key Responsibilities:
Responsible for case set up information and accountable for integrity and timeliness of all data elements provided to our internal set up units including, but not limited to case structure and billing set up, eligibility collection, and delivery and approval of plan policies and certificates.
Collaborates with Contracts/Compliance area to produce policies, certificates, and agreements that meet all legal requirements.
Educates the customer on both products and services as well as on various internal functional areas and workflow that are critical to the success of the implementation process.
Handles complex changes regarding products, billing, and structure.
Works closely with internal partners to ensure all changes are made to the client’s satisfaction.
Participates in post-sale activities regarding set up or the conversion of client cases.
Reviews sold plan and project timeline with sales staff to help identify any non-standard provisions or services.
Partners with other business units to ensure that implementations are delivered consistently, timely, and accurately.
May participate in sales presentations, and/or consult on plan design and administrative services; may recommend alternative plan provisions or administrative processes in place of non-standard or incompatible requests.
Identifies implementation-related problems and helps resolve issues quickly.
Conducts weekly touchpoints or periodic status meetings with various parties to review progress and resolve issues and to ensure the Implementation is moving in the right direction.
Essential Business Experience and Technical Skills:
2+ years of Insurance industry experience is preferred and/or possesses knowledge of contract language for life, accident, and disability products.
Bachelor’s degree is preferred or at a minimum 3 to 5 years of professional experience.
Strong interpersonal skills needed to manage and work with many different personalities and styles.
Excellent organization skills are required and attention to detail is critical to effectively handle the technical aspects of the position.
Mastery of written, verbal and email communication skills are required and critical to effectively communicate with clients, producers, and internal business partners.
Ability to interact professionally and confidently with clients is required. Communication methods will vary and may include teleconferencing, Microsoft Teams, email interactions, phone.
Able to multi-task by balancing client facing interactions, tight deadlines, ad hoc issue resolutions, internal documentation requirements and overall client satisfaction.
Strong communication and negotiation skills are required. Demonstrates successful use of innovative negotiation techniques. Able to recommend alternative resolutions and be able to gain commitment from internal partners. Ability to define and develop positioning based upon customer needs, motives, strengths, and strategies of key players and understanding of broad business objectives.
Working Environment
While this role has a serious impact on the organization and can also be demanding, you’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in. Occasionally, deadlines can be intense and having a keen attention to detail is critical to maintaining workflow and project timelines.
The work schedule is generally normal business hours during the Spring and Summer months, however between the months of October – January you may be required to perform your work duties before or after normal work hours due to the nature of the business. Paid Time Off (PTO) during this period is limited.
This role is considered a hybrid role with 2 days in the office and 3 days remote per week.
New York, New York
MetLife, Inc. is the holding corporation for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MLIC), better known as MetLife, and its affiliates. MetLife is among the largest global providers of insurance, annuities, and employee benefit programs, with 90 million customers in over 60 countries. The firm was founded on March 24, 1868 MetLife ranked No. 43 in the 2018 Fortune 500 list of the largest United States corporations by total revenue.
On January 6, 1915, MetLife completed the mutualization process, changing from a stock life insurance company owned by individuals to a mutual company operating without external shareholders and for the benefit of policyholders. The company went public in 2000. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia's Pacific region, Europe, and the Middle East. MetLife serves 90 of the largest Fortune 500 companies. The company's principal offices are located at 200 Park Avenue, New York City in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, though it retains some executive offices and its boardroom in the MetLife Building, located at 200 Park Avenue, New York City, which it sold in 2005.
In January 2016, the company announced that it would spin off U.S. Retail business, including individual life insurance and annuities for the retail market, in a separate company called Brighthouse Financial. They will maintain the MetLife name on MetLife Stadium. On March 6, 2017, the separated U.S. Retail business launched Brighthouse Financial – an independent company focused on life insurance and annuities.