VP of Benefits - Renewal & Carrier Relations is a newly created, leadership role within the Underwriting Division, established in response to the organization's expanding partnership with PHRI and the Prism brokerage. This position assumes ownership of the full master plan renewal portfolio - a portfolio that is expected to grow materially in volume and complexity - and serves as the organization's dedicated renewal leader and carrier relationship developer. This is not a lateral or transitional hire. The individual in this role will work directly alongside the SVP of Underwriting over an extended introductory period to absorb carrier relationships, build credibility with AON actuarial partners, and ultimately lead renewal strategy with autonomy. The VP title reflects the seniority required for carrier-facing credibility, while the reporting structure to the SVP keeps the organizational hierarchy clear.
Core ResponsibilitiesRenewal Portfolio Management- Own and manage the full master plan renewal portfolio, including all accounts coming through the PHRI and Prism brokerage partnerships.
- Maintain a structured renewal calendar; manage timelines, deliverables, and reporting across the renewal cycle
- Lead shadow renewals alongside the SVP during the onboarding period, gradually assuming primary responsibility on a renewal-by-renewal basis
Carrier Relations - Co-attend all carrier meetings with the SVP during the first 12-18 months, building relationships as a named, endorsed point of continuity
- Develop independent carrier relationships through demonstrated expertise and consistent follow-through over multiple renewal cycles
- Serve as the organization's dedicated renewal-facing carrier contact once trust is fully established
AON Actuarial Coordination - Engage in AON actuarial discussions from day one, building technical credibility alongside relational exposure
- Develop independent coordination capability with AON's actuarial team over the course of the first year
- Represent the company's interests in technical actuarial conversations with sufficient fluency to be a credible partner
Team & Organizational Leadership - Act as a resource and partner to the SVP - not a structural threat to existing leadership
- Contribute to the long-term succession and depth-building goals of the Underwriting Division
- Participate in executive leadership discussions as the organization evaluates further structural evolution
Qualifications- Direct, senior-level experience managing or negotiating with insurance carriers - this is non-negotiable
- Demonstrated track record in managing complex renewal portfolios or carrier relationships at a VP or equivalent level
- Sufficient actuarial literacy to partner credibly with AON and engage in technical modeling discussions (actuarial designation not required)
- Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills; able to enter an environment where existing relationships are deeply held and earn trust deliberately
- High emotional intelligence and organizational awareness; this individual must be a collaborative partner, not a territory-builder
- Patient, process-oriented approach to relationship transfer - understands that trust is built through renewal cycles, not introductions
Preferred - Experience in group health, benefits, or master plan underwriting environments
- Familiarity with AON or similar actuarial consulting partnerships
- Previous experience in a structured leadership transition or onboarding role
- Background in insurance brokerage or carrier-side underwriting at a senior level
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE Year 1- Active co-attendance at all carrier meetings; named and endorsed as the renewal continuity contact
- Full AON actuarial integration achieved; capable of independent coordination on existing accounts
- Shadow renewals completed across a representative sample of the master plan portfolio
- Strong working relationship established with the SVP and new business underwriting team
Year 2 and Beyond- Independent lead on renewal strategy and carrier negotiation for the majority of the portfolio
- Carrier relationships dual-held with the SVP; no single point of failure in the renewal function
- Recognized internally and externally as a senior renewal leader capable of full portfolio ownership
- Positioned for expanded organizational scope as the division continues to grow
CULTURE & ORGANIZATIONAL FITThe Underwriting Division is a high-performing, relationship-driven team in the middle of a growth inflection. The SVP carries deep institutional knowledge and carrier trust that is a genuine strategic asset - and this hire must be someone who sees that as an opportunity, not an obstacle. The most successful candidate will be:
- A senior professional who is secure enough to enter as a learner
- Relationship-oriented enough to invest in shared experience rather than fasttracking independence
- Organized and reliable enough to earn trust through consistent execution, not personality alone
- Ambitious in the right way - focused on building something lasting, not demonstrating authority quickly
This position is eligible for the following benefits:- Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Retirement Plan: 401(k) with company match
- Paid Time Off: PTO, Holidays, Parental leave and Sick Leave provided as required by applicable state law
- Other Benefits: Life insurance, short term disability, long term disability, employee assistance program (EAP), flexible spending account (FSA), health saving
