Health & Benefits Consultant

Howden is a global insurance group with employee ownership at its heart. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 24,000 employees spanning over 56 countries.

People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It’s what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work / life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.

Howden is seeking a Health & Benefits Consultant to serve as a trusted advisor to clients on employee benefits strategy, plan design, cost management, compliance, and employee wellbeing initiatives. This individual will partner closely with clients, carriers, producers, and internal service teams to deliver strategic guidance and innovative solutions that help organizations attract, retain, and support their workforce.

The ideal candidate combines deep employee benefits expertise with strong consultative skills and the ability to build lasting client relationships. This role provides an opportunity to work with organizations across a variety of industries while helping clients navigate an increasingly complex healthcare and benefits landscape.

• Serve as a primary consultant for clients regarding health and welfare benefit programs.
• Advise clients on healthcare cost management strategies, plan design changes, funding arrangements, wellness initiatives, and employee engagement programs.
• Conduct benefits strategy discussions and annual planning meetings with client leadership teams.
• Provide market intelligence and benchmarking on benefit trends, emerging solutions, and carrier developments.
• Develop and deliver client presentations related to renewals, plan recommendations, and strategic initiatives.

• Analyze healthcare utilization, claims experience, contribution strategies, and funding arrangements.
• Develop financial models and projections to support client decision-making.
• Review carrier renewals and identify opportunities to optimize program performance and control costs.
• Prepare reports, executive summaries, and presentations for client stakeholders.

• Maintain knowledge of employee benefits regulations and industry developments.
• Assist clients with compliance-related matters involving ERISA, ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and other applicable regulations.
• Partner with internal subject matter experts and external resources to address complex compliance questions.

• Support producers and business development teams in client retention and growth efforts.
• Participate in prospective client meetings and presentations.
• Identify opportunities for additional consulting services and cross-functional solutions.
• Develop strong relationships with carrier partners and industry contacts.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of employee benefits consulting, brokerage, carrier, or related healthcare advisory experience.
• Experience advising employer groups on health and welfare benefit programs.
• Proven ability to manage client relationships and communicate effectively with senior stakeholders.

• Strong knowledge of group medical, dental, vision, life, disability, voluntary benefits, and wellbeing programs.
• Ability to analyze financial data, carrier proposals, and claims information.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Collaborative mindset with a client-first approach.

• Active Life & Health License or ability to obtain.
• CEBS, GBA, SHRM, SPHR, or other relevant professional designation.
• Experience with self-funded and alternative funding arrangements.
• Experience working with mid-market and large employer clients.

We're on a life-long journey to become an ever-more sustainable group. It's a commitment to taking care of our people and the world we live in, to doing good business, and to making a positive impact wherever we can.

We're committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs.  Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours* or hybrid working*.

If you're excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it’s the right fit for you, send us your application – if your profile fits the role’s criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require.

*Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or locations. Reach out to your Recruitment Partner if you want to know more.