Practice Leader - Employee Benefits
Practice Leader, Employee Benefits - West Region
Our Client - A Fast‑Growing National Insurance Brokerage & Consulting Organization
About Our Client
Our client is a rapidly expanding national insurance brokerage and consulting organization experiencing significant growth across the West Region. Through strategic acquisitions and strong organic momentum, they have built a diverse network of agencies offering comprehensive insurance and risk advisory services. Their culture is collaborative, entrepreneurial, and built on strong values-emphasizing teamwork, humility, and a people‑first approach.
The Employee Benefits division in the West is in an active build phase, creating an opportunity for an experienced leader to help shape, refine, and scale the practice.
Position Summary
The Practice Leader, Employee Benefits (West Region) is a senior leadership role responsible for driving the vision, growth, and operational excellence of the benefits practice across Northern or Southern California. This leader will focus heavily on strengthening services and capabilities for the small and middle‑market client segments, while also supporting larger group needs as the practice expands.
Working closely with regional leadership and producers, this role will champion consulting quality, integration of newly acquired agencies, and the development of high‑performing teams.
Key Responsibilities
Practice Leadership & Strategic Direction
- Lead, develop, and scale the employee benefits practice for a designated West Coast territory.
- Build a strategic plan prioritizing small and mid‑market business clients, while ensuring readiness for larger group opportunities.
- Recruit, coach, and mentor a team of account executives, consultants, and service staff.
- Drive cultural and operational integration across newly acquired agencies.
Client & Market Expertise
- Oversee delivery excellence across small group and mid‑market accounts-ensuring high‑quality plan design, market analysis, renewal strategy, and vendor negotiations.
- Provide guidance on larger group accounts as needed, ensuring appropriate resourcing and expertise.
- Maintain and grow strong relationships with carriers and key industry partners.
- Serve as an executive‑level point of escalation for complex client needs.
Producer Partnership & Business Development
- Partner closely with producers, especially those with an existing Book of Business (BOB), to accelerate growth in the small and mid‑market segments.
- Offer strategic insights and support in client pitches, renewals, and retention strategies.
- Collaborate with recruiting and leadership to identify and attract top benefits producers.
Integration & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Lead change‑management initiatives across newly acquired firms with long‑tenured staff.
- Work closely with Sales, Operations, HR, and regional executives to align on service expectations and operational strategy.
- Promote a unified, collaborative environment across multiple West Region offices.
Culture & Leadership
- Model a low‑ego, relationship‑driven leadership style aligned with the organization's values.
- Build a team culture that is enjoyable, supportive, and high‑performing.
- Act as a transparent, decisive, and forward‑thinking leader.
Qualifications
Required
- 8+ years of employee benefits experience with demonstrated expertise in small and mid‑market group benefits.
- Strong understanding of funding arrangements, underwriting concepts, plan design, and renewal strategy for 2-500‑life groups.
- Experience supporting or leading teams within a brokerage, consulting firm, or carrier.
- Proven ability to lead through change, especially in environments undergoing acquisition or integration.
- Strong relationship‑building and communication skills with executive presence.
- Ability to work in a hybrid, in‑office environment (role is not remote).
Preferred
- Experience expanding or modernizing a benefits practice.
- Strong California market knowledge and carrier relationships.
- Experience supporting producers with established Books of Business.
- Understanding of large‑group benefits (500+), even if small/mid‑market is the primary focus.
FAQs
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