Employee Benefits Practice Leader

Title: Practice Leader – Employee Benefits  

Work Mode: Hybrid or Fully Remote | Location/Supporting: Longwood, FL
 
Please note: If this position is posted as either fully remote and/or hybrid, in accordance with company policy, individuals residing within a 50-mile radius of a branch location may be required to work onsite in a hybrid capacity as there may be occasions when on-site presence is necessary to meet specific business needs. Additionally, our remote work policy includes having a dedicated, distraction-free workspace. Remote work is not a substitute for childcare, elder care, or other personal responsibilities during working hours. To view our branch locations, please visit: ioausa.com/locations 

 
About the Role: The Employee Benefits Practice Leader serves as the executive steward of the Employee Benefits (EB) practice, providing strategic leadership to drive enterprise-wide growth, client retention, and operational excellence. This role is responsible for shaping the long-term vision of the EB practice, supporting organic growth and benefits-focused M&A initiatives, and ensuring consistent delivery of innovative, high-quality client solutions. The Practice Leader partners closely with producers, operational leadership, and carrier and vendor partners to strengthen market positioning, enhance financial performance, and align the practice with the organization’s overall strategic objectives. 

 
Key Responsibilities: 

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive Employee Benefits practice strategy aligned with company goals, market opportunities, and long-term growth objectives. 

• Sales & Growth Enablement: Partner with field sales leadership and producers to support goal setting, budgeting, prospecting strategies, RFP development, finalist presentations, and cross-selling opportunities. 

• Organic Revenue Growth: Drive new business development and retention through differentiated service offerings, enhanced sales support, and targeted market and industry vertical strategies. 

• M&A Support & Integration: Support benefits-related M&A initiatives, including due diligence, integration planning, cultural alignment, and post-acquisition practice optimization. 

• Market & Industry Intelligence: Monitor industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies to inform innovation, competitive positioning, and forward-looking benefits strategies. 

• Compensation & Pricing Strategy: Develop and support commission and fee-based pricing strategies, including base rate increases, to ensure sustainable revenue growth and market competitiveness. 

• Producer Development & Coaching: Support sales coaching initiatives and recruiting efforts to strengthen Employee Benefits capabilities, particularly within P&C-heavy offices. 

• Client Solution Oversight: Ensure delivery of best-in-class benefits programs and consultative services that align with client objectives and evolving workforce needs. 

• Service Excellence & Retention: Oversee stewardship processes and partner with operations to ensure consistent account management standards, client satisfaction, and proactive retention strategies. 

• Executive Client Advisory: Serve as a senior advisor and escalation point for complex client challenges, strategic opportunities, and high-impact decision-making. 

• Data & Analytics Utilization: Leverage internal and market data, reporting, and analytics to improve client outcomes, enhance service delivery, and inform strategic decisions. 

• Carrier & Vendor Partnerships: Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with carriers, TPAs, PBMs, and ancillary vendors to deliver innovative and competitive client solutions. 

• Negotiation & Financial Optimization: Negotiate carrier programs, pricing, service enhancements, and manage overrides, contingent agreements, and technology credits. 

• Governance & Compliance: Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, company policies, and quality standards across the Employee Benefits practice. 

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with finance, HR, operations, and executive leadership to align practice operations, performance metrics, and organizational objectives. 

• Champion IOA core values and demonstrate integrity and leadership. 

 
Ideal Candidate Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Human Resources, or a related field (Master’s Degree preferred) 

• 8+ years of experience in employee benefits consulting, brokerage, or carrier underwriting/management 

• 5+ years of leadership experience overseeing teams, producers, or practice areas 

• Active Life & Health insurance license required 

• Strong knowledge of benefits plan design, funding strategies, underwriting, compliance, and industry trends 

• Proven track record of driving revenue growth, retention, and client satisfaction 

• Executive presence with strong communication, presentation, and negotiation skills 

• Ability to collaborate effectively with producers, operational leaders, and external partners 

 
What We Offer: 

• Competitive salaries and bonus potential 

• Company-paid health insurance 

• Paid holidays, vacations, and sick time 

• 401K with employer match 

• Professional growth and career progression opportunities 

• Respectful culture and work/family life balance 

• Community service commitment 

• Supportive teammates and a rewarding work environment 

 
What to Expect (Application Process): 

• 30-Minute Phone Screen, Online Assessments, and Interview(s)