Director of Benefits

Location: Canandaigua, NY

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt, Hybrid

Reports To: Director of Operations

Salary Range: $75,000 - $110,000 About Us

Simco is a leading business solutions company specializing in providing comprehensive employee benefits solutions to businesses of all sizes. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional client service, fostering long-term relationships, and offering innovative, customized benefit strategies. Job Summary

The Director of Benefits leads Simco's Advisory Benefits team, ensuring the delivery of exceptional service to clients while driving strategic growth and operational excellence. This role leads a team of benefit account managers, and support staff, and acts as a key liaison between clients, carriers, and internal stakeholders. The Director ensures compliance with industry regulations, maintains strong carrier relationships, supports business development efforts, and fosters a high-performance culture focused on client satisfaction and retention.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Oversight

Develop and execute the strategic vision for the benefits component in alignment with company-wide goals.

Monitor industry trends and emerging regulations to position Simco as a trusted advisor to clients.

Set and track quarterly and weekly performance goals for client retention, growth, and team development.

Deliver executive-level reporting and updates to the Director of Operations on team performance, priorities, and opportunities.

Client Advisory & Relationship Management

Collaborate with Director of Operations, Benefits Team and Client Success Managers to drive high-value client experiences

Serve as a senior-level benefits advisor for complex or high-priority client issues, providing guidance on plan design, cost containment strategies, compliance, and market trends.

Present at Open Enrollment meetings, compliance briefings, and client strategy sessions.

Ensure clients receive timely, proactive, and consultative service across all benefits matters.

Team Leadership & Development

Manage, mentor, and coach the benefits team, including account executives, administrators, and consultants.

Provide training, professional development, and performance feedback.

Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable team culture.

Lead weekly team Level 10 meetings

Operational Excellence

Oversee workflows, tools, and processes to drive operational efficiency and scalability.

Lead the selection and implementation of technology platforms to enhance service delivery and reporting.

Develop and monitor team metrics related to service levels, turnaround times, and client satisfaction.

Carrier & Vendor Relations

Maintain strong, strategic relationships with insurance carriers and third-party vendors.

Negotiate competitive plan designs and pricing on behalf of clients.

Coordinate annual carrier events, webinars, and partnership initiatives.

Compliance & Risk Management

Ensure client and internal compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws (ACA, ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA, etc.).

Oversee compliance documentation, reporting, and client education efforts.

Qualifications & Skills

Required:

Minimum 5-7 years of experience in employee benefits, with at least 2 years in a leadership or client advisory role within a brokerage, consulting or agency environment

Deep knowledge of group health and welfare plans, compliance regulations, and vendor/carrier landscape.

Proven ability to manage a team and client portfolio in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills.

Strong organizational, project management and problem-solving abilities.

Strong attention to detail and a high level of professionalism and discretion

Proficiency with benefits platforms and HCM tools (iSolved or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite

Active Life, Accident & Health (LAH) license required

Passion for developing people and creating a fun, accountable culture

Alignment with Simco's Core Values: respect everyone, strive for excellence, adapt and adjust, communicate effectively, hold ourselves accountable, and lift others

Preferred:

Experience with CRM and workflow tools like HubSpot, Brokerage Builder, EZLynx

Demonstrated success in growing a book of business or department

Prior experience planning team trainings or client-facing events

Ability to travel as needed for client meetings or industry events

Benefits & Perks

Competitive salary and leadership incentive structure

Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)

Professional development budget and ongoing training

Fun, collaborative culture that values innovation and initiative

Flexible hybrid work environment

Additional Details

Must have U.S. work authorization and reliable transportation for periodic regional travel to client sites or Simco offices

This job operates in a professional office environment, utilizing standard office equipment. Some lifting (up to 20 lbs) may be required

Full-time exempt position, standard business hours Monday through Friday 8am- 5pm