Strategic Account Executive

To learn more about Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Hiring Policies, please click here.
Job Summary
The Strategic Account Executive (SAE) serves as the executive liaison to national clients by acting as a strategic relationship leader. Emphasis will be placed on business growth and retention, in addition to providing oversight of service and delivery to clients. The executive will also provide market and industry insight in regard to healthcare policy, benefit trends, and market dynamics in addition to counsel on emerging healthcare trends, cost containment strategies, and employee engagement. Requirements
EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in Business, Management, or related field. In lieu of degree, five (5) years' relevant experience will be considered.
LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

- State Insurance (Arkansas Life and Disability Insurance) License within three (3) months of hire

- Professional designations from AHIP such as Professional - Academy of Healthcare Management (PAHM), Fellow - Academy of Healthcare Management (FAHM), Certified Health Consultant (CHC), or Certified Life Underwriter (CLU)

Strategic Relationship Leader

- Serve as the executive liaison to national clients, establish and nurture relationships with senior-level decision makers (VP level up to C-suite)

- Develop multi-year strategic account plans tailored to each client’s evolving needs and industry trends

- Lead high-level client meetings to review performance, discuss strategic opportunities, and introduce innovative healthcare initiatives

- Business Growth and Retention

- Responsible for contract renewal and upsell/cross-selling opportunities

- Partner with product team to introduce new offerings and enhance client value

- Lead renewal negotiations with consultive and data-driven approach

Oversight of Service and Deliver y

- Ensure superior client experience by guiding internal teams (account manager, clinical and operational) on the execution of service commitments

- Advocate for the client internally while ensuring operational compliance and risk mitigation

- Monitor delivery metrics, resolve complex service issues, and identify opportunities for process improvement

Market and Industry Insight

- Stay current on healthcare policy, benefit trends, and market dynamics affecting large and jumbo employers

- Provide strategic counsel to clients on emerging healthcare trends, cost containment strategies, and employee engagement

EXPERIENCE

Minimum 10 years' experience in consulting, sales or account management in the national account market.
SKILLS

- Executive-level communication and relationship building

- Strategic thinking and long-term planning

- Financial and business acumen

- Collaborative influence across multiple departments within the organization

Skills
• Active Listening• Annual Planning• Business Acumen• Business Influence• Client Needs Assessments• Coaching Others• Critical Thinking• Decision Making• English Communications• Financial Acumen• Insurance Management• Interpersonal Relationships• Microsoft Office Development• Negotiation Planning• Oral Communications• Presentation Delivery• Professional Judgement• Relationship Based Sales• Researching• Sales Growth• Service Oriented• Strategic Business Focus• Strategic Counseling• Written Communication Responsibilities
• Business Growth and Retention
Responsible for contract renewal and upsell/cross selling opportunities
Partners with product team to introduce new offerings and enhance client value
Leads renewal negotiations with consultive and data-driven approach • Market and Industry Insight
Stays current on healthcare policy, benefit trends, and market dynamics affecting large and jumbo employers
Provides strategic counsel to clients on emerging healthcare trends, cost containment strategies, and employee engagement • Oversight of Service and Delivery
Ensures superior client experience by guiding internal teams (account manager, clinical and opera