Proposal Consultant I

Job Responsibilities and Requirements

Reporting to the Manager, this position is responsible for preparing and producing winning, professional and effective proposals and presale materials on behalf of Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company and its affiliates for large-case opportunities across various lines of business.

The Proposal Consultant I is responsible for facilitating the entire proposal process for assigned RFPs, working closely with field sales, underwriting, and any or all other internal and/or affiliated resources (RSL, Matrix, Ameritas, ASRM, etc.)

Case-level responsibilities include:

• Facilitation of the initial and subsequent case strategy calls between and among sales, underwriting, operations and other colleagues/stakeholders.

• Coordination and management of internal and external deadlines and deliverables.

• Successful and timely completion of the Q&A, subject to the defined Quality Management Process.

• Completeness of all responses, exhibits, etc.

• Customization of our overall response and presentation, based upon primary research, feedback from sales rep/manager, practice leader, broker, etc.

• Proactive follow-up and documentation of outcomes or additional support needs

General responsibilities, at the direction of the Manager, may include (but are not limited to):

• Advocate for one or multiple sales Practice Leaders as a dedicated marketing, communications, and production resource throughout the prospecting phase and through the client life cycle.

• Manage production and traffic of proposals, presentations, sales materials and supplies as appropriate to the smooth function of the department and outstanding service delivery to consultants and clients.

• Creation, review, oversight and ongoing maintenance of RFP database/library content.

• Understand and maintain proficiency in leading consultant quoting platforms as required and agreed upon.

• Interface with contracted resources including technology vendors to implement and advance production, assembly, and improvement of output.

• As required, respond to industry and client/broker survey requests for information and/or documentation

The Proposal Consultant I must work in an autonomous manner, delivering timely, effective, and strategic proposals for large and national accounts for a variety of product and services. He/she must have the ability to multi-task under tight deadlines without sacrificing quality or customer service. Superior project management and communication skills are required. Insurance and group employee benefit product knowledge is highly desirable.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct research and case analysis to increase probability of sale through effective strategy.

• Organize and facilitate strategy meetings/calls to develop appropriate product and plan design response and proposal strategy on all assigned cases.

• Facilitate and communicate agreed-upon strategy to all members of the resource team through conference calls, meetings, and other communications.

• Develop and deliver winning, persuasive, and professional National Accounts proposals in RSL-only, IEB (RSL/Matrix) and standalone ASO scenarios by writing customized executive summaries where appropriate and responding to questionnaires in accordance with strategy:

• Format documents according to template guidelines or according to RFP specifications (using appropriate technology platform, e.g., SalesEdge);

• Focus on creating customized executive summaries addressing key concerns in accordance with agreed-upon strategy.

• Apply competitive information wherever possible.

• Apply Internet research to further drive strategy and customize executive summary and proposal.

• Customize all applicable sections of the proposal.

• Research non-standard questions, and distribute any questions and exhibits to be completed by members of the resource team within 48 hours of receiving the RFP; and

• Follow-up as needed to ensure on-time proposal completion.

• Follow defined procedures for case review and quality checking.

• Ensure timely proposal delivery and accurate tracking on assigned proposals and (as warranted) renewals out to bid.

• Identify case deliverables, resource team and timing; assign deliverables and coordinate all deadlines; maintain accurate case information in the proposal database.

• Oversee production and delivery of all assigned cases.

• Organize and manage scheduled updates of the Database(s).

• Manage priority updates to the database(s) as released from RSL, Matrix, Ameritas or other strategic partners.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Related Experience

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience, emphasis and proven skills in communications, journalism, business, insurance, marketing or related field required.

• Minimum of three (3) years relevant group employee benefits experience, ideally within an RSL partner department (e.g., Claims, Underwriting) or one of RSL's large case industry competitors, such as Cigna, Aetna, MetLife, Hartford, Liberty Mutual, etc.

• Excellent communication and organization skills, excellent computer skills and the ability to manage multiple projects, often with conflicting or overlapping deadlines required.

• Excellent presentation and written/verbal communication skills.

• Experience in using Microsoft Office software platform required. Experience with Qvidian proposal software platform highly desirable.

• Strong ability to deal with tight deadlines and excellent analytical and problem solving skills.

• Ability to work independently, prioritize workloads and multi-task.

Work location may be flexible if approved by the Company.

What We Offer

At Reliance Matrix, we believe that creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive culture allows us to realize more of our potential. And we can't do this without our most important asset-you.

That is why we offer a competitive pay package and a range of benefits to help team members thrive in their financial, physical, and mental wellbeing.

Our Benefits:

• An annual performance bonus for all team members

• Generous 401(k) company match that is immediately vested

• A choice of three medical plans (that include prescription drug coverage) to suit your unique needs. For High Deductible Health Plan enrollees, a company contribution to your Health Savings Account

• Multiple options for dental and vision coverage

• Company provided Life & Disability Insurance to ensure financial protection when you need it most

• Family friendly benefits including Paid Parental Leave & Adoption Assistance

• Hybrid work arrangements for eligible roles

• Tuition Reimbursement and Continuing Professional Education

• Paid Time Off, volunteer days, community partnerships, and Employee Assistance Program

• Ability to connect with colleagues around the country through our Employee Resource Group program and our Diversity Equity & Inclusion Council

Our Values:

• Integrity

• Empowerment

• Compassion

• Collaboration

• Fun

EEO Statement

Reliance Matrix is an equal opportunity employer. We adhere to a policy of making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age or disability, or any other classification or characteristic protected by federal or state law or regulation. We assure you that your opportunity for employment depends solely on your qualifications.

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