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Lead Health & Benefits Consultant

Marsh McLennan · Chicago, IL · $115,200–$230,400 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 29, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a tough carrier negotiation you led. What leverage did you use, and what did you get?

What they are checking: Real negotiating track record with carriers and vendors, which the role places at its center.

How do you decide roles on a client team when you have a senior analyst, an actuary and an account manager all working on one account?

What they are checking: Leadership in setting responsibilities so work is not duplicated or dropped.

Tell me about a time you grew an existing client relationship into more work.

What they are checking: Ability to generate new revenue by finding real needs within current accounts.

What would you do

You are accountable for revenue and profitability on your accounts. How do you keep a demanding client from turning into a money-losing engagement?

What they are checking: Scope discipline and commercial judgment, not just client service.

A client's HR leader wants to cut a benefit that you believe will hurt retention. How do you handle that conversation?

What they are checking: Willingness to give honest advice while respecting that the client makes the final decision.

A project is running late and over budget. How do you bring it back on track and tell the client?

What they are checking: Project management and candor about scope, budget and timing issues.

About the work

Walk me through how you run a renewal for a self-funded employer with 5,000 lives, from data request to final decision.

What they are checking: Command of the full renewal cycle, including claims review, projections, negotiation and client decisions.

A client's medical costs are trending up 10 percent. What strategies would you put in front of their CFO?

What they are checking: Ability to offer real plan design, network, pharmacy and funding options with tradeoffs, not a single fix.

How would you explain the difference between fully insured, self-funded and level-funded arrangements to a new HR director?

What they are checking: Clear command of funding basics and the ability to make them simple for a client.

What industry trend in health and benefits are you advising clients about right now, and what is your view on it?

What they are checking: Whether they keep current and can share a point of view, which the role asks them to communicate.

What benchmarking data do you rely on, and how do you keep a client from overreacting to a benchmark?

What they are checking: Thoughtful use of benchmarks as context rather than as a target that drives bad decisions.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Marsh McLennan.

Company: Mercer Description: We are seeking a talented individual to join our Health & Benefits team, part of our People and Investments business at Marsh. This role will be based in Chicago, IL. This is a hybrid role that has a requirement of working at least three days a week in the office. As a Lead Health & Benefits Consultant , you will manage and advise client accounts for employers 2000+ lives regarding their medical, dental, life, and disability benefit plans and programs. You will negotiate with benefits carriers and vendors to secure health and welfare plan coverage, acting as the primary consultant and relationship manager for our clients. We will count on you to: • Lead complex client engagements, managing overall service delivery, strategy, financial evaluations, plan design, renewals, business placements, benchmarking, and other studies. • Develop sophisticated benefits design and renewal strategies, driving the creation of tools and solutions to address complex client issues. • Determine the full scope of services provided to clients and set roles/responsibilities within the client team. • Effectively communicate Marsh's position on the latest industry trends to clients. • Be accountable for revenue and profitability for client accounts and projects. • Monitor project success in terms of scope, budget, timeliness, and client satisfaction. • Generate sales by expanding revenues from existing clients and leading prospecting efforts with new clients. • Set strategic direction and create demand for new products/services in the marketplace. • Thrive and be motivated by an environment that embraces AI and technology-enabled tools. What you need to have: • BA/BS degree. • Minimum of 8 years of experience in identifying, designing, recommending, and implementing efficient, innovative business solutions to clients' complex healthcare benefits challenges. • Renowned expertise and industry reputation in the health & benefits field. • Client-facing experience in a consulting environment. • Life & Health License What makes you stand out: • Strong, innovative sales and marketing skills, with the ability to effectively market organizational strengths. • Superior analytical and mathematical skills, along with strategic planning, communication, and listening skills. • Proven management skills in leading large, complex projects. Why join our team: • We help you be your best through professional development opportunities, interesting work, and supportive leaders. • We foster a vibrant and inclusive culture where you can work with talented colleagues to create new solutions and have an impact for colleagues, clients, and communities. • Our scale enables us to provide a range of career opportunities, as well as benefits and rewards to enhance your well-being. #MERHBUS Marsh (NYSE: MRSH) is a global leader in risk, reinsurance and capital, people and investments, and management consulting, advising clients in 130 countries. With annual revenue of over $27 billion and more than 95,000 colleagues, Marsh helps build the confidence to thrive through the power of perspective. For more information, visit marsh.com, or follow us on LinkedIn and X. Marsh is committed to embracing a diverse, inclusive and flexible work environment. We aim to attract and retain the best people and embrace diversity of age background, disability, ethnic origin, family duties, gender orientation or expression, marital status, nationality, parental status, personal or social status, political affiliation, race, religion and beliefs, sex/gender, sexual orientation or expression, skin color, veteran status (including protected veterans), or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you have a need that requires accommodation, please let us know by contacting reasonableaccommodations@marsh.com. Marsh is committed to hybrid work, which includes the flexibility of working remotely and the collaboration, connections and professional development benefits of working together in the office. All Marsh colleagues are expected to be in their local office or working onsite with clients at least three days per week. Office-based teams will identify at least one “anchor day” per week on which their full team will be together in person. The applicable base salary range for this role is $115,200 to $230,400. The base pay offered will be determined on factors such as experience, skills, training, location, certifications, education, and any applicable minimum wage requirements. Decisions will be determined on a case-by-case basis. In addition to the base salary, this position may be eligible for performance-based incentives. We are excited to offer a competitive total rewards package which includes health and welfare benefits, tuition assistance, 401K savings and other retirement programs as well as employee assistance programs.

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