Strategic Benefits Program Manager

Job Title Strategic Benefits Program Manager - Health & Welfare Portfolio Requisition Number 84359 Reg/Temp Regular Employment Type Full-Time Shift Day Work Schedule 8am - 4:30PM Location Name Business Services Building Patient Care? Non-Clinical City SALT LAKE CITY State UT Department COR ISC 05A HR Benefits Category Human Resources Location : Location US-UT-SALT LAKE CITY Requisition Post Information* : Posted Date 7/2/2026 Requisition Post Information* : External Company Name University of Utah Health Requisition Post Information* : External Company URL http://healthcare.utah.edu/ Location : Address 127 SOUTH 500 EAST Essential Functions Core Responsibilities (All Program Managers): Manages assigned benefit program portfolios, ensuring alignment with organizational strategy and employee needs. Evaluates program effectiveness, vendor performance, employee experience, and cost implications. Conducts benchmarking, gap analysis, and research to support program recommendations. Develops program options, implementation plans, timelines, and leadership recommendations. Translates strategy into operational requirements, including impacts to systems, vendors, Shared Services, and communications. Serves as the Benefits COE liaison to Shared Services and ensures alignment between policy and operations. Owns policy, procedures, and compliance governance for assigned programs. Coordinates vendor, broker, and consultant interactions, including performance evaluation and implementation support. Provides subject matter expertise for employee communications and education strategies. Leads cross-functional benefit projects and change initiatives. Program Area Focus: Health & Welfare Portfolio Designs and manages health and welfare programs, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and voluntary health-related plans. Leads plan design strategy, evaluating coverage options, cost structures, and employee experience to ensure competitive and effective programs. Monitors vendor performance and service delivery, ensuring alignment with program goals, contractual expectations, and employee needs. Supports and develops open enrollment strategy, including plan offerings, decision support, and employee engagement approaches. Analyzes healthcare utilization, claims trends, and population health data to inform program improvements and cost management strategies. Knowledge / Skills / Abilities Advanced knowledge of employee benefits programs and plan design across multiple domains. Strong understanding of either health & welfare or retirement/financial wellness programs. Ability to assess program effectiveness and develop strategic recommendations. Knowledge of benefits regulations and compliance requirements (e.g., ERISA, ACA, IRS, DOL, HIPAA). Strong vendor management and project management skills. Ability to translate complex concepts into operational and employee-facing guidance. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Ability to influence across a matrixed organization without direct authority. Required Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Health Administration, Public Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in employee benefits, benefits consulting, or a related field. Experience supporting or managing benefit program design, vendor coordination, policy interpretation, compliance activities, or large-scale benefits initiatives. Experience working with cross-functional stakeholders including Shared Services, HRIS, Payroll, Finance, Legal, Communications, and external vendors or consultants. Demonstrated ability to lead projects, analyze complex issues, and develop actionable recommendations.