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Introduction

We are seeking a strategic and experienced leader to oversee the design, strategy, and delivery of IBM’s U.S. Health & Welfare programs for active employees and retirees. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of our benefits portfolio.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter with deep subject matter expertise in U.S. health benefits, particularly within self-funded employer environments. They will lead a high-performing team and collaborate across HR, Finance, Legal, and external partners to drive innovation, affordability, and efficiency within our benefits offerings.

Your role and responsibilities

Team Leadership

* Lead a sizable team of U.S. Health & Welfare experts, fostering accountability, innovation, and high performance across strategy, operations, and vendor management.

* Collaborate with global and regional benefits leaders to ensure alignment and knowledge sharing.

Strategy & Design

* Lead the strategic design of health and welfare benefits for IBM’s U.S. population, including medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, and retiree programs.

* Develop multi-year benefit strategies that balance cost containment, employee experience, and health outcomes.

* Evaluate and implement innovative market solutions through RFP or other related activities.

* Develop compelling, data-driven presentations and executive briefs to communicate strategy, recommendations, and impact to senior leadership.

* Translate complex benefit concepts into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Program Delivery & Operations

* Oversee the end-to-end delivery of benefits, ensuring operational excellence, compliance, and a seamless employee experience.

* Partner with vendors, consultants, and internal stakeholders to manage plan performance and service delivery.

* Lead annual enrollment planning, communications, and contract execution.

Governance & Compliance

* Ensure all programs comply with federal and state regulations (e.g., ERISA, ACA, HIPAA).

* Support internal audits, risk assessments, and reporting requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement

* Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on health benefits strategy and trends.

* Represent IBM in external forums and employer coalitions to stay ahead of market developments.

Leaders are expected to spend time with their teams and clients and therefore are generally expected to be in the workplace a minimum of three days a week, subject to business needs.

Required technical and professional expertise

* 10+ years’ experience with U.S. health benefits strategy and administration, with self-funded plan experience.

* Deep knowledge of the U.S. healthcare ecosystem, including carriers, PBMs, provider networks, and regulatory landscape.

* Experience managing vendor or client relationships and negotiating contracts.

* Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive decisions.

* Excellent written and verbal communication, project management, and leadership skills.

* Exceptional presentation development skills, with experience crafting executive-level decks and strategic narratives.

* Ability to influence senior stakeholders through clear, persuasive communication and data storytelling.

Preferred technical and professional experience

* Deep knowledge of US Health & Welfare benefit programs

* CEBS - Certified Employee Benefits Specialist

IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.