HR Program Manager Benefits Strategy & Governance

HR Program Manager ' Benefits Strategy & GovernanceHarris Health is the public healthcare safety-net provider established in 1966 to serve the residents of Harris County, Texas. As an essential healthcare system, Harris Health champions better health for the entire community, with a focus on low-income uninsured and underinsured patients, through acute and primary care, wellness, disease management and population health services. Ben Taub Hospital (Level 1 Trauma Center) and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital (Level 3 Trauma Center) anchor Harris Health's robust network of 39 clinics, health centers, specialty locations and virtual (telemedicine) technology. Harris Health is among an elite list of health systems in the U.S. achieving Magnet® nursing excellence designation for its hospitals, the prestigious National Committee for Quality Assurance designation for its patient-centered clinics and health centers and its strong partnership with nationally recognized physician faculty, residents and researchers from Baylor College of Medicine; McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth); and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.At Harris Health, we prioritize the well-being of our most valuable asset--our people--ensuring a culture of compassion, collaboration and excellence in serving Harris County's most in need. With integrity and accountability at our core, we commit to 'leading with love', embodying our dedication to quality care, education, and a steadfast respect for every individual's contribution to our mission.HR Program Manager'Benefits Strategy & Governance Job Summary The HR Program Manager ' Benefits Strategy & Governance (BSG) serves as a strategic partner to the Director of Benefits, supporting the design, governance, implementation, and performance of enterprise benefits programs. This role operates within a centralized Benefits Strategy & Governance function responsible for plan design, vendor management, policy ownership, compliance oversight, and strategic initiatives, while MyHR Service Center teams administer benefits operations through a tiered service delivery model. This role is essential to maintaining alignment between Benefits strategy, regulatory requirements, and operational execution within a complex, multi-system environment. The Program Manager plays a critical role in:Translating strategy into executable frameworksDriving program performance and continuous improvementProviding analytical insights to inform decision-makingEnsuring operational alignment with MyHRThis position is intentionally strategic and analytical in nature, with limited involvement in day-to-day transactions.Key Responsibilities1. Benefits Strategy, Plan Design, and GovernancePartner with Benefits leadership to support plan design, program strategy, and long-term roadmap developmentDevelop and maintain policies, and administrative standards for all benefits programsLead vendor governance framework, including performance reviews, service delivery expectations, and issue resolutionPartner with Finance and consultants on cost management, renewals, and financial performance of benefits programsSupport oversight of:Compliance requirementsProgram integrity and consistencyRFPs, vendor selections, and contract negotiationsEnsure clear separation between policy ownership (BSG) and administration (MyHR)2. MyHR Operations Liaison (Critical Function)Serve as the primary liaison between BSG and MyHR Service Center teamsTranslate strategy and policy into clear, executable operational processesDefine and maintain:Process ownershipService expectations and SLAsEscalation pathways for complex Tier 2 casesEstablish audit frameworks and monitor adherence to defined processesMonitor operational performance and identify:Breakdown pointsProcess inconsistenciesOpportunities to reduce handoffs and improve employee experience3. Analytics, Reporting, and InsightsCompile and analyze data across:Plan metricsVendor performanceEmployee experience trendsWork with Leadership, HR Partners and Consultants to develop dashboards, reports, and executive-level presentationsDeliver data-driven recommendations to improve plan performance and operational efficiencySupport the organization's goal of more accurate reporting and improved benefits performance outcomes4. Program Leadership & ImplementationLead enterprise benefits initiatives from concept through implementationManage:TimelinesDeliverablesCross-functional coordination (HR, Finance, vendors)Support implementation of:New benefit programsPlan design changesVendor transitionsSystem/process enhancementsEnsure alignment with enterprise priorities and resource capacityAnnual Enrollment Strategy & ExecutionLead enterprise Annual Enrollment strategy, planning, and execution across Benefits, HRIS, Payroll, Communications, and vendorsDevelops and manages the end-to-end project plan, including system testing, readiness milestones, and go-live executionOversees data validation, payroll testing, and enrollment readiness activitiesCoordinates employee engagement strategy, including vendor fairs and communication campaignsEnsures post-enrollment reconciliation and reporting accuracy5. Communication & Change ManagementDevelop and execute communication strategies for benefits programs and changesWork with Communications Partners to create:Employee-facing materialsTraining resources for MyHR teamsSNOW Knowledge Article ManagementLeadership communicationsSupport adoption and minimize disruption during transitions and implementationsEnsure clear ownership and accountability for roles and responsibilities between BSG and MyHR Service TeamEnhance employee knowledge and understanding of benefits programs6. Policy, Process, and Continuous ImprovementDevelop and maintain:PoliciesProceduresDesk guidesWorkflow documentationEmployee ResourcesEvaluate end-to-end processes and recommend improvements to:Increase efficiencyReduce duplicationStrengthen controls to Identify and address gaps introduced by organizational changeSupport governance and oversight of regulatory compliance, including ACA/PPACA, COBRA, HIPAA, and other applicable requirements7. Stakeholder EngagementPartner with:HR leadershipFinanceMyHR OperationsHR PartnersExternal vendorsRepresent Benefits on committees, workgroups, and strategic initiativesInfluence alignment across teams without direct authorityMinimum QualificationsEducationBachelor's degree in HR, Business, Healthcare Administration, Finance, or related field requiredMaster's degree preferredExperience5+ years of experience in:Benefits / Total RewardsHR program or project managementAnalytics or strategy rolesStrong experience in: