Vendor Relations Manager (Health Plans)

Recognized eight times as a Chicago’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® and seven times as a National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For®, Wespath Benefits and Investments (Wespath) is seeking a talented individual to join our award-winning organization as our Vendor Relations Manager for our Health Plans.

Serving The United Methodist Church (UMC) for over a century; Wespath offers six HealthFlex medical plans that provide medical, prescription drug, behavioral health, dental, vision care and health accounts for over 40 plan sponsors, covering 15,000 lives. Our HealthFlex offering also includes a robust well-being program that aims to impact the physical, emotional, financial, social and spiritual dimensions of our plan participant’s lives.

Wespath is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to a diverse and inclusive company culture and does not discriminate against applicants and employees because of disability, sex, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under the law.

Reporting to the Health Plan Manager, you’ll be responsible for managing multiple vendors that are a part of our HealthFlex offering including:

• Leading the development and execution of the vendor management strategy.
• Managing all facets of the health plan vendor(s) performance.
• Managing the vendor contracts.
• Developing and coordinating vendor integration protocols to optimize service delivery.
• Managing and resolving escalated customer issues in partnership with vendors.
• Providing financial oversight of vendor relationships, including monitoring and reviewing fees and invoices with reconciliation to contract; and
• Working on communications and training related to the vendor management strategy.

Vendor Relations Manager - Compensation and Benefits:

• Medical, dental, vision and well-being benefits from HealthFlex on day one!
• 8% employer contribution to retirement plan with an additional match up to 2% on day one!
• 22 days of PTO + 12 paid holidays
• Hybrid work environment. The office is located in Glenview, IL; will need to be in office on Tuesdays and as otherwise needed.
• Free financial planning assistance from EY
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement and other development opportunities
• The compensation range for this position is $105,000-$116,00 with a bonus opportunity and customary benefits. Final compensation will be based on the hired applicant’s qualifications (education, training and/or experience related to this role), and as such, may fall outside the range shown.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience.
• 8+ years of work experience in administration of group benefit plans specifically health and welfare products.
• Skilled in Excel (i.e uses skilled functions, array functions, etc.).
• Health plan experience with direct responsibility for all facets of vendor relationship management including business plan/strategy development, service/performance management, issue management/resolution, contract negotiation, financial oversight, renewal and or related healthcare provider relations, contract compliance, negotiation experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of health plan benefit design, service/ administration, underwriting/actuarial/funding principles, and HealthCare Reform/ACA and other related regulatory impacts.
• Strong understanding of carrier file formats (834 preferably) and standards, with experience validating and troubleshooting carrier file data for accuracy and compliance.
• Experience presenting benefits information to plan sponsors, HR teams, and employee populations both in-person and virtually.
• Able to travel domestically <10% of the time.

Preferred Requirements/Qualifications:

• Advanced certification or degree in benefits, healthcare or business.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of other employee/welfare benefit plans and wellness programs, design, service/administration, contract obligations, etc.