What are the responsibilities and job description for the Employee Benefits Sourcing Manager position at King County?
JOB
The Central Employee Services Division (CESD) within the Department of Human Resources (DHR) seeks an experienced, dynamic, and motivated Employee Benefits Sourcing Manager.The Employee Benefits Sourcing Manager will lead strategic sourcing and vendor management for all outside vendors that provide benefits coverage, well-being services, and related programs for county employees. The position will be responsible for ensuring these vendors are coordinating with internal county benefits, policy, operations, and administrative staff. This role supports the County’s continued move to value-based healthcare purchasing and effective programs that support employee health and well-being. The Employee Benefits Sourcing Manager is a member of the CESD leadership team and reports to the Director. The incumbent is expected to be a subject matter expert who understands the changing landscape of employee benefits, market trends, and purchasing practices, which drive greater healthcare value, equity, accessibility, cost effectiveness, and a positive experience for health plan members and the County.Who We AreThe Department of Human Resources’ mission is to provide strategic human resources leadership, modernized systems, customer-focused services, and tools designed to support the management, growth, and development of the King County workforce. The Central Employee Services Division is a division within DHR. Ensuring the health and safety of employees is the County’s number one priority and the division provides integrated services in the areas of Safety and Claims (Workers’ Compensation), Disability and Leaves, Balanced You (Well-being) and Employee Giving, Employee Assistance Program, Benefits Strategy, as well as Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Operations. As a self-insured entity in Washington State, the County self-administers its Workers’ Compensation program. The work we do requires strong connection and collaboration with peer departments and across the County. We deliver a broad range of programs that are both countywide and department specific, all through an anti-racist and pro-equity framework guided by our True North and Values, the six pillars of our Investing in YOU strategy, and the Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of this work. As the Employee Benefits Sourcing Manager, you will: Working with minimum supervision, manage benefits contracting process with multiple vendors for multiple benefits; research and draft technical specifications for Requests for Proposals (RFPs); coordinate with the County’s Procurement section to ensure fair and open competition per county policies; involve outside stakeholders from labor and management as needed; and coordinate contract negotiation including legal and risk management review and negotiation of performance guarantees.Ensure conformance with relevant regulations and county policies, programs, and objectives (e.g., HIPAA-compliant business associate agreements; cybersecurity best practices and requirements, federal transparency requirements, and data-sharing arrangements involving benefits program vendors, consultants, and local & state agencies).Perform ongoing contract management duties, including processing change orders and annual vendor contract renewals; reviewing and directing actions as needed related to vendor plan provisions, processes, funding arrangements and transition issues; ensuring new regulations are reflected in contract documents; and proposing changes in the scope of work as needed.Serve as the escalation point for benefits administration issues. Assure vendor compliance with performance and financial guarantees; may facilitate meetings to review vendor performance and other issues; manage special issues associated with vendor contract terminations or extensions requiring waivers from procurement requirements.Support the Benefits Operations section during program implementation to ensure a smooth transition to production; coordinate program integration; work with benefits vendors to assist in the timely resolution of problems; monitor vendor services.Actively participate in research and strategic planning to explore and develop proposals for plan improvements consistent with stated county goals. Participate in presentations to management and union leaders regarding proposed program changes.Serve as a consultant to other Human Resources Department staff regarding solicitations for outside goods and services.Perform other duties as assigned.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Who May Apply: This recruitment is open to all applicants including current King County employees and the public and will be used to fill one career service position. Selection ProcessForms and Materials RequiredAn online employment application completed at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs. The employment history should go back at least 10 years if you have 10 years of employment, or more to include all relevant experience. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. All relevant experience must be included in the application.A cover letter no more than two pages summarizing how you meet the required experience, qualifications, knowledge, and job skills listed above. In addition, please share why you are interested in this position. This is a required application material. If a cover letter is not received, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be considered.Applicants will be screened for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. Initial screening will be based on a review of application materials. The most competitive candidates will be invited to participate in a series of one or more interviews.For more information on this recruitment, please contact: Jen Montoya, Senior HR Analyst, at Jen.Montoya@kingcounty.govTeleworking RequirementThe work associated with this position is currently being performed predominantly through telework, complemented with onsite work and meetings as needed. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. Employees must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ , people living with disabilities, and veterans.King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) EmployerNo person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.To ApplyIf you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
The Central Employee Services Division (CESD) within the Department of Human Resources (DHR) seeks an experienced, dynamic, and motivated Employee Benefits Sourcing Manager.The Employee Benefits Sourcing Manager will lead strategic sourcing and vendor management for all outside vendors that provide benefits coverage, well-being services, and related programs for county employees. The position will be responsible for ensuring these vendors are coordinating with internal county benefits, policy, operations, and administrative staff. This role supports the County’s continued move to value-based healthcare purchasing and effective programs that support employee health and well-being. The Employee Benefits Sourcing Manager is a member of the CESD leadership team and reports to the Director. The incumbent is expected to be a subject matter expert who understands the changing landscape of employee benefits, market trends, and purchasing practices, which drive greater healthcare value, equity, accessibility, cost effectiveness, and a positive experience for health plan members and the County.Who We AreThe Department of Human Resources’ mission is to provide strategic human resources leadership, modernized systems, customer-focused services, and tools designed to support the management, growth, and development of the King County workforce. The Central Employee Services Division is a division within DHR. Ensuring the health and safety of employees is the County’s number one priority and the division provides integrated services in the areas of Safety and Claims (Workers’ Compensation), Disability and Leaves, Balanced You (Well-being) and Employee Giving, Employee Assistance Program, Benefits Strategy, as well as Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Operations. As a self-insured entity in Washington State, the County self-administers its Workers’ Compensation program. The work we do requires strong connection and collaboration with peer departments and across the County. We deliver a broad range of programs that are both countywide and department specific, all through an anti-racist and pro-equity framework guided by our True North and Values, the six pillars of our Investing in YOU strategy, and the Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of this work. As the Employee Benefits Sourcing Manager, you will: Working with minimum supervision, manage benefits contracting process with multiple vendors for multiple benefits; research and draft technical specifications for Requests for Proposals (RFPs); coordinate with the County’s Procurement section to ensure fair and open competition per county policies; involve outside stakeholders from labor and management as needed; and coordinate contract negotiation including legal and risk management review and negotiation of performance guarantees.Ensure conformance with relevant regulations and county policies, programs, and objectives (e.g., HIPAA-compliant business associate agreements; cybersecurity best practices and requirements, federal transparency requirements, and data-sharing arrangements involving benefits program vendors, consultants, and local & state agencies).Perform ongoing contract management duties, including processing change orders and annual vendor contract renewals; reviewing and directing actions as needed related to vendor plan provisions, processes, funding arrangements and transition issues; ensuring new regulations are reflected in contract documents; and proposing changes in the scope of work as needed.Serve as the escalation point for benefits administration issues. Assure vendor compliance with performance and financial guarantees; may facilitate meetings to review vendor performance and other issues; manage special issues associated with vendor contract terminations or extensions requiring waivers from procurement requirements.Support the Benefits Operations section during program implementation to ensure a smooth transition to production; coordinate program integration; work with benefits vendors to assist in the timely resolution of problems; monitor vendor services.Actively participate in research and strategic planning to explore and develop proposals for plan improvements consistent with stated county goals. Participate in presentations to management and union leaders regarding proposed program changes.Serve as a consultant to other Human Resources Department staff regarding solicitations for outside goods and services.Perform other duties as assigned.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Who May Apply: This recruitment is open to all applicants including current King County employees and the public and will be used to fill one career service position. Selection ProcessForms and Materials RequiredAn online employment application completed at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs. The employment history should go back at least 10 years if you have 10 years of employment, or more to include all relevant experience. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. All relevant experience must be included in the application.A cover letter no more than two pages summarizing how you meet the required experience, qualifications, knowledge, and job skills listed above. In addition, please share why you are interested in this position. This is a required application material. If a cover letter is not received, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be considered.Applicants will be screened for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. Initial screening will be based on a review of application materials. The most competitive candidates will be invited to participate in a series of one or more interviews.For more information on this recruitment, please contact: Jen Montoya, Senior HR Analyst, at Jen.Montoya@kingcounty.govTeleworking RequirementThe work associated with this position is currently being performed predominantly through telework, complemented with onsite work and meetings as needed. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. Employees must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ , people living with disabilities, and veterans.King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) EmployerNo person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.To ApplyIf you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
