Lead Analyst, Healthplan Data & Strategy

About the role

The Lead Analyst, Healthplan Data & Strategy leads data-driven analysis and partners closely with Wonderful’s Benefit leadership and Wonderful Wellness Centers to support strategic recommendations on plan design, performance, and long-term sustainability of the company’s U.S. self-funded health plans.

Responsibilities

• Manage, analyze, and report medical and pharmacy claims to identify cost drivers, utilization trends, and opportunities to optimize benefit design and vendor performance.
• Develop trend analyses and forecasting models to support healthcare cost projections, budgeting, and scenario planning.
• Apply industry knowledge and data analysis to identify inefficiencies, cost drivers, and performance gaps and recommend strategies to improve spend while protecting member outcomes.
• Conduct benchmarking analyses to assess the competitiveness of benefit programs and identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.
• Evaluate and recommend benefit design changes (e.g., medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance) to support effective plan management, cost efficiency, and a strong employee experience.
• Define key financial, clinical, and utilization metrics to assess health plan performance and establish reporting to monitor those indicators.
• Facilitate internal Chief Medical Officer involvement through regular updates and escalation of material clinical, utilization, or cost trends, as needed.
• Evaluate clinical programs, including case management initiatives and related vendor partnerships, to assess impact on health outcomes and cost of care.
• Evaluate plan and vendor performance (financial, clinical, operational, and member experience outcomes, including ROI analysis) to support contract renewals and strategic partnerships.
• Support benefits strategy and leadership through analysis, reporting, and recommendations related to benefit programs and plan design.
• Develop and present clear, compelling materials that communicate key insights and recommendations to senior-level executives.
• Lead projects by aligning stakeholders, communicating progress, and ensuring timely delivery of required work products.
• Identify opportunities to leverage on-site health centers to improve member health outcomes and reduce external claims costs.

Requirements

• At least 4 years of experience in healthcare data analytics in a health plan setting; self-funded experience strongly preferred.
• Prior experience in data analytics and financial modeling required.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required; master’s degree preferred.
• Experience in a large, complex organization (1,000+ employees) preferred.
• Advanced analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to analyze large, complex healthcare datasets and translate findings into actionable insights.
• Experience with SQL and healthcare reporting tools (e.g. Tableau, Power BI, SSRS, etc).
• Strong problem-solving ability and analytical judgment in complex, fast-paced environments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects independently and collaborate effectively across functions.
• Ability to build credibility with business leaders and maintain strong working relationships.
• Knowledge of HR software applications; experience with UKG and PlanSource preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to handle confidential matters with discretion, tact, and diplomacy.

Qualifications

• Experience in U.S. self-funded health plan claims analysis, benefits strategy, clinical program evaluation, and healthcare cost management.

Skills

• Advanced analytical and quantitative skills.
• Experience with SQL and healthcare reporting tools.
• Strong problem-solving ability and analytical judgment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently and collaborate effectively.
• Ability to build credibility with business leaders.
• Knowledge of HR software applications.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Confidentiality and discretion.

Benefits

Final compensation will be dependent upon skills & experience. The position is based at our West Los Angeles, CA office and works a hybrid schedule with an in-office requirement Monday-Wednesday and the option to work remotely on Thursday and Friday.

Pay

$110,000-$125,000 and may include a discretionary bonus.

Schedule

Hybrid schedule with an in-office requirement Monday-Wednesday and the option to work remotely on Thursday and Friday.