**Introduction** As an IBM Benefits Associate handling select global programs, you will be a reliable and trusted resource for designing and delivering enterprise health and wellness benefits programs for IBM employees worldwide. We seek a growth-oriented professional with a positive attitude who will manage essential and innovative IBM HR benefits programs that promote enhanced employee experience, anticipate workforce needs, and align with the IBM business landscape. **Your role and responsibilities** Benefits programs managed through this role include international assignment medical benefits, global business travel and accident insurance, and various other global health and wellness benefits, as well as some US-specific benefits. This role will be heavily involved in benefits strategic planning and analysis as well as ongoing executive reporting. Key responsibilities include: * Design and implement benefit program strategies in alignment with IBM business objectives. * Collaborate closely with other team members, including team members within and outside of the benefits organization, to drive overall strategic and transformational activities. * Create executive presentations and deliver them at senior levels within the organization. * Support the ongoing benefits analysis needs of the Global Director of Benefits Strategy & Enterprise Health. * Lead benefits program reviews based on market trends research, data-driven insights through analysis of workforce needs, benefits usage, cost analysis, and other factors. * Liaison with consultants, brokers, insurance carriers and outsourced benefits administration vendors on benefits programs renewals, revisions and deployment of benefits program offerings. * Manage benefits contracts, including renewals and amendments, and partner with Procurement on competitive benchmarking and bids. * Manage overall vendor spending in partnership with IBM Finance. * Manage investigations and exception requests as it relates to benefit programs. * Manage escalations and support resolutions for employee concerns. * Execute, redesign and deploy programs based on business, workforce and legislative needs. This may include policy, plan document, and contractual revisions, as well as ongoing coordination with internal and external benefits administrators to support plan delivery. * Ensure benefits programs and policies are in continuous compliance and alignment with legislative changes and IBM’s changing business needs. * Collaborate with other team members to build and deliver analytical capabilities and data-driven insights that inform recommendations. * Support simplification and automation of processes. * Provide ongoing guidance to IBMers on benefit offerings and support AI-driven solutions to improve employee experience in partnership with HR Services and other teams. * Facilitate departmental business controls and compliance on benefits programs which may also be inclusive of internal and external audits. **Required technical and professional expertise** * 5+ years of experience with benefits programs design and/or delivery or related human resources, business or consulting experience. * Excellent executive stakeholder management skills. * Excellent communication and presentation skills. * Experience managing complex projects with cross-functional internal and external teams. * Experience managing complex cases and escalations. * Willingness to work in a fast-paced environment with tight turnaround times with the ability to prioritize work when there are competing demands and urgent business needs. * Excel and PowerPoint proficiency. * Ability to organize, analyze, interpret and explain data findings. * Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment. **Preferred technical and professional experience** * Vendor management experience, including experience with contract renewals. * Knowledge and usage of AI solutions. * Current benefits knowledge through participation in ongoing educational programs, professional societies, etc. * Experience with technology projects and user testing.