Strategic Programs Manager - Growth & Performance

Blue Shield of California; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 112,000 - 167,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Shield of California seeks a Program Manager, Consultant to lead high-impact initiatives within the Middle Market and Small Business Strategic Planning and Performance team. You will shape strategic direction, drive performance agendas, and deliver insights to senior leadership while coordinating cross-functional efforts to achieve growth and affordability goals.

In this hybrid role, you will partner with Sales, Finance, Actuarial, Network, Clinical, Product, and Operations to inform

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Requires at least 7 years of prior relevant experience
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity, structure complex business challenges, and translate insights into actionable solutions
• Advanced analytical capabilities, including proficiency in Excel, Power BI, Tableau, Salesforce, or similar analytics and visualization tools, with the ability to synthesize complex data into meaningful business recommendations
• Ability to influence without direct authority and build strong, collaborative relationships across functions and organizational levels
• Self-starter with a proven ability to work independently, take ownership, and deliver high-quality results with limited direction while balancing strategic priorities with operational execution
• Healthcare and/or consulting experience is required; knowledge of healthcare sales, economics, affordability, network strategy, and health plan operations preferred

Responsibilities

• Support performance management processes, KPI development, business reviews, and action planning to achieve growth, affordability, and financial objectives
• Assess business performance, market dynamics, and emerging risks and opportunities to inform strategic planning and executive decision-making
• Manage and continuously improve sales reporting and performance tools, ensuring accurate, timely, and actionable information is available to support day-to-day sales operations and decision-making
• Lead cross-functional meetings and foster teamwork, drive escalation and resolution of issues, while promoting collaboration and coordination across a broad range of stakeholders
• Lead strategic initiatives and special projects that drive growth, affordability, operational performance, and financial outcomes across the Small Business and Mid-Market lines of business
• Develop executive-ready analyses, business cases, presentations, and recommendations to support strategic decision-making and performance management
• Partner with Sales, Finance, Actuarial, Network, Clinical, Product, and Operations teams to identify opportunities, solve complex business challenges, and advance key priorities
• Facilitate forums, leadership meetings, and cross-functional working sessions to drive alignment, accountability, and execution of strategic initiatives
• Consult and make recommendations to senior management/executives on significant issues
• Interact with all levels including senior management and influence decision-making

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Influence without authority

Self-starter

Cross-functional collaboration

Healthcare/consulting knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Tableau

Salesforce

Job description

Blue Shield of California seeks a Program Manager, Consultant to lead high-impact initiatives within the Middle Market and Small Business Strategic Planning and Performance team. You will shape strategic direction, drive performance agendas, and deliver insights to senior leadership while coordinating cross-functional efforts to achieve growth and affordability goals.

In this hybrid role, you will partner with Sales, Finance, Actuarial, Network, Clinical, Product, and Operations to inform