Vice President, Benefits

We are so glad you are interested in joining Sutter Health Organization: SHSO-Administrative Payroll Position Overview: Sutter Health is one of Californiau2019s most comprehensive healthcare systems and one of the nationu2019s largest, generating $18+ billion in revenues. Headquartered in Sacramento, Sutter Health is a not-for-profit, integrated healthcare system committed to health equity, community partnerships and innovative, high-quality patient care. Sutteru2019s 60,500+ employees, 14,000+ physicians and advanced practice clinicians, serve more than 3.5 million patients through its network of hospitals, medical foundations, ambulatory surgery centers, urgent and walk-in care centers, telehealth, home health and hospice services. The Vice President of Benefits is a strategic leader responsible for the design, implementation, and management of comprehensive benefits programs that support Sutter Healthu2019s workforce, reinforce a high-performance culture, and reflect the organizationu2019s mission and values. Reporting to the Head of Total Rewards, this role oversees health and welfare administration and consulting, retirement programs (both defined benefit and defined contribution), health plan administration through SutterSelect, and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including in-house operators and clinicians. This leader serves as a trusted advisor to senior executives, human resources, finance, and other stakeholders, ensuring benefits programs are competitive, equitable, compliant, and financially sustainable. The role requires extensive engagement with outside consulting partners and vendor management of complex, high-value contracts, ensuring external relationships deliver exceptional service, cost-effectiveness, and strategic value to the organization. The Vice President also leads a high-performing team, fostering a culture of excellence, curiosity, compassion, inclusion, teamwork, and integrity, while promoting innovation, education, and transparency across the organization. Job Description : Education: Bachelor's Degree: Business, Finance or related field or equivalent education/experience Experience: + 15+ years of total experience inBenefitsand/or Total Rewards roles. + Plus 10+ years in leadership roles with at least Director-level experience leading sizable internal teams as well as leading and designing organization-wide programs in large-scale healthcare or similarly regulated environments that have multi-state complexity. + Experience advising senior executives. Knowledge: + Deep understanding ofself-insuredHealth and Welfare program design, administration, and compliance, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and voluntary benefits. + Strong knowledge of retirement plan structures (defined benefit and defined contribution), plan governance, fiduciary responsibilities, and compliance requirements. + Expertisein employeeassistanceprograms (EAPs) and workforce well-being strategies. + Strong understanding of vendor management and consulting partnerships, including contract negotiation, performance monitoring, and cost/value optimization. + Knowledge of regulatory requirementsimpactingemployee benefits, including federal, state, and local laws, as well as healthcare-specific regulations. + Significant knowledgewithbenefitsanalytics, reporting, and benchmarking, including experience translating complex data into actionable business insights. + Familiarity with HR systems (Workday),benefittoolsand administration, and analytics platforms; ability toleveragedata and insights to inform strategy and decision-making. + Knowledge of total rewards strategy, workforce planning, and how benefits integrate with compensation and organizational performance. + Must be familiar with andcomply withapplicable audit and regulatory compliance requirements governing health and welfare plans and programs. + Requires a working understandingwithrisk financing/ actuarial theory, fundingmechanismsand reserves, to bring cost value to the medical plan. + Communications must reflect knowledge of grammar in English composition and acceptable business letter format,as well as,industry terminology. Fine-tuned presentation skills and ability to present to large and small groupsto drive education. Skills: + Strategic Leadership: Ability to develop and execute enterprise-wide benefits strategies aligned with organizationalpriorities + Influence & Communication: Exceptional ability to advise senior leaders + Vendor & Consulting Partner Management: Skilled in overseeing high-value contracts,optimizingpartner performance,showcasingstrategicpartnershipwith criticalconsultantsand ensuring cost-effective delivery of services. + Analytical & Data-Driven Decision Making: Ability toleveragecomplex data to inform strategy,optimizeprogram performance, and guide leadership decisions. + Regulatory & Compliance Acumen: Strong knowledge of benefits regulations and risk management, with the ability to proactively navigate compliance issues. + Leadership, Coaching & Talent Development: Proven ability to inspire, mentor, and develop a high-performing team while fostering a culture aligned with Sutter Healthu2019s values. + Collaboration & Relationship Building: Ability to build trusted partnerships across HR, Finance, Legal, and external stakeholders. + Operational Excellence: Ensures effective governance, disciplined execution, and continuous improvement of benefits programs. + Employee & Leader Education: Skilled at designing and deliveringbenefitscommunication, education, and engagement strategies to improve understanding, transparency, andutilization. + Adaptability & Agility: Ability to navigate complex, dynamic healthcare and regulatory environments with flexibility and resilience. Additional information: _The primary office location for this position is Emeryville or Sacramento, CA. This role requires residence within the Sutter Health footprint and the ability to travel throughout._ Job Shift: Days Schedule: Full Time Days of the Week: Monday - Friday Weekend Requirements: As Needed Benefits: Yes Unions: No Position Status: Exempt Weekly Hours: 40 Employee Status: Regular Sutter Health is an equal opportunity employer EOE/M/F/Disability/Veterans. Pay Range is $297,500.00 to $402,500.00 / annual salary _The compensation range may vary based on the geographic location where the position is filled. Total compensation considers multiple factors, including, but not limited to a candidateu2019s experience, education, skills, licensure, certifications, departmental equity, training, and organizational needs. Base pay is only one component of Sutter Healthu2019s comprehensive total rewards program. Eligible positions also include a comprehensive benefits package._

Created: 2026-04-15