Director, Health Care Benefits at Ford Global Career Site

Dearborn, Michigan, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

22 Feb, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

24 Nov, 25

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Health Care Benefits, Bargaining Strategies, Union Leadership, Governance Frameworks, Plan Design, Compliance, Budget Management, Continuous Improvement, Team Leadership, Project Management, Analytical Skills, Communication Skills, Negotiation Skills, Vendor Management, Employee Engagement, Industry Trends

Industry

Motor Vehicle Manufacturing

Description

Develop detailed bargaining strategies, scenario modeling, and long-term cost projections to inform executive decision-making and negotiation positioning. Build strategic relationships with union leadership to foster collaboration, mutual understanding, and creative problem-solving for complex health care challenges. Establish governance frameworks and collaborative partnerships with vendors to drive innovation, value-based care, outcomes measurement, and excellence in service delivery and cost outcomes. Guide the evolution of plan design to balance value, choice, affordability, and fiscal responsibility. Establish governance structures, policies, and decision-making frameworks that ensure consistent, equitable, legally compliant benefit delivery and mitigate risks through proactive oversight. Ensure all plans comply with federal, state, and local regulations (ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA) and all applicable collective bargaining agreements. Established and active employee resource groups Guide team to deliver consistently excellent health care plan administration, including medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision programs across union and non-union populations. Manage health care benefits budget, cost forecasting, and financial performance; partner with Finance and actuarial consultants to optimize funding approaches, model scenarios, and demonstrate value for investment. Champion continuous improvement in processes, systems, and service delivery while adhering to collective bargaining agreements, regulatory requirements, and internal policies. Oversee annual enrollment strategy and execution with clear communication and high employee engagement. Build and lead a high-performing benefits team, coaching members to elevate their capabilities, take ownership of outcomes, and deliver results that exceed standards. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, continuous learning, and service quality. Manage organizational change for major benefits transformations, ensuring stakeholder alignment, effective communication, and successful adoption across the enterprise. Serve as a thought leader and trusted advisor to senior HR leadership, business unit leaders, and cross-functional partners on health care strategy and industry trends; represent Ford externally through participation in industry forums, coalitions, roundtables, and advisory boards. Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Health Care Administration, or a related field (Master's preferred). Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in employee benefits, with at least 7-10 years focused specifically on health care benefits strategy, design, and administration in a large, complex organization (Fortune 500 or comparable experience strongly preferred). Demonstrated experience leading or significantly contributing to health care benefit negotiations within a unionized environment; experience with major industrial unions (e.g., UAW) is highly desirable. Extensive experience with vendor selection, contract negotiation, and performance management in the health care benefits space. Proven ability to balance strategic vision with operational execution—candidates must be comfortable setting strategy AND ensuring their team delivers flawless execution. Strong track record of building and leading teams to achieve both strategic and operational excellence. In-depth knowledge of federal and state benefits legislation (e.g., ACA, COBRA, HIPAA, ERISA) and compliance requirements. Strong analytical and financial management skills with the ability to interpret complex data, perform scenario modeling, and make data-driven recommendations. Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with all levels of the organization, including senior leadership and union leadership. Proven leadership, coaching, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-functional initiatives in a fast-paced environment. Professional certification such as CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) or similar. Experience with self-insured health plans, actuarial valuation processes, and claims analytics. Experience in the automotive, manufacturing, or other heavily unionized industries. For more information on salary and benefits, click here. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

Responsibilities

Develop bargaining strategies and long-term cost projections to inform executive decision-making. Build relationships with union leadership and oversee health care plan administration across union and non-union populations.