Principal Strategic Operations Business Consultant

At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, we are committed to paving the way for everyone to achieve their healthiest life. We are looking for dedicated and motivated individuals who share our vision of transforming healthcare. As a Blue Cross associate, you are joining a culture that is built on values of succeeding together, finding a better way, and doing the right thing. If you are ready to make a difference, join us.

The Impact You Will Have

As a Principal Strategic Operations Business Consultant, you will serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to executives and leaders across the enterprise. You will drive strategic alignment, execution, and measurable success of key business objectives. This role blends strategic consulting with disciplined execution — ensuring divisional priorities are met while enabling long-term growth and sustainability at the departmental level. You will also provide support and coordination to ensure the successful completion of complex, cross-functional initiatives.

Your Responsibilities: 

• Strategic Partnership: Consult with executives and leaders to align strategy and drive outcomes. Provide strategic direction and guidance by constructively pushing back on senior leadership, identifying blind spots, and bringing alternative perspectives to strengthen decision-making. 
• Organizational Influence & Navigation: Navigate complex dynamics and influence leaders at all levels by building trust and maintaining alignment across the division and departments. Serve as a stabilizing force who anticipates friction and protects strategic priorities.
• External Intelligence & Translation: Monitor market forces, regulatory changes, and industry trends to anticipate strategic impacts on divisional and departmental strategies. Partner with leadership to translate external requirements into actionable guidance, ensuring compliance and competitiveness.
• Project Leadership: Lead the execution of high-priority, cross-functional initiatives, ensuring clear plans, stakeholder alignment, and delivery of defined outcomes, efficiencies, and consistent results.
• Develop and maintain visibility into strategic initiative progress, risks, and dependencies, including creation of dashboards, and tools that enable clear, actionable insights for leadership.
• Decision Support & Risk Management: Guide decision-making to align systems and processes with strategic direction. Proactively identify, escalate, and mitigate risks while bringing external perspectives to leadership.
• Operational Excellence & Communication: Facilitate meeting preparation and ensure transparent communication of updates to all leadership levels. Analyze operational challenges and present data-driven recommendations for continuous improvement.

Required Skills & Experience: 

• 7+ years of related professional experience. 
• High school diploma (or equivalency) and legal authorization to work in the U.S.

Preferred Skills and Experience: 

• Bachelor's degree.
• 3+ years of health plan experience.
• Advanced knowledge of project management methodologies. 
• Experience with Agile, Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies. PMP certification. 
• Experience with Visio, SharePoint, Power Automate, Power BI, and Power Apps. 
• Proficiency with program management, reporting, and dashboarding tools to support visibility and decision-making.
• Experience supporting senior leadership (e.g., Chief of Staff, strategy, or transformation roles)
• Experience with portfolio reporting, capacity planning, or prioritization frameworks
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and act with integrity with sensitive data and proprietary information.
• Ability to translate complex information into actionable messaging, actively listen to diverse perspectives, and drive alignment across cross-functional priorities.
• Ability to analyze complex challenges, evaluate tradeoffs, and collaborate with stakeholders to reach effective, lasting solutions.
• Ability to effectively organize work, balance shifting priorities, and manage time across multiple workstreams to meet commitments.

Anchored in Connection

Our hybrid approach is designed to balance flexibility with meaningful in-person connection and collaboration. We come together in the office two days each week – most teams designate at least one anchor day to ensure team interaction. These in-person moments foster relationships, creativity, and alignment. The rest of the week you are empowered to work remote.

Pay is based on several factors which vary based on position, including skills, ability, and knowledge the selected individual is bringing to the specific job.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Life insurance

• 401k

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO)

• And more

To discover more about what we have to offer, please review our benefits page.

At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, we are committed to paving the way for everyone to achieve their healthiest life. Blue Cross of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains an Affirmative Action plan, as required by Minnesota law applicable to state contractors. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against based on any legally protected characteristic.

Individuals with a disability who need a reasonable accommodation in order to apply, please contact us at: [email protected].

Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® of Minnesota and Blue Plus® are nonprofit independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.