OPT Data Strategy Lead Jobs
Data Strategy Lead roles sit at the intersection of business intelligence and organizational decision-making, making them strong candidates for OPT authorization under CIP codes tied to data science, information systems, or statistics. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations, which supports both STEM OPT extension and H-1B visa sponsorship down the line.
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You may know us as FIJI Water, POM Wonderful, Justin Wine, Teleflora and Halos Citrus, but we’re all Wonderful – and we have a great opportunity for a Lead Analyst, Healthplan Data & Strategy. We’re looking to make the world a healthier place through an uncompromising commitment to the well-being of our employees and their families. We foster a collaborative workforce that encourages an entrepreneurial spirit and openness to change.
The Lead Analyst, Healthplan Data & Strategy leads data-driven analysis and partners closely with Wonderful’s Benefit leadership and Wonderful Wellness Centers to support strategic recommendations on plan design, performance, and long-term sustainability of the company’s U.S. self-funded health plans. The role integrates medical, pharmacy, clinical, financial, and vendor data to evaluate benefit strategies, forecast trends, measure return on investment, and identify opportunities to improve employee health outcomes while optimizing total healthcare spend.
The ideal candidate brings experience in U.S. self-funded health plan claims analysis, benefits strategy, clinical program evaluation, and healthcare cost management. Success in this role is defined by the ability to build meaningful reporting and benchmarking frameworks, translate data into actionable recommendations, strengthen vendor accountability, and advance strategies that improve member health outcomes while managing cost. This is a lead individual-contributor role that drives cross-functional initiatives through analytics, project leadership, and strategic partnership. The position works closely with the Director, Global Benefits and reports to the Sr. Director, Health Plan & Benefits.
This position will be based at our West Los Angeles, CA office. We work a hybrid schedule with an in-office requirement Monday-Wednesday and the option to work remotely on Thursday and Friday.
Job Description
- Manage, analyze, and report medical and pharmacy claims to identify cost drivers, utilization trends, and opportunities to optimize benefit design and vendor performance.
- Develop trend analyses and forecasting models to support healthcare cost projections, budgeting, and scenario planning.
- Apply industry knowledge and data analysis to identify inefficiencies, cost drivers, and performance gaps and recommend strategies to improve spend while protecting member outcomes.
- Conduct benchmarking analyses to assess the competitiveness of benefit programs and identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.
- Evaluate and recommend benefit design changes (e.g., medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance) to support effective plan management, cost efficiency, and a strong employee experience.
- Define key financial, clinical, and utilization metrics to assess health plan performance and establish reporting to monitor those indicators.
- Facilitate internal Chief Medical Officer involvement through regular updates and escalation of material clinical, utilization, or cost trends, as needed.
- Support evaluation of clinical programs, including case management initiatives and related vendor partnerships, to assess impact on health outcomes and cost of care.
- Evaluate plan and vendor performance (financial, clinical, operational, and member experience outcomes, including ROI analysis) to support contract renewals and strategic partnerships.
- Support benefits strategy and leadership through analysis, reporting, and recommendations related to benefit programs and plan design.
- Develop and present clear, compelling materials that communicate key insights and recommendations to senior-level executives.
- Lead projects by aligning stakeholders, communicating progress, and ensuring timely delivery of required work products.
- Identify opportunities to leverage on-site health centers to improve member health outcomes and reduce external claims costs.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Sr. Director, Health Plan and Benefits.
Qualifications
- At least 4 years of experience in healthcare data analytics in a health plan setting; self-funded experience strongly preferred.
- Prior experience in data analytics and financial modeling required.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field required; master’s degree preferred.
- Experience in a large, complex organization (1,000+ employees) preferred.
- Advanced analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to analyze large, complex healthcare datasets and translate findings into actionable insights.
- Experience with SQL and healthcare reporting tools (e.g. Tableau, Power BI, SSRS, etc).
- Strong problem-solving ability and analytical judgment in complex, fast-paced environments.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects independently and collaborate effectively across functions.
- Ability to build credibility with business leaders and maintain strong working relationships.
- Knowledge of HR software applications; experience with UKG and PlanSource preferred.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to handle confidential matters with discretion, tact, and diplomacy.
Salary: $110,000-$125,000 and may include a discretionary bonus. Final compensation will be dependent upon skills & experience.
Additional Information
Thriving Wellness Community: Access to top-notch medical coverage comprehensive vision and dental plans, and a 401k with match eligibility to secure your financial future and including:
- 24/7 online physician consultations
- virtual mental health resources
- life coaching
- engaging employee community groups
- cash rewards for healthy habits and fitness reimbursements
- library of on-demand fitness videos
Career Advancement Opportunities: Unlock your potential with clear paths for career progression and internal mobility across our diverse family of brands and business units.
Focused Learning and Development: Grow as a leader with our dedicated Learning and Organizational Development department, offering extensive resources like People Manager and leadership training, webinars, and eLearning courses.
Empowering Mentorship Program: Connect with colleagues through our company-wide mentorship program to share goals, overcome challenges, and drive your career forward.
Continuous Improvement Training: Participate in training that empowers all employees to learn and implement concepts that drive significant, positive change in the workplace.
Building a Healthy Society: To date, our co-Founders Lynda and Stewart Resnick, through their foundations and The Wonderful Company, have invested more than $2.5 billion in education, health and wellness, community development, and sustainability initiatives across California’s Central Valley, Fiji, and the world. In 2025, Wonderful ranked as #1 in PEOPLE’s “100 Companies That Care” list and was named one of Fortune magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. To learn more about our corporate social responsibility efforts, visit csr.wonderful.com.
Giving Back to the Community: Make a difference with Wonderful Giving, allowing you to allocate company-provided funds to up to three charities of your choice, and join Wonderful Neighbor to contribute to group service projects within our local communities.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, The Wonderful Company is a privately held $6 billion company dedicated to harvesting health around the world through its iconic consumer brands. The company’s 10,000 employees worldwide are committed to bringing consumers everywhere the freshest, most wholesome pistachios, citrus and pomegranates; bottling the finest water and wines; and creating colorful bouquets that are sure to touch the heart. This commitment is reflected in the company’s market share: Wonderful Pistachios® is America’s No. 1 tree nut and America’s fastest-growing snack; Wonderful® Halos® is the No. 1 mandarin orange in America; POM Wonderful® is the No. 1 100% pomegranate brand in America; FIJI® Water is America’s No. 1 premium imported bottled water brand; JUSTIN® Wine has the No. 1 Cabernet Sauvignon in California; and Teleflora® is the world’s leading floral delivery service.
The Wonderful Company’s connection to consumers has health at its heart and giving back at its core. The company has a long-standing commitment to corporate social responsibility, including more than $1 billion invested in environmental sustainability; $65 million in charitable giving, education initiatives, and innovative health and wellness programs each year; and $143 million toward the construction of two charter school campuses in California’s Central Valley. To view the current Corporate Social Responsibility report, visit www.wonderful.com/csr.
To learn more about The Wonderful Company, its products and its core values, visit www.wonderful.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Wonderful Company is an Equality Opportunity Employer that provides opportunities for advancement. We are committed to creating a diverse workforce that embodies a deep culture of acceptance, equity, and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories.
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Company Description
You may know us as FIJI Water, POM Wonderful, Justin Wine, Teleflora and Halos Citrus, but we’re all Wonderful – and we have a great opportunity for a Lead Analyst, Healthplan Data & Strategy. We’re looking to make the world a healthier place through an uncompromising commitment to the well-being of our employees and their families. We foster a collaborative workforce that encourages an entrepreneurial spirit and openness to change.
The Lead Analyst, Healthplan Data & Strategy leads data-driven analysis and partners closely with Wonderful’s Benefit leadership and Wonderful Wellness Centers to support strategic recommendations on plan design, performance, and long-term sustainability of the company’s U.S. self-funded health plans. The role integrates medical, pharmacy, clinical, financial, and vendor data to evaluate benefit strategies, forecast trends, measure return on investment, and identify opportunities to improve employee health outcomes while optimizing total healthcare spend.
The ideal candidate brings experience in U.S. self-funded health plan claims analysis, benefits strategy, clinical program evaluation, and healthcare cost management. Success in this role is defined by the ability to build meaningful reporting and benchmarking frameworks, translate data into actionable recommendations, strengthen vendor accountability, and advance strategies that improve member health outcomes while managing cost. This is a lead individual-contributor role that drives cross-functional initiatives through analytics, project leadership, and strategic partnership. The position works closely with the Director, Global Benefits and reports to the Sr. Director, Health Plan & Benefits.
This position will be based at our West Los Angeles, CA office. We work a hybrid schedule with an in-office requirement Monday-Wednesday and the option to work remotely on Thursday and Friday.
Job Description
- Manage, analyze, and report medical and pharmacy claims to identify cost drivers, utilization trends, and opportunities to optimize benefit design and vendor performance.
- Develop trend analyses and forecasting models to support healthcare cost projections, budgeting, and scenario planning.
- Apply industry knowledge and data analysis to identify inefficiencies, cost drivers, and performance gaps and recommend strategies to improve spend while protecting member outcomes.
- Conduct benchmarking analyses to assess the competitiveness of benefit programs and identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.
- Evaluate and recommend benefit design changes (e.g., medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance) to support effective plan management, cost efficiency, and a strong employee experience.
- Define key financial, clinical, and utilization metrics to assess health plan performance and establish reporting to monitor those indicators.
- Facilitate internal Chief Medical Officer involvement through regular updates and escalation of material clinical, utilization, or cost trends, as needed.
- Support evaluation of clinical programs, including case management initiatives and related vendor partnerships, to assess impact on health outcomes and cost of care.
- Evaluate plan and vendor performance (financial, clinical, operational, and member experience outcomes, including ROI analysis) to support contract renewals and strategic partnerships.
- Support benefits strategy and leadership through analysis, reporting, and recommendations related to benefit programs and plan design.
- Develop and present clear, compelling materials that communicate key insights and recommendations to senior-level executives.
- Lead projects by aligning stakeholders, communicating progress, and ensuring timely delivery of required work products.
- Identify opportunities to leverage on-site health centers to improve member health outcomes and reduce external claims costs.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Sr. Director, Health Plan and Benefits.
Qualifications
- At least 4 years of experience in healthcare data analytics in a health plan setting; self-funded experience strongly preferred.
- Prior experience in data analytics and financial modeling required.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field required; master’s degree preferred.
- Experience in a large, complex organization (1,000+ employees) preferred.
- Advanced analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to analyze large, complex healthcare datasets and translate findings into actionable insights.
- Experience with SQL and healthcare reporting tools (e.g. Tableau, Power BI, SSRS, etc).
- Strong problem-solving ability and analytical judgment in complex, fast-paced environments.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects independently and collaborate effectively across functions.
- Ability to build credibility with business leaders and maintain strong working relationships.
- Knowledge of HR software applications; experience with UKG and PlanSource preferred.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to handle confidential matters with discretion, tact, and diplomacy.
Salary: $110,000-$125,000 and may include a discretionary bonus. Final compensation will be dependent upon skills & experience.
Additional Information
Thriving Wellness Community: Access to top-notch medical coverage comprehensive vision and dental plans, and a 401k with match eligibility to secure your financial future and including:
- 24/7 online physician consultations
- virtual mental health resources
- life coaching
- engaging employee community groups
- cash rewards for healthy habits and fitness reimbursements
- library of on-demand fitness videos
Career Advancement Opportunities: Unlock your potential with clear paths for career progression and internal mobility across our diverse family of brands and business units.
Focused Learning and Development: Grow as a leader with our dedicated Learning and Organizational Development department, offering extensive resources like People Manager and leadership training, webinars, and eLearning courses.
Empowering Mentorship Program: Connect with colleagues through our company-wide mentorship program to share goals, overcome challenges, and drive your career forward.
Continuous Improvement Training: Participate in training that empowers all employees to learn and implement concepts that drive significant, positive change in the workplace.
Building a Healthy Society: To date, our co-Founders Lynda and Stewart Resnick, through their foundations and The Wonderful Company, have invested more than $2.5 billion in education, health and wellness, community development, and sustainability initiatives across California’s Central Valley, Fiji, and the world. In 2025, Wonderful ranked as #1 in PEOPLE’s “100 Companies That Care” list and was named one of Fortune magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. To learn more about our corporate social responsibility efforts, visit csr.wonderful.com.
Giving Back to the Community: Make a difference with Wonderful Giving, allowing you to allocate company-provided funds to up to three charities of your choice, and join Wonderful Neighbor to contribute to group service projects within our local communities.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, The Wonderful Company is a privately held $6 billion company dedicated to harvesting health around the world through its iconic consumer brands. The company’s 10,000 employees worldwide are committed to bringing consumers everywhere the freshest, most wholesome pistachios, citrus and pomegranates; bottling the finest water and wines; and creating colorful bouquets that are sure to touch the heart. This commitment is reflected in the company’s market share: Wonderful Pistachios® is America’s No. 1 tree nut and America’s fastest-growing snack; Wonderful® Halos® is the No. 1 mandarin orange in America; POM Wonderful® is the No. 1 100% pomegranate brand in America; FIJI® Water is America’s No. 1 premium imported bottled water brand; JUSTIN® Wine has the No. 1 Cabernet Sauvignon in California; and Teleflora® is the world’s leading floral delivery service.
The Wonderful Company’s connection to consumers has health at its heart and giving back at its core. The company has a long-standing commitment to corporate social responsibility, including more than $1 billion invested in environmental sustainability; $65 million in charitable giving, education initiatives, and innovative health and wellness programs each year; and $143 million toward the construction of two charter school campuses in California’s Central Valley. To view the current Corporate Social Responsibility report, visit www.wonderful.com/csr.
To learn more about The Wonderful Company, its products and its core values, visit www.wonderful.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Wonderful Company is an Equality Opportunity Employer that provides opportunities for advancement. We are committed to creating a diverse workforce that embodies a deep culture of acceptance, equity, and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories.
LI-Hybrid
EEO is the law - click here for more information
See all OPT Data Strategy Lead Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Data Strategy Lead
Target companies with established data organizations
Companies with dedicated data teams, chief data officers, or data governance programs are far more likely to sponsor OPT students. These organizations already understand the business case for data leadership and have HR processes set up for work authorization.
Frame your degree as a direct qualification
Data Strategy Lead roles typically require a degree in data science, information systems, business analytics, or statistics. Lead with that connection explicitly in your resume and cover letter so employers immediately see the specialty occupation alignment required for OPT authorization.
Emphasize cross-functional project experience
Hiring managers for strategy roles want evidence you can work across engineering, product, and business units. Quantify outcomes from past projects where your analysis directly shaped a business decision, product roadmap, or operational change.
Bring up OPT proactively and confidently
Waiting for employers to ask about authorization creates uncertainty. Briefly explain that you hold F-1 OPT work authorization, clarify how long you have remaining, and mention STEM extension eligibility if your degree qualifies. Confidence here removes the perceived hiring risk.
Prioritize employers with existing H-1B sponsorship history
Companies that have previously sponsored H-1B visas are significantly more likely to continue OPT through to full sponsorship. Check OFLC disclosure data to verify a company's track record before investing heavily in the application process.
Demonstrate strategic thinking beyond technical skills
Data Strategy Lead is a leadership role, not purely an analyst position. Employers want candidates who translate data capabilities into business outcomes. Prepare case examples where you influenced stakeholder decisions or built a data governance framework from the ground up.
Data Strategy Lead OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Strategy Lead role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Most Data Strategy Lead positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as data science, information systems, statistics, or computer science. The role must involve applying scientific or technical knowledge directly to the work. Confirm your degree's CIP code against the official DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List before assuming eligibility.
Can I work as a Data Strategy Lead on standard 12-month OPT before applying for the STEM extension?
Yes. If your degree field qualifies, you start with 12 months of post-completion OPT and can apply for the 24-month STEM extension before that initial period expires. The extension application must be filed with USCIS before your current EAD runs out, so plan to submit at least 90 days early. Your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify to sponsor the STEM extension.
What makes a Data Strategy Lead role a specialty occupation for H-1B sponsorship?
A role qualifies as a specialty occupation when it theoretically and practically requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Data Strategy Lead positions typically meet this standard because they require applied expertise in data architecture, analytics frameworks, or information systems, all of which correspond to degree programs. Employers should document the degree requirement explicitly in the job description to strengthen the H-1B petition.
How do I find Data Strategy Lead roles where employers are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for OPT-friendly employers, so you can focus your search on companies with a history of sponsoring international candidates rather than applying broadly and hitting authorization walls. Filtering by visa sponsorship willingness up front saves significant time in a job search where your OPT clock is running.
What should I do if a Data Strategy Lead job listing says 'must be authorized to work without sponsorship'?
This language typically excludes candidates who need future H-1B sponsorship, but it does not necessarily exclude OPT holders, since OPT is independent work authorization that does not require the employer to petition USCIS immediately. However, if you plan to need sponsorship when your OPT expires, be transparent with the employer early. Some companies use that language loosely and are open to discussing OPT with qualified candidates.