Lead Business Specialist

Direct message the job poster from Covered California

If you’re an experienced IT product and project leader who loves turning complex policy and business needs into user-centered technology solutions, this Information Technology Specialist II (Lead Business Specialist) role at Covered California gives you the chance to shape mission-critical systems that serve consumers statewide. In this expert-level position, you’ll lead advanced business analysis, process design, requirements gathering, cost and market analysis to drive clear, actionable product strategies and roadmaps.

You will own end-to-end product and project management—from developing product roadmaps and procurement documents (RFIs, RFPs, SOWs) to managing vendors, budgets, risks, and schedules across the full system development life cycle. You’ll collaborate closely with business partners, technical teams, and UX designers, mentor staff, and provide high-level technical and strategic guidance on sensitive IT and product decisions. If you’re ready to leverage your skills in Business Technology Management and IT Project Management domains to lead high-impact initiatives in a fast-paced, highly visible environment, read on to learn more about this opportunity.

At Covered California, we recognize our employees are our most valuable asset. We have a variety of career fields that help make a difference in the lives of Californians, and we’re looking for talented and enthusiastic individuals to join our team! Learn more about why you should join the Information Technology Division.

This position is headquartered in Sacramento County, located at 1601 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815. Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated headquarters office, subject to regulations and bargaining unit contract provisions. Travel expenses associated with commuting to the employee’s office headquarters location are not reimbursable, other than authorized transit subsidies.

Possession of minimum qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the minimum qualifications, the applicant’s name may be removed from the eligibility list.

Covered California does not provide visa sponsorship and is not an E-Verify employer.

Effective July 1, 2025, in response to the budget deficit, the Department of Human Resources (CalHR) has implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 requires that each full-time employee working their assigned work schedule receive a 3 percent reduction in pay in exchange for 5 hours of PLP 2025 leave credits monthly through June 30, 2027.

Range A - $8,625.00 - $11,557.00

Final date to receive applications: 01/13/2026 @ 11:59 pm PST

Required Documents:
Application, resume, and Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)

• 5 Years of experience on complex eligibility systems
• 5 Years SDLC experience
• 5 Years experience as a Business/Systems analyst
• 5 Years of experience working with a diverse group of sponsors and stakeholders, preferably with a government background
• 5 years of experience working on project teams

Covered California provides incredible benefits for our employees, including healthcare, retirement and savings, work-life services, leave benefits, and work-life balance. To learn more, visit

• To apply to this position, review this advertisement and complete your application via Cal Careers at
• Please send any questions regarding the application process and/or position to
• New to state civil service, employees are typically hired at the minimum of the salary range
• I would update these to no more than 5 years of experience due to MQ’s maxing at 5 years of experience to qualify for the ITS II position.