Senior Network Contract Manager - Remote - WA, OR preference

At UnitedHealthcare, we're simplifying the health care experience, creating healthier communities and removing barriers to quality care. The work you do here impacts the lives of millions of people for the better. Come build the health care system of tomorrow, making it more responsive, affordable and optimized. Ready to make a difference? Join us in making healthcare work better for everyone through people-led, responsible AI while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.The Senior Network Contract Manager is a senior individual contributor and subject-matter expert responsible for developing and executing contracting strategies that support affordability, network adequacy, member access, and regulatory compliance.This position leads complex negotiations with hospitals, physician groups, Rural Health Clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and ancillary providers. The role is accountable for evaluating contract and market performance, developing reimbursement strategies, managing provider relationships, and advancing agreements from initial strategy through execution and implementation.The Senior Network Contract Manager also provides leadership through project ownership, cross-functional collaboration, mentoring, review of complex work, and guidance on critical contracting and market issues.If you reside in Oregon and Washington, you will have the flexibility to work remotely* as you take on some tough challenges.Primary Responsibilities:Provider Contracting and NegotiationsLead complex provider contracting and negotiations involving hospitals, physician groups, RHCs, FQHCs, and ancillary providersNegotiate new agreements, renewals, amendments, payment appendices, fee schedules, reimbursement terms, and provider terminationsDevelop negotiation strategies based on market conditions, financial performance, provider performance, network needs, and business objectivesCommunicate proposed contractual terms clearly and negotiate mutually acceptable agreements with providersEvaluate continued provider participation based on financial, operational, access, and network considerationsInterpret contractual financial and nonfinancial terms, including their operational and legal implicationsApply contracting policies, approval requirements, and established standards consistentlyEnsure agreements are accurately authored, executed, submitted, and configured within required timeframesMarket Strategy and Network DevelopmentDevelop and execute market contracting strategies focused on affordability, network adequacy, member access, competitive positioning, and regulatory complianceAssess market rates, billing patterns, referral patterns, provider quality, and operational effectiveness to establish reimbursement and negotiation strategiesIdentify opportunities to strengthen network performance, provider alignment, and market competitivenessSupport network development, site-of-service strategies, product initiatives, and value-based care expansionTranslate market trends, provider intelligence, and financial data into actionable contracting strategiesPrioritize and execute contracting initiatives based on business impact, market need, and available resourcesApply strategic planning and complex problem-solving skills to resolve critical network and contracting issuesFinancial and Reimbursement AnalysisEvaluate the financial and operational effects of contractual terms on providers, members, UHN, and customer groupsDevelop provider rates using applicable financial tools, reports, market data, and reimbursement benchmarksAssess contract performance and identify affordability opportunities, financial risks, and potential corrective actionsPartner with Network Pricing to evaluate reimbursement arrangements, including fee-for-service, case rates, sub-capitation, pay-for-performance, and value-based reimbursement methodologiesEvaluate proposed contract changes for alignment with affordability goals and broader business objectivesUse fact-based analysis and sound business judgment to develop contracting recommendationsProvider Relationship ManagementBuild and maintain productive relationships with hospital executives, medical group leaders, physicians, and ancillary provider leadershipLead provider discussions involving contract strategy, reimbursement methodologies, performance expectations, and operational requirementsExplain organizational direction, contracting methodologies, policies, and procedures to providers and internal business partnersCommunicate the value and business rationale of applicable reimbursement methodologiesGather and evaluate information regarding provider issues, disputes, and operational concernsDevelop resolution strategies, maintain leadership visibility, and escalate significant risks or barriers when appropriateManage challenging negotiations and provider escalations while preserving productive business relationshipsRepresent the organization professionally in executive-level provider meetings and negotiationsCross-Functional LeadershipPartner with Legal, Network Pricing, Finance, Operations, and other internal stakeholders to develop and implement provider agreementsAlign contracting strategies and recommendations with financial, operational, legal, regulatory, and market requirementsCoordinate contract implementation activities to support accurate and timely executionLead cross-functional projects and provide guidance on complex contracting and network mattersServe as a subject-matter expert and resource to peers, business partners, and leadershipReview complex work and provide recommendations that strengthen quality, accuracy, and business resultsMentor colleagues and share contracting, negotiation, and market-strategy best practicesYou'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.Required Qualifications:3+ years of professional experience in provider contracting, network development, healthcare negotiations, reimbursement, or a related healthcare business function3+ years of experience negotiating provider agreements or other complex commercial arrangements3+ years of experience developing and executing negotiation or market strategiesProficiency in contract interpretation, reimbursement methodologies, and contract-performance evaluationDemonstrated ability to evaluate financial, operational, and contractual informationDemonstrated ability to manage complex priorities and operate effectively with a high degree of independenceDemonstrated solid written, verbal, presentation, and executive communication skillsPreferred Qualifications:Experience negotiating with hospitals, health systems, physician groups, RHCs, FQHCs, or ancillary providersExperience supporting network affordability, adequacy, access, and competitive-positioning initiativesExperience working with contract-management and submission systemsExperience partnering with Legal, Network Pricing, Finance, and operational implementation teamsKnowledge of healthcare reimbursement methodologies, including fee-for-service, case rates, capitation, sub-capitation, pay-for-performance, and value-based arrangementsSolid understanding of healthcare market dynamics, provider performance, and reimbursement strategyDemonstrated success managing provider executive relationships and complex escalationsCore CompetenciesComplex provider negotiation    Financial and reimbursement analysisMarket contracting strategy    Network development and optimizationStrategic planning    Complex problem-solvingSound business judgment    Executive relationship managementConflict and escalation management    Cross-functional influenceContract interpretation    Regulatory and policy complianceProject leadership    Prioritization and executionClear and persuasive communication    Leadership without direct authoritySuccess in the RoleSuccess requires the ability to balance affordability, provider sustainability, member access, network adequacy, regulatory requirements, and organizational objectives. The Senior Network Contract Manager must translate complex financial, market, and operational information into actionable strategies and successfully move provider agreements from analysis and negotiation through execution and implementation.*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter PolicyPay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $91,700 - $163,700 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare by harnessing technology and innovation to make care simpler to navigate, more affordable and more connected for the people we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued, heard and respected, empowering people to bring their authentic selves to work and strengthening our collective impact through diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.  UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.