Manager, Provider Network Contracting - Remote

Manager, Network Contracting

At United Healthcare, 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 to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together

The opportunity. As a Manager within our Network Contracting team, you will lead physician and facility contracting strategies that strengthen network access, affordability, stability and provider performance. You will oversee complex negotiations across hospital systems, ambulatory facilities, independent and employed physician groups, and other high-impact provider organizations. The role combines market strategy, contract development, financial analysis, relationship management and people leadership, with accountability for delivering contracting outcomes that support business, network and medical cost objectives.

How you will make an impact. You will serve as a senior contracting partner to internal leaders and external provider executives, translating market needs and financial insights into actionable negotiation strategies. You will guide your team through the full contracting lifecycle, from opportunity assessment and negotiation planning through execution, implementation and ongoing contract performance management.

Work arrangement. You will enjoy the flexibility to work remotely from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office a minimum of four days per week.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of physician and facility contracting strategies aligned with market affordability, network access, product and growth objectives
• Own and direct complex negotiations with hospitals, health systems, ambulatory surgery centers, ancillary facilities, independent physician associations, large medical groups and other physician organizations
• Evaluate, structure and negotiate contract terms using approved company templates, reimbursement standards and process controls, including fee schedules, case rates, per diems, DRG-based methodologies, RBRVS-based physician reimbursement, ASC groupers and other value-oriented arrangements
• Develop negotiation positions and contract recommendations using financial modeling, unit cost analysis, utilization trends, competitive intelligence, provider performance information and total cost-of-care considerations
• Assess the financial and network impact of proposed rate changes, contract provisions, renewals, amendments, terminations and new provider arrangements; clearly communicate risks, tradeoffs and recommendations to leadership
• Manage physician and facility unit cost budgets, affordability targets, forecasts, savings commitments, performance reporting and associated financial models
• Guide the development and maintenance of geographically competitive, broad-access and stable physician and facility networks that meet specialty, service-area, product and regulatory requirements
• Identify network gaps, concentration risks and contracting opportunities across physician specialties, hospitals and facility types; establish action plans to improve network adequacy and market competitiveness
• Build and maintain effective executive-level relationships with hospital and health-system leaders, facility administrators, physician group executives and other key provider stakeholders
• Lead contract issue resolution and escalation activities involving reimbursement, contract interpretation, implementation, operational performance, network disruption and provider relationship concerns
• Partner cross-functionally with network analytics, pricing, finance, legal, medical economics, operations, claims, product, sales and market leadership to ensure contracts are financially sound, operationally executable and aligned with business priorities
• Ensure accurate and timely transition of executed agreements to implementation teams, including clear documentation of negotiated terms, effective dates, reimbursement exhibits and operational requirements
• Monitor post-implementation contract performance and provider results; initiate corrective action or renegotiation when outcomes do not align with contractual, financial or network expectations
• Set team direction, establish priorities, coach contracting professionals, resolve complex problems and promote consistent use of negotiation discipline, documentation and governance processes
• Influence forecasting, planning and market strategy by providing leadership with clear insights on provider dynamics, contracting risk, network performance and emerging physician and facility trends
• Leadership and Relationship Expectations
• Create a high-accountability team culture centered on preparation, disciplined negotiation, timely…