Lead Director, Payer Relations

We’re building a world of health around every individual — shaping a more connected, convenient and compassionate health experience. At CVS Health®, you’ll be surrounded by passionate colleagues who care deeply, innovate with purpose, hold ourselves accountable and prioritize safety and quality in everything we do. Join us and be part of something bigger – helping to simplify health care one person, one family and one community at a time.

The Lead Director, Payer Relations is responsible for leading strategic relationships and contract negotiations with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), health plans, insurance carriers, Medicaid programs, and other payer organizations. This role drives financial performance, network positioning, and long‑term business growth through effective negotiation, relationship management, and commercial strategy. The ideal candidate is an experienced healthcare leader with deep expertise in payer contracting, financial accountability, and executive‑level stakeholder engagement.

Opportunity to influence enterprise-wide payer strategy and financial outcomes Exposure to senior healthcare executives and industry-leading payer organizations Ability to mentor and develop future payer relations leaders

Lead contract negotiations and manage an assigned portfolio of payer relationships, ensuring favorable rates, terms, and business outcomes.

Develop and execute negotiation strategies that support financial, operational, and market-share objectives.

Monitor portfolio performance, identify risks and opportunities, and recommend actions to improve profitability and growth.

Build and maintain executive-level relationships with payer organizations and collaborate with internal partners across Finance, Legal, Operations, Analytics, and Government Affairs.

Coach and develop team members while contributing to negotiation best practices, talent development, and organizational capability building.

Travel:
Up to 25% travel required.

Location:

Fully remote candidates based in the U.S. will be considered.

• 10+ years of experience in payer relations, pharmacy benefit management, retail pharmacy, healthcare contracting, or a related healthcare field.
• 5+ years of experience negotiating contracts and managing associated financial terms and performance outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience managing a portfolio, book of business, or commercial relationships with accountability for revenue, profitability, or market share results.
• Experience presenting, negotiating, and influencing executive-level stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and strategic problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex business and financial scenarios.

• Experience negotiating directly with national PBMs, health plans, or large healthcare payers.
• Knowledge of Medicare Part D, Medicaid, and commercial pharmacy network reimbursement models.
• Experience leading, coaching, or developing contract negotiators or payer relations professionals.
• Experience creating negotiation frameworks, governance processes, or contracting best practices.
• Advanced degree such as MBA, PharmD, JD, or related graduate-level education.

Bachelor's degree required, or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience. Master's degree preferred.

The typical pay range for this role is: $ - $ This pay range represents the base hourly rate or base annual full-time salary for all positions in the job grade within which this position falls. The actual base salary offer will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education, geography and other relevant factors. This position is eligible for a CVS Health bonus,…