AVP, Provider Contracting- Cleveland and North Ohio Markets

We’re looking for a bold, compassionate leader who is ready to shape the future of our provider network across the Cleveland and Northern Ohio region. In this role, you’ll guide a team, build strong partnerships, and drive strategies that help our customers get high‑quality, affordable care. If you thrive in a fast‑paced environment, enjoy solving complex problems, and want to make a meaningful impact, we’d love to meet you.
** This role supports the Cleveland and Northern Ohio market and requires a hybrid work schedule.
**** Responsibilities
* ** Lead and develop a high‑performing contracting team, creating a culture of growth, collaboration, and accountability.
* Drive contracting and network strategies across Commercial and other product lines to strengthen our market position.
* Negotiate complex fee‑for‑service and value‑based contracts with health systems, hospitals, and large provider groups to improve affordability and quality.
* Champion cross‑market and cross‑functional initiatives that support broader business goals.
* Build trusted, long‑term partnerships with providers to expand value‑based opportunities and deliver on local market strategy.
* Work closely with matrix partners—including Claims Operations, Medical Management, Credentialing, Legal, Medical Economics, Compliance, Sales, and Service—to support smooth network operations.
* Identify opportunities for deeper value orientation and new risk‑based arrangements that improve total medical cost.
* Manage financial impact analysis, performance projections, and scenario modeling for high‑value and complex contracts.
* Oversee provider relationship management to ensure strong communication, collaboration, and results.
* Maintain a clear understanding of the competitive landscape and provider interrelationships across assigned geographic markets.
* Ensure accurate and timely contract loading, submissions, and network implementation activities.
** Required Qualifications
*** Minimum
** 5 years
** of provider contracting and negotiation experience with complex delivery systems.
* Experience leading or mentoring direct reports and guiding talent development.
* Proven success managing senior‑level provider relationships.
* Strong knowledge of reimbursement methodologies, including value‑based and incentive‑driven models.
* Demonstrated ability to build strong external partnerships and navigate integrated delivery systems.
* Effective communication skills with the ability to influence provider and sales audiences.
* Strong problem‑solving, decision‑making, negotiation, and financial analysis skills.
* Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
* Ability to travel as needed.
** Preferred Qualifications
*** Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Healthcare, Business, or a related field. Significant industry experience may be considered in place of a degree.
* MBA or MHA.
* Experience leading in a fast‑paced, matrixed organization.
* Background in managed care, provider business models, and network strategy.
* Ability to lead through change with confidence, empathy, and clarity.  If you will be working at home occasionally or permanently, the internet connection must be obtained through a cable broadband or fiber optic internet service provider with speeds of at least 10

Mbps download/5

Mbps upload.

For this position, we anticipate offering an annual salary of 127, USD / yearly, depending on relevant factors, including experience and geographic location.

This role is also anticipated to be eligible to participate in an annual bonus plan.

At The Cigna Group, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits, with a focus on supporting your whole health. Starting on day one of your employment, you’ll be offered several health-related benefits including medical, vision, dental, and well-being and behavioral health programs. We also offer 401(k), company paid life insurance, tuition reimbursement, a minimum of 18 days of paid time off per year and paid holidays.

For more details on our employee benefits programs, .
** About Cigna Healthcare
** Cigna Healthcare, a division of The Cigna Group, is an advocate for better health through every stage of life. We guide our customers…