Director, Contracting & Network Development

Position Purpose

Lead provider network strategy, development, contracting, and performance management across Missouri. Assess market and provider performance, identify network and cost improvement opportunities, develop market strategies, and lead complex negotiations with hospitals, health systems, physician groups, and providers.

Applicants must reside in Missouri to be considered for this role (or live close to Missouri border). This is a remote position with a home office in the St. Louis, MO area and it may require travel throughout Missouri for internal and provider-facing meetings. Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for current or future employment-based visa sponsorship.

Sponsorship is not available for this opportunity, including H-1B, L-1, O-1, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT or CPT.

Own and execute provider network strategy across Missouri, assessing market needs, network performance, provider availability, and competitive dynamics to identify gaps and growth opportunities. Analyze provider, network and financial KPIs to identify performance, access and medical cost opportunities and develop actionable strategies to address them. Lead complex negotiations with hospitals, health systems, large physician groups and providers, including contract terms, reimbursement and redlines, while building strong provider relationships.

Support new business launches and market expansions by considering market dynamics, provider needs, budget, and available resources. Lead, coach, and develop contracting and network teams, including hiring, performance management, coaching, and team development. Oversee staff and external consultants supporting provider contracting and network development for new and expansion markets. Monitor network and team performance, identify process and quality gaps, and implement solutions to improve results.

Communicate market strategy, network performance and recommendations to internal leaders and provider-facing stakeholders.

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Health Care Administration, related field or equivalent experience. 7+ years of combined contracting, network development or provider relations experience.

Previous experience in Medicaid/Medicare contracting and negotiating hospital, large physician groups and ancillary service agreements.

Previous management experience including responsibilities for hiring, training, assigning work and managing the performance of staff.

Valid driver's license.

Pay Range: $ - $ per year

At Centene, we connect people to the care they need to live healthier lives - and the work you do here makes that impact real every day. You'll take on meaningful challenges that directly support individuals, families, and communities, building your skills while making healthcare more accessible and effective. It's work with a purpose you can see, backed by a team committed to improving lives well beyond the workday.

Centene offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• competitive pay
• health insurance
• 401K and stock purchase plans
• tuition reimbursement
• paid time off plus holidays
• a flexible approach to work with remote, hybrid, field or office work schedules

Actual pay will be adjusted based on an individual's skills, experience, education, and other job-related factors permitted by law, including full-time or part-time status.

Total compensation may also include additional forms of incentives.

Benefits may be subject to program eligibility.

Centene is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, and values the ways in which we are different.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with the LA County Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.

Should you need an accommodation, please email

Centene is committed to helping people live healthier lives. We provide access to high-quality healthcare, innovative programs and a wide range of health solutions that help families and individuals get well, stay well and be well.