Manager of Network Contracting - Remote

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology, to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities.

Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us in making healthcare work better for everyone through people-led, responsible AI while Caring. Connecting. Growing together. This self-directed role with Optum Health will call on your knowledge, your energy and your commitment to making health care work more effectively for more people.

You will manage direct reports, contracts, cost trend, relationships and network growth/strategy for Optum's Behavioral Health National provider networks through provider negotiations with large outpatient groups, facilities and other health systems. This position is responsible for executing network strategies to meet client and sales goals; contracting competitive rates; evolving the payment methodology to align with the line of business; and managing high-volume provider relationships.

You’ll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely
* from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.

In this role, you will need to be able to thrive in a demanding, intense, fast-paced environment. In addition, you'll be driving some complex negotiations while striving to ensure accuracy.

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear directions on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

• Analyze and evaluate payment appendices to strategize options for various contracting approaches and methodologies
• Evaluate market rates and provider performance (e.g., billing patterns; referral patterns; quality and effectiveness) in order to establish provider rates and negotiation strategies
• Explain the organization's direction and strategy to providers in order to justify methodologies, processes, policies, and procedures
• Input contract projections accurately into appropriate tools and analyze financial impact of provider contracts to achieve company goals
• Communicate proposed contractual terms with provider and negotiate mutually acceptable agreement
• Establish and manage relationships with providers to navigate operational, legal, financial and clinical matters
• Lead, develop, and mentor a team of provider contracting professionals, establishing clear performance expectations, fostering professional growth, and driving accountability to organizational goals.
• Oversee workload prioritization, resource allocation, and team performance to ensure timely execution of contracting initiatives, provider negotiations, and strategic network objectives.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide ongoing coaching and feedback, and create development plans that enhance employee engagement, capability, and succession readiness.
• Partner with senior leadership to establish departmental goals, implement strategic initiatives, and drive continuous improvement across contracting processes and team operations.
• Serve as an escalation point for complex provider negotiations, contract disputes, operational challenges, and relationship management issues, ensuring effective resolution and alignment with company objectives.
• Recruit, onboard, and retain top talent while cultivating an inclusive, high-performing culture focused on collaboration, innovation, and…