VP Payer Contracting - Remote

About the role

For those who want to invent the future of health care, here's your opportunity. We're going beyond basic care to health programs integrated across the entire continuum of care. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. As the VP Payer Contracting on our Optum Care team supporting the New England market, you will play a key leadership role in guiding the development and execution of strategic payer and preferred relationships. In this role, you will lead high-performing teams, shape value-based reimbursement arrangements, and cultivate key network partnerships that support outstanding patient care and drive enterprise results. By championing innovative contracting strategies and robust reporting structures, you will help transform care delivery across emerging provider networks while leveraging the extensive resources and backing of a Fortune 4 leader. If you are located in Massachusetts, you will have the flexibility to work remotely as you take on some tough challenges. You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Responsibilities

• Lead payer and preferred provider contracting strategy and execution for Optum Care's New England market
• Ensure Optum's payer contracts are best-in-class, financially sustainable, and aligned with organizational strategic goals
• Develop, negotiate, and execute value-based arrangements, including full risk, shared risk, capitation, and pay-for-performance models
• Cultivate and maintain strategic partnership relationships between Optum and key payer and preferred network partners
• Partner internally with Optum clinical and operational leaders to support contract performance and operational alignment
• Develop and optimize reporting, governance, and oversight structures to track key performance metrics and achieve strategic goals
• Lead, mentor, and direct the market payer and preferred provider contracting team
• Drive strategies and resolve complex business challenges that span multiple functions, disciplines, or market sites

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of management experience in payer contracting, network management, or a closely related role with accountability for business results
• 5+ years of experience developing and managing medical cost and administrative budgets
• 5+ years of experience with payer or provider contracting, including hands-on experience with risk- and value-based payment methodologies (e.g., full risk, shared risk, capitation)
• Demonstrated expert-level knowledge of healthcare reimbursement methods, pricing structures, and regulatory systems

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of specific contracting experience within the Massachusetts and broader New England healthcare market
• Experience establishing senior executive reporting and performance governance for value-based contracts
• Proven track record of leading matrixed teams and driving multi-market strategy within large healthcare organizations

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Incentive and recognition programs
• Equity stock purchase
• 401k contribution

Pay

Pay is based on several factors including local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. The salary for this role will range from $159,300 - $273,200 annually based on full-time employment.