Director, Contracting & Network Development

Director, Contracting & Network Development Location: Clayton, Missouri, United States (Remote) Industry: Insurance Work Setting: Remote (Continental U.S.) with occasional travel. Are you passionate about building high-performing provider networks, leading complex contract negotiations, and driving strategic growth in the healthcare industry? We are seeking an experienced Director of Contracting & Network Development to lead network strategy, provider partnerships, and contracting initiatives while driving market expansion, operational excellence, and financial performance across assigned markets.

Key Responsibilities

Network Strategy & Development

• Develop and execute comprehensive provider network strategies aligned with organizational goals, market demands, and growth initiatives.
• Assess market conditions, provider accessibility, competitive landscapes, and network performance to identify opportunities for expansion and optimization.
• Evaluate network adequacy, provider coverage, and service delivery capabilities to ensure high-quality member access and satisfaction.
• Lead strategic planning efforts for network growth, market entry, and business expansion initiatives.

Provider Contracting & Negotiation

• Lead complex negotiations with hospitals, health systems, physician organizations, ancillary providers, and other healthcare entities.
• Negotiate reimbursement arrangements, contract terms, service agreements, and performance expectations.
• Review and manage contract modifications, renewals, and redline negotiations while balancing organizational objectives and provider relationships.
• Develop innovative contracting strategies that support cost management, quality outcomes, and network sustainability.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with provider executives and key stakeholders.

Network Performance & Financial Management

• Analyze network, provider, operational, and financial performance metrics to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance provider performance, improve access, and optimize healthcare costs.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to network effectiveness, utilization, quality, and financial outcomes.
• Collaborate with internal teams to execute initiatives that improve network value and operational performance.

Market Expansion & Business Growth

• Support new market launches, geographic expansions, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Evaluate provider capacity, market opportunities, resource requirements, and business risks associated with expansion efforts.
• Develop market-specific strategies to strengthen provider participation and network competitiveness.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of business growth initiatives.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop contracting, provider relations, and network management professionals.
• Oversee talent acquisition, onboarding, performance management, coaching, and career development activities.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and results-oriented team culture.
• Manage external consultants and vendors supporting contracting and network development activities.
• Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence across team functions.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with executive leadership, operations, finance, clinical, compliance, and business development teams to align network strategies with organizational objectives.
• Present market insights, network performance updates, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Build productive relationships with provider organizations and industry stakeholders.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on contracting, market strategy, and network development matters.

Operational Excellence

• Monitor operational processes, contracting workflows, and team performance to identify efficiencies and quality improvement opportunities.
• Implement best practices that enhance productivity, contract execution, and provider engagement.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and contractual obligations.
• Drive initiatives that improve operational effectiveness and organizational outcomes.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Health Management, Finance, Public Health, or a related field.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of experience in provider contracting, network development, provider relations, healthcare strategy, or related healthcare business functions.
• Proven experience negotiating complex agreements with hospitals, health systems, physician organizations, and ancillary healthcare providers.
• Experience developing and executing provider network strategies in a managed care, health plan, healthcare services, or payer environment.
• Previous leadership experience with responsibility for hiring, coaching, developing, and managing teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting government-sponsored healthcare programs, value-based care arrangements, or healthcare reimbursement models.
• Strong understanding of healthcare provider contracting methodologies and network development strategies.
• Experience leading market expansion, network optimization, or strategic growth initiatives.
• Demonstrated success managing provider relationships at the executive level.
• Experience overseeing consultants, vendors, or external contracting resources.