Associate Partner, Healthcare Payer Consulting

Cognizant; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 218,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) plan

Stock purchase plan

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Learning & development

Job summary

Cognizant Consulting is seeking an Associate Partner in Healthcare Consulting with deep payer-domain expertise to shape executive agendas into actionable payer strategies. The Director will advise payer leaders to frame priorities and develop executive-ready stories and roadmaps, with end-to-end accountability for mobilizing engagements and delivering execution-ready strategy.

We offer hybrid work with 3 days in client or Cognizant offices in Chicago, IL, and a focus on digital modernization,

Qualifications

• 15+ years in healthcare consulting with payer-focused engagements.
• Proven ability to lead executive-level discussions and influence senior stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication with visuals for boards.

Responsibilities

• Lead client discussions on payer transformation topics including AI and data modernization.
• Frame complex payer problems into structured narratives and recommendations.
• Oversee large multi-workstream engagements spanning strategy, data, and tech.
• Develop offerings aligned to payer priorities and drive revenue growth.

Skills

Healthcare consulting

Payer domain expertise

Executive advisory

Program leadership

Executive workshops

Education

MBA/MHA/MPH

Job description

About Cognizant Consulting

Cognizant Consulting is more than Cognizant's consulting practice. We're a global community of 5,000+ experts dedicated to helping clients reimagine their business. By combining deep industry expertise with technology advisory capabilities, we deliver innovative business solutions for Fortune 500 organizations worldwide.

About the Role

We are seeking an Associate Partner in Healthcare Consulting with deep Payer-domain expertise and a proven ability to shape executive agendas into actionable Payer strategies. The Director will advise payer leaders to frame priorities and investment themes, lead discovery and executive workshops, and develop executive-ready stories: viewpoints, business cases, and roadmaps with boardroom-grade visual communication. The Director will also hold end-to-end accountability for mobilizing and executing consulting engagements. The role emphasizes practical, execution-ready strategy – grounded in payer operating realities and centered on digital modernization, data-driven decisioning, and AI/GenAI-based augmentation.

In this role, you will:

Client Leadership & Executive Advisory

• Lead strategic discussions on payer transformation topics such as digital modernization, data and analytics, AI/GenAI adoption, interoperability, and regulatory change.
• Frame ambiguous and complex payer problems into structured narratives, options, and recommendations that support executive decision-making.
• Present insights and recommendations with strong executive presence and clarity.

Program & Delivery Leadership

• Lead large, multi-workstream consulting engagements spanning strategy, process, data, and technology.
• Oversee engagement governance, scope, financials, and risk management
• Ensure high-quality, insight-driven deliverables that reflect consulting rigor and payer realities
• Partner with technology and implementation teams to translate strategy into executable roadmaps and outcomes

Practice Development & Business Growth

• Be accountable for Revenue and Margin targets for assigned portfolio accounts
• Drive growth through solution shaping, proposal leadership, and expansion of existing payer client relationships
• Develop and package consulting offerings aligned to payer priorities, including automation, AI-enabled workflows, and compliance-driven change.
• Contribute to thought leadership through points of view, client workshops, and industry content.

Industry Focus

• Payer operations: claims, enrollment & billing, provider network management, utilization management and prior authorization, care management, member service, payment integrity, appeals & grievances
• Payer technology and data landscape: core administrative platforms, digital channels, analytics and reporting, integration and interoperability, regulatory readiness

Work Model

We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring 3 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in city, state.

Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

What you need to have to be considered

• 15+ years of healthcare consulting experience, with 5+ years leading complex payer-focused engagements.
• Strong understanding of payer business models, operating processes, and regulatory landscape.
• Proven ability to lead executive-level discussions and influence senior stakeholders.
• Exceptional ability to synthesize complex information into clear, decision-oriented communication, using structured and visually compelling narratives

These will help you stand out

• Master’s degree (MBA, MHA, MPH)
• Experience with AI/ GenAI, analytics-led transformation, automation, or cloud-enabled payer platforms.
• Prior experience with top consulting firms or large healthcare payers.

Work Authorization:
Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship (H-1B, L-1B, L-1A, etc.)

Compensation

$180,000-$218,000

This position is eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans
Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Employee assistance program
• 10 paid holidays plus PTO
• Paid parental leave and fertility assistance
• Learning and development certifications and programs