Director, Provider Network Strategy

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in Des Moines, IA, is hiring a Director of Provider Network Contracting to lead high‑value contract negotiations, shape overarching contracting strategies, and align cross‑functional teams across Network Contracting, Payment Strategy, Legal, and Operations. The role emphasizes value‑based arrangements, risk mitigation, and long‑term network sustainability.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive healthcare contracting expertise, strong leadership capabilities,

Qualifications

• 7+ years of healthcare industry experience in provider contract work with success in contracting strategies.
• Strong negotiation and relationship management with high emotional intelligence.
• Experience interpreting network analytics and claims data.
• Leadership experience in a dynamic, matrixed environment.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct complex provider network contract negotiations as primary strategist and decision‑maker for high‑value, complex provider agreements.
• Develop negotiation strategies balancing affordability, quality, risk mitigation, and network sustainability while aligning stakeholder interests.
• Provide leadership and day‑to‑day management of financial and human resources for multiple staff and budgets.
• Develop strategic plans to support expansion or change within the network and partner with all Network team areas.
• Leverage analysis of claim trends, network performance metrics, and market intelligence to inform contracting strategies.
• Partner with key stakeholders to share contracting strategies for commercial and government programs networks.
• Represent Wellmark externally on provider issues pertaining to contracts and payment models.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Relationship management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree or direct and applicable work experience

Master's degree

Job description

Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in Des Moines, IA, is hiring a Director of Provider Network Contracting to lead high‑value contract negotiations, shape overarching contracting strategies, and align cross‑functional teams across Network Contracting, Payment Strategy, Legal, and Operations. The role emphasizes value‑based arrangements, risk mitigation, and long‑term network sustainability.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive healthcare contracting expertise, strong leadership capabilities,