Director, Provider Network Strategy & Negotiations

Wellmark; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Wellmark is seeking a Director of Provider Network Contracting to lead strategic negotiations with hospitals, physicians, and other providers, driving value-based and traditional fee-for-service arrangements. You will partner across Legal, Network Contracting, and Operations to design and implement contracting strategies that balance cost, quality, and outcomes.

The role requires strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills, with experience in complex contracts and a matrixed

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or direct equivalent experience.
• 7+ years in healthcare with provider contract work and network contracting strategies.
• Strong negotiation, influence, and relationship management.
• Experience interpreting network analytics, quality outcomes, and claims data.
• Formal leadership experience leading teams in a dynamic, matrixed environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct complex provider network contract negotiations, acting as lead strategist for high-value agreements.
• Manage multi-person teams including coaching, performance, and budgeting.
• Develop strategic plans for expanding or changing the network to meet goals.
• Analyze claim trends and network performance to inform contracting strategies.
• Collaborate across departments to align provider payment strategies and product growth.
• Drive implementation of large-scale provider network strategies across markets.
• Represent Wellmark with external stakeholders on contracts and payment models.
• Lead interdepartmental projects and promote process improvements.

Skills

Negotiation

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Network contracting

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Wellmark is seeking a Director of Provider Network Contracting to lead strategic negotiations with hospitals, physicians, and other providers, driving value-based and traditional fee-for-service arrangements. You will partner across Legal, Network Contracting, and Operations to design and implement contracting strategies that balance cost, quality, and outcomes.

The role requires strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills, with experience in complex contracts and a matrixed