Payer Relations and Contracting Process Manager

Ascension; St. Louis (MO); Remote; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage (medical, dental, etc)

403(b) match

PTO & holidays

Tuition reimbursement

EAP & counseling

Parental leave

Other family benefits

Job summary

Ascension is seeking a role in the Revenue Cycle Contracting Managed Care department. The position is remote with a day shift, full-time schedule, and focuses on contract negotiation across government and commercial payers.

The role emphasizes financial modeling, performance reporting, and cross-functional collaboration to optimize revenue and manage vendor relationships. Strong knowledge of managed care regulations is beneficial.

Qualifications

• Education requirement as listed: 3 years of cumulative experience with a High School diploma, or 2 years with Associate's/Bachelor's, or 7 years of cumulative job-specific experience; leadership/management experience preferred.
• 3–5 years hands-on experience in managed care contracting, contract redlining, payer/provider relations, and navigating state/federal regulatory environments such as Medicare/Medicaid/Exchange.

Responsibilities

• Contract reviews and redlines supporting negotiation initiatives across the organization.
• Analyze and interpret data to support negotiation strategies and improve revenue performance.
• Serve as the primary external relationship manager with commercial and government payers and internal teams.
• Develop reporting solutions to track financial and operational contract performance and advise on renewals or terminations.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Financial modeling

Payer relations

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

• Department: Revenue Cycle Contracting Managed Care
• Schedule: Day Shift | Full-Time

Your future role at a glance

• Location: Remote
• Department: Revenue Cycle Contracting Managed Care
• Schedule: Day Shift | Full-Time

How you’ll make an impact in this role

• Contract Negotiation & Redlining: Manage contract reviews and redlines, supporting negotiation initiatives of various scopes across the organization to align with government managed care goals.
• Financial Modeling & Analytics: Analyze and interpret data to support negotiation strategies and improve revenue performance.
• Relationship & Vendor Management: Act as the primary external relationship manager with commercial and government payers (including population health initiatives to optimize spend) as well as internal teams, and key vendor partners.
• Performance Reporting & Portfolio Review: Develop comprehensive reporting solutions to track financial and operational contract performance, presenting actionable evaluations and recommendations for contract renewals, renegotiations, or terminations.

Education

What minimum requirements you’ll need

• High School diploma equivalency with 3 years of cumulative experience OR Associate's degree/Bachelor's degree with 2 years of cumulative experience OR 7 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required. 3 years of leadership or management experience preferred.

Additional Preferences

• 3â5 years of hands‑on experience in managed care contracting, contract redlining, payer/provider relations, and navigating state/federal regulatory environments (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, Exchange).
• Proven capability managing cross functional and payer/ provider relationships, paired with strong proficiency in contract negotiations.

Benefits that help you thrive

• Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options
• Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance
• Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning
• Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources
• Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits
• Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more

Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity

Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 99,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you'll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.

Equal employment opportunity employer

Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.

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