Opportunity

Reporting directly to the CFO, the Vice President is the primary face of external payer relations who positions the network for financial performance through sophisticated payer strategies which translate the system’s value into reimbursement success. This leader drives strategic alignment across departments and ensures the delivery of fair, mission-aligned agreements with government and commercial payers. Key priorities include enhancing payer relationships, securing optimal reimbursement terms to align the interests of MLH providers in attractive payer contract negotiations, improving rates and outcomes on fee-for-service contracts in the near-term, as well as building out risk-bearing payment models to create collaborative partnerships with high-value payers and providers in the long-term.

As an advisor to the CFO, COO and CEO on decisions shaping strategic managed care partnerships, payer performance, and managed care operations, the Vice President will play a highly visible role in advancing MLH’s vision for next-generation reimbursement models across the enterprise. This individual will have broad authority to direct both the greater strategy and core operations for the managed care function by shaping their future team.



A rare inaugural opportunity for a strong managed care executive to showcase their skills, the successful candidate is an influential leader with a clear focus on evaluating and optimizing payer contracts. The Vice President of Payer Strategy and Relations will make a lasting impact at this expanding health system, by helping drive its core mission to enhance health and well-being through high-quality, innovative and compassionate care to the people of Memphis, Tennessee.

Position Summary

The VP of Payer Strategy and Relations is a leadership role responsible for shaping and executing a payer strategy that advances the mission across Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare (MLH). The VP will lead all aspects of payer engagement including contracting, rates and reimbursement strategy, and value-based care innovation to support clinical excellence, financial sustainability, and equitable access to care.



This role requires an experienced and visionary leader with a deep understanding of healthcare quality methodologies, regulatory requirements, and the complexities of a large, integrated health system. The VP of Payer Strategy and Relations will be a trusted partner both internally and externally and lead high-impact negotiations, drive strategic alignment across departments and ensure the delivery of fair, mission-aligned agreements with government and commercial payers.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Health Administration, Finance, or a related field required.
• Master’s degree (MBA, MHA, MPH, or related field) strongly preferred.
• At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in managed care, payer contracting, or healthcare strategy preferably within a health system or integrated delivery network.
• Recent leadership experience with a managed care organization preferred.