Senior manager, vendor contract and performance management

Salary Range: $135,136.00 (Min.) - $175,676.00 (Mid.) - $216,218.00 (Max.)

Established in 1997, L.A. Care Health Plan is an independent public agency created by the state of California to provide health coverage to low-income Los Angeles County residents. We are the nation’s largest publicly operated health plan. Serving more than 2 million members, we make sure our members get the right care at the right place at the right time.

Mission: L.A. Care’s mission is to provide access to quality health care for Los Angeles County's vulnerable and low-income communities and residents and to support the safety net required to achieve that purpose.

Job Summary

1 Position Available

The Senior Manager of Vendor Contract and Performance Management is responsible for the comprehensive stewardship of a portfolio of complex provider, vendor, specialty health plan, or governmental relationships, ensuring excellence in managed care partnerships. This leader holds full accountability across the provider lifecycle, including contract negotiation, execution, implementation, onboarding, and ongoing relationship management. Delivers seamless operational performance, timely claims and payment resolution, and effective dispute management. Establishes an integrated view of contractual, operational, financial, and performance considerations for each account, provides clarity and drives strategic alignment.

The role ensures clear accountability and dedicated points of contact for assigned entities within the Health Plan, develops tailored account management strategies, and coordinates cross-departmental activities to resolve operational deficiencies and adapt to evolving provider partnerships. As the architect of contract strategy, the Senior Manager leads negotiations, manages performance expectations, oversees joint operational activities, and evaluates contract terms for financial, operational, regulatory, and relationship implications.

Serves as the strategic liaison for provider relations and performance management. The Senior Manager facilitates productive relationships, conducts performance reviews, translates data into actionable interventions, and escalates persistent underperformance to senior leadership. Develops a high-performing team and fosters a culture of ownership, accountability, analytical thinking, responsiveness, and end-to-end problem solving.

Manages all aspects of running an efficient team, including hiring, supervising, coaching, training, disciplining, and motivating direct reports. Oversees the development, implementation, administration, and maintenance of the department's programs, policies, and procedures. Responsible for driving management and performance to ensure that the team can lead high-level decisions that impact on the success of L.A. Care.

Duties

Lead the comprehensive stewardship of a portfolio of complex provider, vendor, specialty health plan, or governmental relationships and responsible for ensuring a commitment to excellence in managed care partnerships. Accountable for the provider lifecycle—from contract negotiation and execution to implementation, onboarding, and ongoing relationship management. Ensure seamless operational performance, timely claims and payment resolution, and effective dispute management. Establish a unified, integrated view of contractual, operational, financial, and performance considerations for each account, drive clarity and strategic alignment across all touchpoints.

Ensure that every assigned entity has clear accountability and a dedicated point of contact within the Health Plan. Develop tailored account management strategies, factoring in complexity, risk, strategic significance, financial impact, and performance metrics. Oversee the coordination of cross departmental activities to resolve operational deficiencies, performance issues, reporting gaps, and payment matters, adapting to evolving provider partnerships as organizational priorities shift.

As the architect of contract strategy, lead negotiations within established parameters, manage provider and partner performance expectations, and oversee joint operational activities. Resolves complex claims and operational issues, manage contractual disputes, and escalate material risks as appropriate. Evaluate proposed contract terms for financial, operational, regulatory, and relationship implications. Maintain vigilance over notice periods, renewal dates, reimbursement terms, and deliverables.

Act as the strategic liaison for assigned entities. Serve as the single point of contact for complex questions and concerns. Facilitate productive relationships, conduct structured performance reviews, translate performance data into actionable interventions, and escalate persistent underperformance with recommended actions to senior leadership.

Lead and develop a high-performing team capable of managing complex relationships across the managed care provider lifecycle. Fosters a culture of ownership, accountability, analytical thinking, responsiveness, and end-to-end problem solving, maintaining professionalism and consistency in all internal and external interactions.

Manage staff and day-to-day activities in the department. Responsible for scheduling, training, performance, corrective actions, mentor, and the development of the team(s). Foster and promote a culture of transparency, continuous improvement, accountability, and shared ownership of enterprise goals.

Implement and provide guidance to the departmental and organizational processes and policies and work with senior management to define, prioritize, and develop projects and programs. Manage complex projects, engage and update key stakeholders, develop timelines, lead others to complete deliverables on time and ensure implementation upon approval.

Responsible for Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Participate in the department budgeting process. Responsible for overseeing and managing the budgets of their respective departments.

Plan and implement systems and procedures to maximize operating efficiency and achieve strategic priorities.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Duties Continued

Education Required

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or Related Field. In lieu of degree, equivalent education and/or experience may be considered.

Education Preferred

Master's Degree

Experience

Required:

• At least 7 years of experience managing complex provider, vendor, or health plan relationships within managed care.
• At least 5 years of experience leading staff, supervising staff or people management.
• Experience in contract negotiations, implementation, onboarding, and ongoing account management, with demonstrated success resolving operational, claims, and contractual issues.
• Experience in contract evaluation, performance management, and serving as a strategic liaison for providers is critical.
• Experience in developing tailored account management strategies, coordinating cross-functional teams, and ensuring clear accountability for assigned entities is critical.
• Experience building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of accountability, analytical thinking, and professionalism.
• Experience in change management, supporting teams through transitions.

Skills

Required:

• Strong skills in developing account strategies, coordinating cross-functional teams, and adapting to evolving priorities are essential.
• Deep knowledge and expertise in managing complex provider, vendor, or health plan relationships within a managed care environment.
• Strong skills leading contract negotiations, executing and implementing agreements, and overseeing onboarding and ongoing account management.
• Demonstrated strong operational acumen, with proven ability to resolve claims, payment, and contractual disputes efficiently.
• Leadership skills are paramount, including the ability to build and guide high-performing teams, foster a culture of ownership and analytical thinking, and maintain professionalism in all interactions.
• Strong interpersonal skills for building relationships, fostering teamwork, and creating a positive work environment. Ability to guide and support team members.
• Excellent ability to set clear goals, develop strategic plans to achieve those goals, and inspire others to work towards a shared vision.
• Skilled in mediating disputes and resolving conflicts in a fair and constructive manner.
• Must have a deep understanding of financial principles.
• Ability and excellent knowledge in developing and managing budgets, forecasting future financial outcomes, and making informed decisions about resource allocation.
• Demonstrated ability to make informed decisions.
• Strong verbal, written communication and presentation skills.
• Deep understanding of the industry, market dynamics, and organizational operations to identify opportunities and navigate challenges.
• Strong ability and knowledge to analyze market trends, anticipate future changes, and develop long-term strategies that align with the company's goals.

Preferred:

• Ability to adapt in evolving provider partnerships and organizational priorities.
• Advanced analytical abilities to interpret operational, financial, and performance data.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements and compliance standards.
• Ability to proactively identify and address performance gaps, and ability to translate data into actionable interventions.

Licenses/Certifications

Required

Licenses/Certifications Preferred

Required Training

Physical Requirements

Light

Additional Information

Required: Travel to offsite locations for work required. Salary Range Disclaimer: The expected pay range is based on many factors such as geography, experience, education, and the market. The range is subject to change.

L.A. Care offers a wide range of benefits including

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Retirement Plans
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Wellness Program
• Volunteer Time Off (VTO)