Associate VP, Network Strategy & Operations

Banner Health•Phoenix, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As the Associate Vice President, Network Strategy & Operations, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our provider network and advancing our value-based care strategy. This highly visible leadership position sits at the intersection of network development, provider engagement, population health, and financial performance. You will lead complex provider negotiations, develop innovative network strategies, and strengthen relationships with physicians, health systems, and accountable care organizations (ACOs) to build a high-performing, clinically integrated network. More than managing provider contracts, you will help create the strategic partnerships that differentiate us in an increasingly competitive healthcare landscape. Banner Plans & Networks (BPN) is an accountable care organization that joins Arizona's largest health care provider, Banner Health, and an extensive network of primary care and specialty physicians to provide the most comprehensive healthcare solutions for Maricopa County and parts of Pinal County. Through BPN, known nationally as an innovative leader in new health care models, insurance plans and physicians are coming together to work collaboratively to keep members in optimal health, while reducing costs. POSITION SUMMARY This executive position is responsible for establishing enterprise-wide vision, strategic direction, and comprehensive oversight of all provider network operations for Banner Health's Insurance Division across multiple states and markets. This includes but is not limited to: Banner Health Networks (BHN, BNSA, BNC, BHN Aspire), Medicare, Medicaid, Commercial ACOs, and emerging value-based care products aligned to Banner's multi-state footprint. This position serves as a key member of the Insurance Division's executive leadership team, responsible for enterprise network development strategy, large-scale provider contracting and partnerships, comprehensive network management including value-based performance optimization, regulatory compliance and network adequacy across all markets, and strategic provider relationships that align with Banner's overall population health strategy and organizational mission. The position will drive innovation in network design, lead transformational initiatives, and represent Banner Health in high-level external partnerships and industry forums.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Management, Business, or related field.
Must possess a strong knowledge and understanding of health plan operations as normally demonstrated through at least 10 years of progressive experience in a major health care organization or health plan setting.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Health system and/or health plan experience highly desirable.
Additional related education and/or experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Establishes and drives the enterprise-wide strategic vision for network development, management, and optimization across all Banner Health markets and product lines.
Leads the development and execution of comprehensive short and long-range strategic goals and objectives that support Banner Health's Insurance Division growth, market expansion, and competitive positioning.
Provides executive oversight of strategic and tactical plans ensuring alignment with Banner's operational facilities, corporate objectives, and system-wide population health initiatives.
Serves as a key strategic advisor to C-suite leadership on network strategy, market opportunities, competitive threats, and industry trends.
Drives innovation in network design models, including narrow networks, tiered networks, and next-generation value-based arrangements.
Establishes provider support model for network management for all network configurations supported by Banner Plans & Networks to include provider engagement, provider relations, and provider satisfaction.
Provides executive oversight and direct leadership for high-stakes negotiations with major health systems, large physician groups, specialty networks, and strategic partners across multiple states.
Leads negotiation strategy for complex, multi-million dollar provider contracts, ensuring optimal financial terms, competitive positioning, and alignment with organizational objectives.
Develops and monitors enterprise-wide financial performance of comprehensive provider networks, ensuring attainment of organizational revenue, cost, and quality objectives.
Translates organizational strategic plans, goals, and initiatives into comprehensive operating and capital budgets with accountability for multi-million dollar P&L performance.
Conducts sophisticated financial modeling and analysis, implementing enterprise-wide performance improvement initiatives to ensure optimal financial outcomes.
Identifies and evaluates emerging reimbursement methodologies, payment models, and their financial impact across all network arrangements and product lines.
Provides executive-level financial reporting and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and Board committees.
Drives enterprise-wide transformation toward value-based care models, leading the design and implementation of innovative payment arrangements, risk-sharing agreements, and performance-based contracting.
Defines and executes comprehensive high-value network development strategies including advanced value-based purchasing models, integrated collaborative care frameworks, Centers of Excellence programs, and ACO development and expansion.
Ensures operational and financial excellence across all provider networks, establishing enterprise-wide performance standards and accountability frameworks.
Leads the development of next-generation network products and innovative care delivery models that differentiate Banner Health in the marketplace.
Champions quality improvement initiatives and population health management strategies across the provider network.
Serves as executive liaison engaging C-suite leaders, Board members, state and regional stakeholders, and external partners to foster high-level collaboration, strategic partnerships, and organizational alignment.
Represents Banner Health in industry associations, regulatory forums, state healthcare initiatives, and strategic partnership discussions.
Builds and maintains executive-level relationships with key provider organizations, health systems, and strategic partners.
Promotes and models organizational values, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence across the enterprise.
Provides executive leadership in cross-functional initiatives involving clinical operations, quality, finance, legal, compliance, and other corporate functions.
Provides executive oversight of provider and ancillary networks supporting Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), Arizona Long Term Care System, Behavioral Health programs, Medicare Advantage, and other government-sponsored programs across Banner Health's service areas.
Ensures enterprise-wide compliance with all federal and state regulatory requirements related to network adequacy, access standards, and quality metrics.
Monitors, reports, and ensures compliance with CMS, state regulatory agencies, and accreditation body requirements.
Develops strategic partnerships with contracted providers ensuring commitment to competitive rates, regulatory compliance, and performance excellence.
Leads enterprise response to regulatory changes, policy updates, and emerging compliance requirements.
Collaborates at an executive level with Delivery System Service Line leaders, physician leadership, and clinical experts in the development and strategic management of specialty High Value Networks across the enterprise.
Provides strategic leadership in the evaluation, development, and expansion of HVN networks across multiple specialties and markets.
Coordinates enterprise-wide implementation strategies across plan operating departments, delivery system departments, and provider organizations.
Ensures development and reporting of comprehensive quality performance metrics and outcomes across all HVN programs.
Drives integration of specialty networks with broader population health and value-based care strategies.
Collaborates with executive leadership of government programs (Pioneer ACO, MSSP, AHCCCS, CMS Innovation Center programs, and other shared savings and alternative payment models) to ensure strategic alignment and network optimization.
Ensures robust provider network infrastructure to support complex regulatory requirements of multiple government program structures.
Establishes enterprise-wide frameworks for provider engagement, performance monitoring, and quality improvement across government programs.
Drives strategic initiatives to maximize performance under value-based payment models and government contracts.
Provides executive leadership in the development, implementation, and consistent application of enterprise-wide policies, procedures, and best practices for network management.
Develops and oversees comprehensive internal controls ensuring safeguards, policies, and operating procedures are followed across all network operations.
Ensures compliance with current laws, regulations, accreditation standards, and industry best practices.
Provides executive oversight of vendor management, including delegated functions performed on behalf of Banner Health Insurance Division.
Establishes performance metrics, accountability frameworks, and continuous improvement processes across all network operations.
Builds and leads a high-performing executive team and organization capable of executing complex network strategies across multiple markets.
Develops organizational capabilities in emerging areas such as data analytics, value-based contracting, and population health management.
Fosters a culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence within the network management organization.
Provides mentorship and development opportunities for senior leaders and emerging talent.