Manager, Payor Strategy and Contracting

Wheel

1d•Remote

About The Position

Wheel is evolving the traditional care ecosystem by equipping the nation's most innovative companies with a premier platform to deliver high-quality virtual care at scale. We offer proven strategies and cutting-edge technologies to foster consumer engagement, build brand loyalty, and maximize return on investment. Wheel solutions include configurable virtual care programs, an intuitive consumer interface, and access to a nationwide network of board-certified clinicians. Discover how Wheel is transforming the future of healthcare by visiting www.wheel.com. About the Role We are seeking a payor contracting leader to architect and execute Wheel’s payer strategy during a critical phase of growth. This role is not administrative - it is high-impact, externally facing, and directly tied to revenue, margin, and scalability. You will lead complex payer negotiations, design economically sound contract structures, and bring established relationships and credibility with national and regional health plans. The right candidate understands how to translate innovative care models into compelling payer value propositions - and has the track record to get those deals across the finish line at strong rates. This role will also serve as a strategic partner to leadership, ensuring payer agreements align with Wheel’s evolving care models, pricing strategy, and long-term margin goals.

Requirements

8–10+ years in managed care contracting, with a strong track record of leading negotiations with national and regional health plans
Proven ability to secure competitive rates and structure complex agreements (FFS, VBC, risk-based)
Established strategic payor relationships — you know who to call, and they pick up
Deep understanding of reimbursement models, healthcare economics, and virtual care delivery
Experience aligning contracting strategy with financial models, pricing, and operational realities
Highly credible communicator who can operate at both executive and operator levels
Comfortable in ambiguity — able to build structure where none exists and move quickly

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end negotiation of payer agreements, including FFS, value-based, risk-bearing, and hybrid models
Drive rate optimization and contract structures that improve contribution margin and long-term scalability
Leverage existing payer relationships to accelerate deal cycles and unlock favorable terms
Review health plan contract language, and is familiar with payor, medical group/IPA, and hospital/ancillary contract language and reimbursement mechanisms
Applies knowledge of healthcare delivery system, IPA operations, managed care, healthcare laws in assisting with the development of contracting strategies
Build tools and reporting that give leadership visibility into payer performance and opportunities
Partner with Legal, Finance and Ops to align contracts with unit economics, pricing strategy, and regulatory requirements/healthcare laws
Translate clinical programs (virtual care, longitudinal care, life sciences) into compelling, reimbursable models
Ensure contracts support enterprise goals around margin expansion and sustainable growth
Act as the central quarterback across Legal, Finance, Clinical, and Ops to structure and finalize deals
Provide clear guidance on tradeoffs, risks, and strategic implications of contract terms
Build internal clarity on how payer dynamics impact product, pricing, and operations
Maintain and deepen senior-level relationships across national and regional payers
Bring forward insights on payer priorities, reimbursement trends, and competitive positioning
Position Wheel as a credible, strategic partner