Manager, Payor Strategy and Contracting

About the role

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 . 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.

Responsibilities

• Payer Strategy & Negotiation
• 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
• Deal Architecture & Financial Alignment
• 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
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• 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
• Market Intelligence & Relationship Management
• 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

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
• What Success Looks Like
• Accelerated execution of high-priority payer contracts with improved rate structures
• Clear linkage between payer agreements and margin + pricing strategy
• Established internal operating model for payer contracting that scales with growth
• Strengthened payer relationships that position Wheel for long-term partnership
• Wheel is committed to equal employment opportunities for all team members. Every decision we make regarding employment is solely based on merit, competence, and performance. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.
• Research shows that underrepresented groups typically apply only if they meet 100% of the criteria listed. At Wheel, we encourage women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ job seekers to apply for positions even if they don't check every box for the role.

Benefits

Additional Information

Position: Manager, Payor Strategy & Contracting (Contract) Location: Remote

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