Provider Contracting Senior Manager, AVP Network Management – Cigna Healthcare – Houston, TX

Join Cigna Healthcare, a division of The Cigna Group, to shape the future of our provider network. As the Provider Contracting Senior Manager, AVP Network Management, you’ll lead a team, build strong partnerships, and drive strategies that help our customers receive high-quality, affordable care. If you thrive in a fast-paced setting, enjoy problem solving, and want to drive meaningful impact, this is an exciting opportunity to grow and lead in a dynamic environment. 

Responsibilities 

• Lead and develop a high-performing contract team, fostering a culture of growth, collaboration, and accountability. 

• Drive contracting and network strategies across our Commercial business and other product lines to strengthen market competitiveness.  

• Negotiate complex fee-for-service and value-based contracts with health systems, hospitals, and large provider groups to improve affordability and quality. 

• Build and maintain trusted provider partnerships, expanding value-based opportunities and advancing local market strategy. 

• Champion cross-market and cross-functional initiatives that support broader business goals.  

• Collaborate with matrix partners (i.e., Claims, Medical Management, Credentialing) to ensure smooth operations and aligned execution. 

• Identify opportunities to advance value-based contracting and expand new risk-based arrangements, supported by strong financial impact analyses, performance modeling, and scenario planning. 

• Oversee provider relationship management, competitive landscape awareness, and accurate, timely contract loading and network implementation.  

Required Qualifications 

• The ideal candidate will work a hybrid schedule in the Houston, TX office.

• 7+ years of provider contracting and negotiation experience with complex delivery systems, along with a proven track record managing senior-level provider relationships  

• Leadership experience, including mentoring direct reports and supporting talent development 

• Deep knowledge of reimbursement methodologies, including value-based and incentive-driven models 

• Proven relationship-building skills, with demonstrated success building external partnerships and navigating integrated delivery systems 

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to influence provider and sales audiences 

• Advanced problem-solving, decision-making, negotiation, and financial analysis skills 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 

• Ability to travel as needed 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (significant industry experience may substitute); MBA/MHA preferred  

• Leadership experience in a matrixed organization 

• Background in managed care, provider business models, and network strategy 

• Ability to lead through change with confidence, empathy, and clarity 

If you will be working at home occasionally or permanently, the internet connection must be obtained through a cable broadband or fiber optic internet service provider with speeds of at least 10Mbps download/5Mbps upload.

About Cigna Healthcare

Cigna Healthcare, a division of The Cigna Group, is an advocate for better health through every stage of life. We guide our customers through the health care system, empowering them with the information and insight they need to make the best choices for improving their health and vitality. Join us in driving growth and improving lives.

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, age, disability, sex, childbirth (including pregnancy) or related medical conditions including but not limited to lactation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital or familial status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by applicable equal employment opportunity laws.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing the online application process, please email: SeeYourself@cigna.com for support. Do not email SeeYourself@cigna.com for an update on your application or to provide your resume as you will not receive a response.

The Cigna Group has a tobacco-free policy and reserves the