Manager of Payor Contracting

As the Manager of Payor Contracting at SonderMind, you'll be responsible for developing and enhancing relationships with payors, leading negotiations for in-network agreements, and working closely with internal stakeholders to optimize partnership opportunities. Your role will involve strategic planning, data analysis, and effective communication, ensuring that SonderMind's financial goals are met while supporting accessible mental health care.

To qualify for the Manager of Payor Contracting position at SonderMind, candidates should possess a minimum of a BA/BS in Business or Healthcare Administration and at least five years of experience in negotiating payor agreements. Knowledge of managed care regulations and a strong set of negotiation skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.

SonderMind is committed to fostering a positive work environment. As a Manager of Payor Contracting, you'll benefit from an unlimited PTO policy, comprehensive medical coverage, and even free therapy benefits to ensure our staff has access to the care they need. Our competitive 401K matching and additional benefits are designed to enrich the lives of our employees while promoting a healthy work-life balance.

Success in the Manager of Payor Contracting role at SonderMind requires strong negotiation and interpersonal skills, analytical thinking, and the ability to develop strategic solutions. Additionally, candidates should be motivated self-starters who thrive under pressure and possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, enabling them to articulate clear messages to all stakeholders.

Yes, the Manager of Payor Contracting position at SonderMind can be performed remotely, providing flexibility for candidates. However, applicants should be prepared to occasionally travel to the corporate office and attend payor meetings or conferences as needed to strengthen professional relationships and finalize negotiations.

When answering this question, highlight specific examples of successful negotiations you have led, the challenges you faced, and how you adapted your strategies to achieve favorable outcomes. Emphasize your analytical skills and your ability to develop win-win solutions for both the company and the payor.

Consider discussing your approach to establishing and nurturing professional relationships, including regular communication and understanding the unique needs of each payor. You might mention your experience utilizing data and insights to present value propositions that resonate with payor goals.

You can explain that you use a combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis to develop insights that guide negotiation strategies. Be ready to provide examples of how you’ve leveraged data in past negotiations to drive outcomes that align with organizational goals.

Describe your proactive approach to staying up-to-date with managed care regulations, such as attending industry conferences, participating in relevant training, and networking with peers in the field. Emphasize how this knowledge has informed your work as a negotiator.

Prepare a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) response to illustrate your problem-solving skills. Focus on how you identified the issue, developed a strategic approach, and ultimately achieved a positive outcome despite obstacles.

Discuss the importance of collaboration with internal stakeholders to ensure that contractual agreements align with the company's overall financial and operational goals. Highlight how you facilitate discussions to gather input and create joint objectives during the negotiation process.

Share your familiarity with various alternative payment models and how they influence your negotiating strategies. Provide examples of how you’ve worked with these models in the past to improve access to care or reimbursement rates.

Explain your comprehensive preparation process, which includes market research, understanding payor needs, and gathering relevant data to demonstrate the value of SonderMind’s services. Discuss how this preparation has helped you secure successful agreements.

Illustrate your organization and time management skills by explaining how you prioritize tasks and set milestones to keep each negotiation on track. You may also mention tools or software you use to streamline contract management.

Share your personal motivation for working in mental health, whether it’s through personal experiences or a desire to contribute positively to society. Highlight how this passion drives your work and influences how you negotiate with payors.