Payer Partnerships Director

About the role

Lyra Health, a provider of evidence-based mental health care, is seeking a Payer Partnerships Director to lead the contracting strategy and execution for its Health Plans and Health Systems vertical. The role works closely with business development and the solutions team to drive market strategy, forge new payer relationships and ensure optimal coverage. It suits someone familiar with modern approaches to payer contracting in behavioral health, moving beyond traditional fee-for-service models to bundled rates and tailored products.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end payer contracting strategy to secure net-new contracts and expand coverage in key markets
• Negotiate rates, terms and contract language with national and regional health plans
• Drive the contracting roadmap from initial outreach to execution and implementation
• Partner with Operations, Business Development and Clinical leadership to align on market activation and prioritise contracting targets
• Translate business development goals into targeted network development initiatives
• Cultivate long-term relationships with decision-makers and network managers at health plans and act as primary relationship owner
• Analyse market trends, competitive intelligence and reimbursement landscapes to refine the contracting playbook
• Track and report on contracting KPIs and network adequacy

Required profile

• 12+ years of progressive experience in payer contracting, network development or managed care, preferably in digital health, behavioral health or health tech
• Proven track record of sourcing, negotiating and executing complex fee-for-service and/or value-based contracts with health plans
• Significant experience driving alignment across business development, operations and executive teams
• Deep understanding of the health plan landscape, credentialing, reimbursement and regulatory requirements
• A self-starter who builds net-new relationships and navigates long, complex sales and contracting cycles