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Contract Negotiator V

Centene · TX · Remote available · $107,700–$199,300 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 3, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Walk me through the most complex provider contract you negotiated. What was at stake and how did it end?

What they are checking: Whether they have led large negotiations at the senior level a Contract Negotiator V requires.

How do you explain a complex rate proposal to executives who need to approve it?

What they are checking: Whether they can make complicated contract terms clear to an executive audience.

Tell me about a negotiation where you had to walk away or accept less than you wanted.

What they are checking: Whether they know their limits and can make a hard judgment call honestly.

How do you keep a good long-term relationship with a provider after a tough negotiation?

What they are checking: Whether they see partnerships as ongoing, which the posting stresses.

What would you do

A major health system threatens to leave the network, which would create a network adequacy problem. How do you approach the talks?

What they are checking: Whether they can protect member access while still holding a reasonable line on cost.

A signed agreement is not performing as expected after six months. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they track results and use corrective action plans or amendments when needed.

How do you manage several strategic negotiations at once without any of them slipping?

What they are checking: Whether they can organize a heavy workload of high-stakes deals.

About the work

How do you prepare financially before sitting down with a large hospital system?

What they are checking: Whether they model rates, utilization and total cost before the meeting, not during it.

What reimbursement methods have you negotiated, such as DRGs, percent of Medicare or value-based terms?

What they are checking: Whether they know the payment structures that drive provider contract value.

What market research do you do to understand a Texas region before a negotiation?

What they are checking: Whether they know local competitors, provider leverage and market rates in the area they cover.

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The full job description

As published by Centene.

Position Purpose: Identify, negotiate and manage high performing provider and vendor partnerships. Key Details: The Contract Negotiator V delivers significant organizational value by leading complex provider negotiations, strengthening strategic partnerships, supporting affordability and network adequacy goals, and serving as a senior contracting expert. This role requires advanced negotiation, organizational, analytical, and presentation skills to effectively manage multiple strategic initiatives, communicate complex concepts to executive audiences, and drive business outcomes that enhance the performance and sustainability of the provider network. The team prefers a candidate that lives in TX. • Negotiate vendor or provider contracts and manage implementations and ongoing relationships. • Perform market research and analysis as directed. • Define, initiate, and direct financial analyses and operational reporting for the assigned vendor and provider agreements. • Lead, manage, and track ongoing financial and operational success of designated partnership. • Develop and initiate corrective action plans or agreement modifications where necessary, coordinating with local health plans and other applicable internal teams. • Initiate and lead meetings with health plans and corporate teams, including executive management, to review vendor and provider agreement performance data and scorecards, and partnership strategy. Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Finance or related field or equivalent experience. 8+ years of vendor and/or provider contract negotiations, contract analysis and/or modeling experience in health care or similar industry. Experience negotiating contracts with successful outcomes and measurable financial results. Experience with presenting and communicating negotiation strategies and results at senior levels. Experience with health care provider negotiations for pharmacy benefit management or managed care preferred. Pay Range: $107,700.00 - $199,300.00 per year At Centene, we connect people to the care they need to live healthier lives — and the work you do here makes that impact real every day. You’ll take on meaningful challenges that directly support individuals, families, and communities, building your skills while making healthcare more accessible and effective. It’s work with a purpose you can see, backed by a team committed to improving lives well beyond the workday. Centene offers a comprehensive benefits package including: competitive pay, health insurance, 401K and stock purchase plans, tuition reimbursement, paid time off plus holidays, and a flexible approach to work with remote, hybrid, field or office work schedules. Actual pay will be adjusted based on an individual's skills, experience, education, and other job-related factors permitted by law , including full-time or part-time status. Total compensation may also include additional forms of incentives. Benefits may be subject to program eligibility. Centene is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, and values the ways in which we are different. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristic protected by applicable law. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with the LA County Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act

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