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Associate Partner, Healthcare Payer Consulting

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About Cognizant Consulting

Cognizant Consulting is more than Cognizant's consulting practice. We're a global community of 5,000+ experts dedicated to helping clients reimagine their business. By combining deep industry expertise with technology advisory capabilities, we deliver innovative business solutions for Fortune 500 organizations worldwide.

About the Role

We are seeking an Associate Partner in Healthcare Consulting with deep Payer-domain expertise and a proven ability to shape executive agendas into actionable Payer strategies. The Director will advise payer leaders to frame priorities and investment themes, lead discovery and executive workshops, and develop executive-ready stories: viewpoints, business cases, and roadmaps with boardroom-grade visual communication. The Director will also hold end-to-end accountability for mobilizing and executing consulting engagements. The role emphasizes practical, execution-ready strategy – grounded in payer operating realities and centered on digital modernization, data-driven decisioning, and AI/GenAI-based augmentation.

In this role, you will:

Client Leadership & Executive Advisory

  • Lead strategic discussions on payer transformation topics such as digital modernization, data and analytics, AI/GenAI adoption, interoperability, and regulatory change.
  • Frame ambiguous and complex payer problems into structured narratives, options, and recommendations that support executive decision-making.
  • Present insights and recommendations with strong executive presence and clarity.

Program & Delivery Leadership

  • Lead large, multi-workstream consulting engagements spanning strategy, process, data, and technology.
  • Oversee engagement governance, scope, financials, and risk management
  • Ensure high-quality, insight-driven deliverables that reflect consulting rigor and payer realities
  • Partner with technology and implementation teams to translate strategy into executable roadmaps and outcomes

Practice Development & Business Growth

  • Be accountable for Revenue and Margin targets for assigned portfolio accounts
  • Drive growth through solution shaping, proposal leadership, and expansion of existing payer client relationships
  • Develop and package consulting offerings aligned to payer priorities, including automation, AI-enabled workflows, and compliance-driven change.
  • Contribute to thought leadership through points of view, client workshops, and industry content.

Industry Focus

  • Payer operations: claims, enrollment & billing, provider network management, utilization management and prior authorization, care management, member service, payment integrity, appeals & grievances
  • Payer technology and data landscape: core administrative platforms, digital channels, analytics and reporting, integration and interoperability, regulatory readiness

Work Model

We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring 3 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in city, state.

Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

What you need to have to be considered

  • 15+ years of healthcare consulting experience, with 5+ years leading complex payer-focused engagements.
  • Strong understanding of payer business models, operating processes, and regulatory landscape.
  • Proven ability to lead executive-level discussions and influence senior stakeholders.
  • Exceptional ability to synthesize complex information into clear, decision-oriented communication, using structured and visually compelling narratives

These will help you stand out

  • Master’s degree (MBA, MHA, MPH)
  • Experience with AI/ GenAI, analytics-led transformation, automation, or cloud-enabled payer platforms.
  • Prior experience with top consulting firms or large healthcare payers.

We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

Work Authorization:
Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship (H-1B, L-1B, L-1A, etc.)

Compensation

$180,000-$218,000

This position is eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
  • 401(k) plan and contributions
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Employee assistance program
  • 10 paid holidays plus PTO
  • Paid parental leave and fertility assistance
  • Learning and development certifications and programs

About Cognizant: 
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.

Additional employment information
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Benefits that help you thrive and grow

Our benefits program is built with you in mind—so you can enjoy a fulfilling, balanced and healthy life.

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Financial wellbeing

We regularly review market data to ensure compensation reflects the value you bring. Your benefits extend beyond pay and may include retirement plans, financial education, etc.

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Physical and mental health

We empower you to prioritize your wellbeing through paid time off, flexible working where possible, healthcare plans, counselling, our Mental Health Allyship program and more. 

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Your career, your way

With 350,000+ roles at Cognizant, you’ll have opportunities explore new technologies, industries and locations—and build the skills you need to grow your career.

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Real-world impact

Think about the biggest brands you rely on. Chances are, they rely on us to help strengthen their business. Here, you’ll turn bold ideas into solutions that improve lives everywhere.

Your path to Cognizant

Here’s what you can expect from our hiring process. Please keep in mind that it may vary by role and location. Explore our FAQs to learn more.

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Step 1: Apply to the right opportunity

Find an open role that matches your skills and career goals and show us why you’re the person for the job. Don’t see the right opportunity? Consider joining our Talent Community.

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Step 2: Connect with your recruiter

If one of our recruiters sees a fit, they’ll set up a short intro call to learn more about you and how your experiences and skills match the role.

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Step 3: Show off your skills

If you and our team would like to continue the process, you’ll interview with our hiring team. Some roles may also require technical assessments and/or client interviews.

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Step 4: Decision time

Our team will then review each candidates’ potential to succeed in the role. This step may take some time because we want to find the right fit for both you and us—but you can count on us to keep you updated.

APJ Dez
Cognizant has given me the opportunity to thrive as a leader and as a person. The culture of recognition, the great benefits and the sense of community motivate me, and I strive to give my best every day.
Decree Olam Team Leader - Intuitive Operations & Automation
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Cognizant has one of the best learning ecosystems you can ask for. From sponsored certifications to training platforms to mentorship, we have all that we need to grow.
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I have the privilege of working with an amazing, diverse team with loads of international experience. It’s inspiring when we all bring our different thinking, skills and experience together to deliver great things.
Kate Wilson Technology Consulting Manager

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