Skip to main content

Associate Partner, Healthcare Payer Consulting

00069066381

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.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] with your request and contact information.

 

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.

a blue line drawing of a plant with leaves

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.

Stay Healthy Midnight Blue RGB

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. 

Build The Career You Want Midnight Blue RGB

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.

Making A Meaningful Impact Midnight Blue RGB

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.

Haven't yet found the right opportunity?

Receive the latest updates on job opportunities, recruitment events and company news—tailored just for you!

Talent community