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Lyra Health is a leading provider of evidence-based mental health care serving over 20 million people globally through partnerships with employers and health plans. The company has delivered 15+ million mental health sessions and published 35+ peer-reviewed studies demonstrating that Lyra's care model helps people recover twice as fast and reduces overall healthcare claims costs by 26% annually.
The Payer Partnerships Director will lead contracting strategy and execution for the Health Plans & Health Systems vertical, driving net-new payer relationships and ensuring optimal coverage to support growth and expand access to care. This is a strategic role requiring expertise in cutting-edge payer contracting approaches in behavioral health at regional and national levels, moving beyond traditional fee-for-service models to champion bundled rates and innovative programs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead 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, ensuring financial viability and alignment with business goals
- Drive execution of contracting roadmap from initial outreach through contract execution and implementation
- Partner with Operations, Business Development, and Clinical leadership to align market activation strategy and prioritize contracting targets
- Translate market expansion goals into actionable network development initiatives
- Serve as subject matter expert on payer landscape for cross-functional teams
- Cultivate and manage long-term relationships with key decision-makers at health plans
- Act as primary relationship owner for payer partners, establishing Lyra as preferred behavioral health partner
- Analyze market trends, competitive intelligence, and reimbursement landscapes to refine contracting playbook
- Track contracting KPIs and network adequacy, adjusting strategies to optimize member access
Requirements:
- 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 successfully sourcing, negotiating, and executing complex fee-for-service and/or value-based contracts with national and regional health plans
- Significant experience driving alignment across business development, operations, and executive teams
- Deep understanding of health plan landscape, credentialing processes, reimbursement methodologies, and regulatory requirements
- Self-starter who thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments with ability to independently build net-new relationships and navigate complex sales/contracting cycles
