Associate Partner - Healthcare Payer Consulting

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.

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.

• Master’s degree (MBA, MHA, MPH)

• 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

• 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.

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

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.