Manager Network Management & Performance

About the Role

Liberty Dental Plan is seeking a skilled Manager of Provider Relations Network Management & Performance to oversee provider network operations, drive performance improvements, and foster strong provider relationships. This role ensures cost-effective care delivery while meeting all contractual service requirements. The Manager will lead Provider Relations staff, including Provider Network Managers and Provider Network Assistants, to support the recruitment and retention of Liberty Dental Plan provider networks across designated regions nationwide.
 

Important: This is a Provider Relations/Provider Network Management leadership role, not an IT position. Strong experience leading dental provider networks, provider relations, contracting, and network development teams is highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead targeted recruitment efforts within assigned regions and execute retention strategies for General Dental Practitioners and Specialty Care Provider Networks to meet contractual obligations.
• Oversee provider network retention initiatives, ensuring long-term stability and engagement.
• Review and manage provider contract documents to ensure accuracy, completeness, and alignment with regional fee schedules.
• Evaluate fee increase requests from Network Managers and present proposed adjustments with justification to Executive Leadership.
• Research market trends and competitor compensation structures to develop and maintain competitive provider fee schedules.
• Implement internal controls and oversee the preparation of fee schedule addenda for assigned territories.
• Manage provider service initiatives, ensuring timely execution and adherence to deadlines.
• Establish and maintain strong provider relationships to promote network stability and trust.
• Collaborate with Provider Relations Operations staff to coordinate network recruitment outreach, including mailings, fax blasts, and notifications.
• Develop performance standards for staff, monitoring productivity to ensure goals are met.
• Hire and train new staff, including conducting interviews, scheduling training, and preparing instructional materials.
• Work with PR executive staff and Liberty's People Team to address employment matters, including performance-related disciplinary actions.
• Prepare and deliver internal and external reports, providing updates on recruitment and service projects to PR executive leadership.
• Work cross-functionally with Claims, Quality Management, Member Services, and other departments to resolve provider-related issues.
• Participate in Utilization Review Committees and other relevant committees as directed by executive leadership.
• Assist in developing and refining processes, policies, and procedures to improve network operations.
• Conduct weekly meetings with direct reports to assess progress and address challenges.
• Provide strategic insights and performance updates to the PR executive team.
• Perform other duties as assigned by executive leadership.

Education & Experience

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Health Administration, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Experience: 4 to 6 years of experience in dental and/or healthcare network management, provider relations, or a related field, including prior leadership experience. 

Skills & Knowledge

• Proven experience managing provider relationships and driving network performance improvements.
• Strong leadership, team-building, and coaching abilities with a collaborative management approach.
• Analytical skills for reporting and trend analysis.
• Knowledge of healthcare delivery systems, provider payment methodologies, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong problem-solving capabilities with a proactive approach to issue resolution.
• Knowledge of dental terminology preferred.
• Familiarity with government dental programs (Medicaid/Medicare) 
• Experience negotiating provider fee schedules.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Skilled at working independently while achieving organizational objectives.
• Strong attention to detail and well-developed organizational skills.
• Excellent customer service orientation.
• Proficient in written and verbal communication.
• Capable of presenting to diverse audiences and negotiating effectively.
• Adept at analyzing problems, gathering relevant data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions.
• Experienced in conducting thorough research and ensuring issue resolution.