Program Manager – Authorization Turnaround Time Governance at Centene

**Who this is for** This role is for a seasoned program manager with a strong background in healthcare operations, specifically focusing on Utilization Manageme

Work type: remote

Location: Remote-MO

Salary: $87,700 – $157,800/yr

Type: Full-time

Summary

**Who this is for** This role is for a seasoned program manager with a strong background in healthcare operations, specifically focusing on Utilization Management (UM) turnaround times and regulatory compliance. **Key highlights** You will lead enterprise-wide initiatives to optimize UM performance, working cross-functionally to restructure teams, monitor service-level expectations, and drive improvements in member and provider experiences. **You might be a good fit if you...** - Have 8+ years of experience leading complex, large-scale cross-functional programs. - Possess deep expertise in healthcare UM standards, regulatory reporting, and compliance. - Are proficient in project management tools and executive-level dashboard creation. - Can successfully navigate and resolve operational bottlenecks with executive leadership.

Job Description

You could be the one who changes everything for our 28 million members. Centene is transforming the health of our communities, one person at a time. As a diversified, national organization, you’ll have access to competitive benefits including a fresh perspective on workplace flexibility.

Position Purpose: The Program Manager leads enterprise‑wide initiatives focused on governing, monitoring, and improving adherence to utilization management (UM) turnaround times (TAT). This role ensures TAT standards are clearly defined, measured, and met through disciplined program management, cross‑functional coordination, and proactive risk and issue management.

Responsibilities:

Lead large‑scale, cross‑functional programs supporting UM turnaround time (TAT) governance and improvement, including working with organizational leaders on restructuring and realignment of teams to meet regulatory and operational TAT requirements.

Oversee all aspects of UM TAT program planning, management, and execution, including scope, schedule, budget, dependencies, and readiness for implementation.

Create comprehensive timelines and ensure project teams develop and maintain deliverables aligned to UM TAT standards, regulatory timelines, and internal service‑level expectations.

Drive complex UM regulatory alignment initiatives by coordinating the work of project managers and business analysts across Operations, Clinical, Benefit Operations, Compliance, Analytics, and Technology teams.

Ensure workstreams are sequenced and integrated appropriately to avoid downstream impacts to authorization decision timelines and member/provider experience.

Create and maintain executive‑level dashboards and scorecards that track turnaround time performance, trends, and compliance with regulatory and internal standards.

Partner with analytics teams to develop ongoing post‑implementation reporting that monitors TAT outcomes, identifies bottlenecks, and highlights emerging risks.

Create and maintain tracking mechanisms for open questions and documentation of status and decisions. Ensure clear visibility into in‑flight work and progress toward TAT improvement goals.

Prepare and deliver concise, decision‑ready materials for Program Steering Committees and Executive Leadership, including TAT performance updates, root cause analysis, and recommended actions.

Proactively manage risks, dependencies, resource constraints, and forecasts that may jeopardize turnaround time commitments.

Serve as the first point of escalation for TAT issues; work directly with project teams to resolve operational, process, or technology barriers impacting timely authorization decisions.

Develop and implement mitigation plans to address systemic delays and prevent recurrence.

Create and deliver best‑practice guidance, standard workflows, and training related to TAT expectations for indirect reports, peers, and stakeholders.

Partner with training teams to develop and update materials that reinforce TAT and other UM governance standards and operational consistency.

Effectively communicate TAT program goals, progress, risks, and outcomes to stakeholders at all levels, translating business, operational, and technology impacts into clear, actionable insights.

Ensure alignment across stakeholders on authorization turnaround expectations, accountability, and continuous improvement priorities.

Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent experience required. Master’s degree preferred. 8+ years of Program or Project Management experience required. Previous experience as a lead in a functional area, managing cross-functional teams on large scale projects or supervisory experience including hiring, training, assigning work, and managing the performance of staff required. Proficiency in MS Office applications and project management tools required. Healthcare experience and/or managed care experience preferred.

License/Certification: Project Management Professional (PMP) or Program Management Professional (PgMP) preferred

Pay Range: $87,700.00 - $157,800.00 per year

Centene offers a comprehensive benefits package including: competitive pay, health insurance, 401K and stock purchase plans, tuition reimbursement, paid time off plus holidays, and a flexible approach to work with remote, hybrid, field or office work schedules. Actual pay will be adjusted based on an individual's skills, experience, education, and other job-related factors permitted by law, including full-time or part-time status. Total compensation may also include additional forms of incentives. Benefits may be subject to program eligibility.

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