Centene Corp

Program Manager – PA Governance & Optimization

Centene Corp • $87K — $157K *
US-AnywhereRemote in Missouri, US
Healthcare
8 - 10 years of experience
Reposted Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience required; Master’s preferred.
  • 8+ years of Program or Project Management experience required.
  • Experience managing cross-functional teams on large scale projects.
  • Proficiency in MS Office applications and project management tools required.
  • Healthcare and/or managed care experience preferred.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) or Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Lead cross-functional Prior Authorization governance initiatives.
  • Oversee PA program planning, management, and execution according to standards.
  • Drive the PA optimization cycle with clear decision points and milestones.
  • Triag and prioritize ad-hoc PA requests efficiently.
  • Coordinate project managers and analysts across various business areas for PA initiatives.
  • Develop and maintain timelines and deliverables to ensure compliance with standards.
  • Track utilization anomalies post-implementation and provide insights.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health insurance.
  • 401K and stock purchase plans.
  • Tuition reimbursement opportunities.
  • Paid time off plus holidays.
  • Flexible work arrangements including remote or hybrid options.
Full Job Description

Position Purpose:The Program Manager is responsible for leading enterprise‑wide Prior Authorization (PA) governance and optimization efforts, ensuring disciplined planning, data‑driven prioritization, and effective execution across regulatory, operational, and clinical initiatives. This role partners closely with organizational leaders to drive alignment, manage change, and ensure PA decisions translate into measurable outcomes.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead large‑scale, cross‑functional PA governance initiatives, including working with organizational leaders to support enterprise PA priorities.

  • Oversee all aspects of PA program planning, management, and execution, ensuring scope, schedule, and budget are managed in alignment with governance standards and enterprise priorities.

  • Drive the enterprise‑wide PA optimization cycle to plan, with clear decision points, sign‑offs, and readiness milestones prior to implementation.

  • Ensure ad‑hoc PA requests are appropriately triaged, prioritized, and executed without disrupting the core optimization cycle or governance cadence.

  • Drive large‑scale initiatives by coordinating the work of project managers and business analysts supporting PA workstreams across Operations, Finance, Benefit Operations, Clinical, Analytics, and Technology.

  • Create and maintain comprehensive timelines, workplans, and deliverables, ensuring teams follow established project and governance standards.

  • Identify implementation risks early and partner with functional leaders to develop mitigation plans ahead of go‑live.

  • Develop and maintain executive‑level dashboards and reporting that provide clear visibility into PA governance decisions, initiative status, risks, and outcomes.

  • Prepare concise, decision‑ready materials for Program Steering Committees and Executive Leadership, including clear rationale, tradeoffs, and recommendations.

  • Partner with PHCO Analytics to monitor post‑implementation impact and validate that approved PA code and policy changes are delivering intended outcomes.

  • Track utilization or spend anomalies following go‑live and ensure insights are surfaced and fed into subsequent PA triage and prioritization cycles.

  • Proactively manage program‑level risks, dependencies, forecasts, and interdependencies across PA initiatives.

  • Serve as the first point of escalation for PA program issues and risks; work directly with project teams to resolve issues and develop mitigation strategies.

  • Escalate well‑formulated risks and recommendations to leadership with clear articulation of business, clinical, and operational impacts.

  • Align stakeholders around data‑based prioritization, PA governance standards, and enterprise decision frameworks.

  • Create and deliver best‑practice guidance and training for indirect reports, peers, and stakeholders to support consistent application of PA governance principles.

  • Partner with training teams to develop and review PA‑related training materials to support operational readiness and adoption.

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.

About Centene Corp

Centene Corporation is a managed healthcare enterprise at the forefront of innovation and growth for government-sponsored and commercial healthcare, providing access to fully integrated, high-quality, and cost-effective services that help people lead healthier lives. The company’s local approach addresses the needs of under-insured and uninsured individuals who often lack the resources required to sustain optimal health and wellness. Centene began as a single health plan in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1984. After an initial period of growth, Michael Neidorff joined as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 1996, moving Centene’s headquarters to St. Louis, Missouri, where it still resides today. In the decades since its humble beginnings, Centene has transformed into a publicly-traded Fortune 500 company serving communities across the United States. In fact, Centene provides coverage in all 50 U.S. states. More than 26 million Americans rely on Centene to access a wide range of insurance solutions, including Medicaid, Medicare, TRICARE, correctional, and behavioral health services. Centene prioritizes the development of technology that addresses systemic conditions impacting the whole health needs of underserved populations. As technology plays an increasingly critical role in diagnosing, managing, and treating disease, Centene understands that it enables better health outcomes for members, lessening the burden for providers, and allowing more automation and efficiency for business operations. As a steward of a significant set of data and insights, Centene leverages this data to not only shape but lead the digital transformation of healthcare and improve the patient-provider experience. Centene’s current CEO, Sarah London, and her team are leading the charge in this new age. Sarah London worked within Centene’s Technology Innovation and Modernization division, spearheading the company’s enterprise-wide technology strategy. Now leading Centene, her focus is on building the next generation of products and services and establishing Centene’s long-term growth and value creation. Although Centene has grown into the No. 1 insurer in the U.S. Health Insurance Marketplace, it has never lost its focus on the individual or its passion for community health. Remaining connected to the individuals and families that need care most is central to Centene’s commitment to shaping a better world of healthcare for the communities it serves. Centene also remains connected to the needs of its employees, who make Centene what it is. Through its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, Centene promotes a safe and inviting environment above all. Because of Centene’s commitment to excellence and progression in the healthcare industry, it has been recognized as a Top Organization for Diversity by Modern Healthcare magazine, a Leading Disability Employer by the National Organization on Disability, a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality by The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, and a global leader by Bloomberg’s Gender-Equality Index, among many other recognitions. Centene was also named a Top 50 Company for Diversity by DiversityInc and a Top Veteran-Friendly Company by U.S. Veterans Magazine. It has also been listed on FORTUNE® magazine's list of the World's Most Admired Companies for several consecutive years.

Centene Corp Careers

Join the dynamic team at Centene Corp, a leader in the healthcare industry, where your career growth and development are prioritized. At Centene Corp, we offer a range of job opportunities that allow you to make a significant impact on our community and beyond.

Explore a World of Opportunities

Discover the diverse career paths available at Centene Corp, from healthcare services to innovative program development. Our job opportunities span various professional fields, offering positions that cater to your unique skills and ambitions. Whether you're looking for an entry-level role or a senior leadership position, Centene Corp is committed to hiring top talent and fostering a culture of excellence.

Innovation and Leadership at Centene Corp

At Centene Corp, innovation and leadership go hand in hand. We empower our team members to lead with confidence and creativity, driving the company forward through strategic innovation and robust leadership. Our leadership programs are designed to cultivate your skills, helping you to thrive as a professional and make meaningful contributions to our company and the communities we serve.

Internships and Early Career Programs

Kickstart your career with Centene Corp through our internship and early career programs. These opportunities provide hands-on experience and a glimpse into the dynamic world of healthcare management. Internships at Centene Corp are a stepping stone to full-time employment, offering invaluable networking opportunities, mentorship, and the chance to develop your resume and interview skills in a real-world setting.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusive Culture

Centene Corp is dedicated to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity fuels innovation and enhances our team's performance. Our diversity training ensures that all team members appreciate and leverage the broad range of experiences and perspectives that each individual brings to the company.

Benefits and Employee Growth

We value our employees' well-being and career aspirations. Centene Corp offers competitive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development programs. Our commitment to your growth is reflected in our continuous learning initiatives and performance management processes that help you achieve your career goals.

Join Our Team

Are you ready to advance your career at Centene Corp? Explore our current job openings and find the position that best matches your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to make a difference.

Stay Connected with Centene Careers

Keep up to date with the latest career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights—all from the people who work at Centene Corp. Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await you at Centene Corp.

SEARCH CENTENE JOBS

Centene Corp is not just a company—it's a place where you can shape your future and impact the lives of millions. Join us in our mission to transform the health of the community, one person at a time.
Learn more about Centene Corp
Size
72,500 employees
Market Cap
$46.5 billion
Industry
Healthcare
Net Income
$1.8 billion
Founded
1984
5 Year Trend
+25.4%
Revenue
$111.1 billion
NASDAQ
CNC
* Ladders Estimates

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