Pharmacy Network Contracting Manager

Who We Are: SmithRx is a rapidly growing, venture-backed Health-Tech company. Our mission is to disrupt the expensive and inefficient Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) sector by building a next-generation drug acquisition platform driven by cutting edge technology, innovative cost saving tools, and best-in-class customer service. With hundreds of thousands of members onboarded since 2016, SmithRx has a solution that is resonating with clients all across the country. We pride ourselves for our mission-driven and collaborative culture that inspires our employees to do their best work. We believe that the U.S healthcare system is in need of transformation, and we come to work each day dedicated to making that change a reality. At our core, we are guided by our company values: Integrity: Our purpose guides our actions and gives us confidence in the path ahead. With unwavering honesty and dependability, we embrace the pressure of challenging the old and exemplify ethical leadership to create the new. Courage: We face continuous challenges with grit and resilience. We embrace the discomfort of the unknown by balancing autonomy with empathy, and ownership with vulnerability. We boldly challenge the status quo to keep moving forward—always. Together: The success of SmithRx reflects the strength of our partnerships and the commitment of our team. Our shared values bind us together and make us one. When one falls, we all fall; when one rises, we all rise. Job Summary: The Pharmacy Network Contracting Manager supports the Director of Contracting by serving as the principal process owner for day-to-day pharmacy network contracting operations while partnering closely with Provider Relations to support a strong provider experience at scale. Operating as a highly autonomous individual contributor, this role owns the contracting pipeline and governance, and ensures agreements are negotiated, executed, and accurately configured in SmithRx’s claims adjudication system—including reimbursement rates, network participation, and effective dates. The key objective is to improve contracting throughput, consistency, configuration accuracy, and audit readiness while reducing provider friction through clear coordination, communication, and issue resolution. What you will do: Lead day-to-day pharmacy contracting operations, serving as the principal subject matter expert and providing mentorship and process guidance to team members. Own and optimize the contracting pipeline (intake, prioritization, aging, execution timelines, and deliverables). Govern the end-to-end contract lifecycle across new agreements, amendments, renewals, notices, and terminations, including milestone and deadline tracking. Lead complex contract negotiation workflows and redline reviews partnering directly with Legal and internal stakeholders to mitigate systemic risks. Ensure all reimbursement exhibits, fee schedules, and effective dates are meticulously accurate, approved, and implementation-ready. Drive rate loading and network configuration in the claims adjudication system to ensure executed terms are implemented accurately and on time. Architect and enforce controls and QA frameworks for rate setup (effective dates, plan/network mapping, reimbursement logic, and exception handling). Monitor and manage the rate load/configuration backlog, proactively prioritize urgent builds, mitigate and escalate risks that could impact go-lives or claim outcomes. Own post-load validation checkpoints (test claims/spot checks, variance reviews, and issue triage) lead root-cause analysis and ensure corrections are completed. Partner strategically with Provider Relations to align contracting timelines, onboarding requirements, and provider-facing communications during contracting and execution. Act as the definitive escalation point for contracting- or configuration-related provider escalations; document root causes and drive resolution through and across the appropriate teams. Author, govern, and maintain contracting playbooks, SOPs, templates, clause guidance, and standard responses to improve speed, consistency, and provider clarity. Drive contract repository and configuration documentation governance (version control, naming standards, executed package completeness, approvals, and change history). Leverage data to provide routine reporting on contracting/configuration volume, cycle time, backlog, and issue trends; lead continuous process improvement initiatives to scale operations. Architect and maintain a comprehensive contracting knowledge base (FAQs, standard workflows, and escalation paths) to drive internal enablement and elevate the provider experience. What you will bring to SmithRx: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience in PBM, managed care, healthcare contracting, network operations, or provider relations. 8+ years of experience in pharmacy/provider contracting, PBM network operations, or healthcare contract administration. 2+ years of experience serving as a principal subject matter expert, process owner and/or managing high-volume contracting workflows. Exceptional ability to interpret complex contract language, lead redline negotiations, and strategically identify business, operational, and compliance risks. Deep technical understanding of claims adjudication and pharmacy reimbursement configuration (how executed terms translate into system setup). Proven experience architecting or overseeing rate loading and configuration accuracy, including effective-date controls and mapping requirements. Demonstrated ability to work provider-facing issues through resolution while balancing contracting standards and operational feasibility. Advanced cross-functional stakeholder management skills across Provider Relations, Legal, Pricing, Credentialing, Operations, Compliance, and Finance. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly document complex issues, decisions, and next steps. Meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to autonomously manage competing priorities and deadlines. Advanced proficiency with Excel/Google Sheets and contract tracking/document management practices. PBM pharmacy network experience (retail, PSAO/independents, specialty) preferred. What SmithRx Offers You: Highly competitive wellness benefits including Medical, Pharmacy, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance and AD&D Insurance Flexible Spending Benefits 401(k) Retirement Savings Program Short-term and long-term disability Discretionary Paid Time Off Paid Company Holidays Wellness Benefits Commuter Benefits Paid Parental Leave benefits Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Well-stocked kitchen in office locations Professional development and training opportunities Zone A includes the following locations: San Francisco Bay Area