Manager, Network

Manager, Network

AArete is one-of-a-kind when it comes to consulting firm culture.

We’re a global, innovative management and technology consulting firm with offices in the U.S., India, and Europe. Our name comes from the Greek word for excellence: “Areté.”  And excellence is exactly what we strive for.  

We’re celebrating our fourth year as one of Forbes’ World’s Best Management Consulting Firms – and our success starts with our people. From robust career development planning to competitive life and wellness benefits, AArete’s “Culture of Care” takes a holistic approach to the employee experience.  

AAretians (our team members) are leaders at every level. You are encouraged to unlock your full potential by directly contributing to our mission and prioritizing personal development and fulfillment. 

The Role

AArete is actively seeking a dynamic Manager to join our Network Solutions practice, supporting healthcare payer clients across the full spectrum of provider network strategy, optimization, and contracting. This is a high –impact delivery role at the intersection of advanced analytics and strategic advisory work; one where you will own workstreams, shape recommendations, and translate complex provider and claims data into measurable network improvements for health plan clients.

The ideal candidate brings deep payer/provider network expertise, a strong analytical foundation, and the ability to operate as both a strategic advisor and a hands-on executer. You are energized by complex, ambiguous challenges at the intersection of cost, quality, and access, and you know how to move from data to insight to action.

Recognized as a high-performing self-starter, critical thinker, and confident communicator, you will play a central role in leading network-focused client engagements and internal initiatives. You will drive workstreams that evaluate network performance, identify optimization opportunities, and translate insights into actionable strategies that deliver measurable impact.

In this role, you will take ownership of leading both strategy and execution, working closely with client stakeholders to design and implement network solutions across areas such as provider segmentation, contracting, and network design. You will also mentor and guide junior team members, ensuring high-quality deliverables and strong team performance. Your expertise and judgment will be critical in delivering practical, implementation-oriented solutions that improve network value and support client growth objectives.

Work You’ll Do

As a Manager at AArete, you will oversee and actively engage with teams to drive successful outcomes through the following:

• Proactively leading teams to understand client needs and challenges, driving initiatives to solve issues and meet goals within specified timelines, while staying actively involved in day-to-day execution
• Leading analytical strategies, integrating insights across analyses, performing quality control on data and outputs, and developing a deep understanding of client problems to identify key issues and opportunities that prompt client action
• Collaborating with Directors, VPs, and MDs to drive project strategy and ensure alignment with client objectives, while actively contributing to execution
• Working closely with stakeholders and team members to develop creative solutions to business problems while balancing leadership and individual contributions
• Owning client communications, presenting analytical findings and recommendations, and independently fielding client questions with minimal support
• Applying healthcare industry knowledge, trends, and insights to provide relevant recommendations and value for clients
• Overseeing and, as needed, directly managing the gathering, refinement, and analysis of complex data sets, including medical claims, pharmacy claims, and financial data, ensuring accurate and comprehensive quantitative analysis
• Leading, mentoring, and coaching team members across client and internal initiatives, fostering a collaborative environment while maintaining active involvement in execution
• Managing projects effectively by working closely with internal teams and client stakeholders, ensuring all aspects of the project are handled, both strategically and operationally
• Supporting the design, implementation, and execution of client and internal solutions, contributing to the development and execution of solutions from the ground up
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• 6+ years of consulting experience, with increasing responsibility across client delivery and team leadership
• 4+ years of experience in the healthcare industry, specifically related to payer/provider contracts 
• 2+ years of people management experience, with proven ability to lead and work closely with teams while also managing day-to-day responsibilities
• Bachelor's degree required
• Strong analytical skills to interpret complex data and deliver actionable insights
• Advanced proficiency utilizing Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, with working knowledge of SQL for data analysis 
• Proven project/process management skills with the ability to balance and prioritize competing responsibilities, while staying involved in detailed execution
• Track record of translating complex claims and provider data into actionable network strategies that deliver measurable financial and performance impact
• Experience working with contract modeling tools, reimbursement analytics, and provider data sources (e.g., contracts, rosters, directories)
• Experience leading network optimization or provider contracting engagements across cost, quality, and access dimensions
• Comfort operating as both a strategic advisor and hands-on operator in provider network transformation
• High self-motivation, accountability, and the ability to inspire and encourage others
• Exceptional independent judgment, leadership, and decision-making capabilities
• Creative, innovative mindset with the ability to think outside the box
• Cultural flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to engage in direct client interaction, including travel to client locations
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship

Preferred Requirements

• Experience with AArete’s other focus industries: Pharmacy, Financial Services, Retail, Manufacturing, Higher Ed, or Technology & Professional Services
• Experience in healthcare systems and digital platforms, including Provider Data Management, Claims Adjudication (e.g., Facets, QNXT, etc.), and related tools, with the ability to leverage these systems to improve data quality, operational efficiency, and end-to-end healthcare processes
• Experience designing or implementing value-based care arrangements (e.g., upside/downside risk, P4P, shared savings models)
• Based in Chicago, IL, and flexible to work from our Chicago office as needed

Compensation & Benefits

• Flexible PTO, monthly half-day refuels, volunteer time off, 10 paid holidays
• Own Your Day flexible work policy
• Competitive majority employer-paid benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K Match
• Generous paid parental leave options
• Employer paid Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability
• Charitable contribution matching program
• New client commission opportunities and referral bonus program
• Bike share discount program

The estimated base salary range for this position is $130,000 – $165,000. In addition to this base salary, individuals may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. This range is a part of a competitive, total compensation package together with our majority employer-paid benefits and incentive pay for eligible roles. Please note that this range is a guideline and individual total compensation may vary due to numerous factors including but not limited to experience level, certifications, and other relevant business considerations.

AArete will accept applications until the position is filled. The job posting will be removed once the role is no longer available. 

We put humans at the center of our work 

We’re a global management and technology consulting firm specializing in strategic profitability improvement, digital transformation, and strategy & change for clients. Our cross-industry solutions are powered by a digital-first mindset, market intelligence, and data-driven approach to deliver purposeful change, actionable insights, and guaranteed results.  

But what sets us apart is our people. We are guided by our deeply embedded guiding principles: Excellence, Passion, Loyalty to Clients, Stewardship, Family, Community, Sustainability, and Inclusion.   

And we’ve been recognized as a top firm to work for by companies like Forbes, Top Workplaces Chicago Tribune, and Consulting Magazine.   

We’ve earned a Great Place to Work Certification™ and been named a World’s Best Management Consulting Firm by Forbes, Vault’s Top 50 Firms to Work For, Crain's Chicago Business Fast 50, Inc 5000’s Fastest Growing Firms, and Consulting Magazine's Fastest Growing Firms.   

Learn more about our award-winning culture 

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. 

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