Director of Payor Relations, Sports Medicine

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew, we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.   

The Director of Payor Relations, Sports Medicine is responsible for developing and executing payer engagement strategies that drive commercial payer coverage and ensure broad patient access for our Sports Medicine portfolio.  This role serves as the primary interface between the organization and key payer stakeholders, shaping value narratives, influencing policy, and supporting commercial execution through evidence‑based access strategies.  This leader will shape, execute, and optimize coverage, reimbursement, and access for the Sports Medicine portfolio across U.S. payers. The Director will serve as the primary voice to the private payer ecosystem and a critical influencer of national coverage strategy.  The Director will partner closely with Commercial, Sales, Marketing, Health Economics & Outcomes Research (HEOR) to ensure payer strategies align with business objectives and evolving reimbursement landscapes.

What will you be doing?

Payor Strategy & Engagement

• Develop and execute a comprehensive payer relations strategy for the Sports Medicine portfolio, aligned with franchise growth priorities.
• Serve as the primary relationship owner for national and regional payers, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Lead payer discussions related to coverage, coding, payment, and utilization management policies.

Reimbursement & Coverage Optimization

• Drive favorable coverage policies for existing and new Sports Medicine technologies.
• Monitor and proactively respond to payer policy changes impacting Sports Medicine procedures and technologies.

Value Proposition & Evidence Strategy

• Contribute to evidence‑generation planning to support payer needs and improve product value demonstration.

• Support payer value propositions grounded in clinical evidence, health economics, and real‑world outcomes.
• Support the development of payer‑focused materials, including value dossiers, economic models, and coverage submissions.

Cross‑Functional Leadership & Compliance

• Partner with Sales leadership to ensure field teams are equipped with compliant payer‑relevant messaging and tools.  Act as a strategic advisor to Commercial leadership on payer‑related risks and opportunities. 
• Partner cross‑functionally with Market Access, Marketing, Medical Affairs to align on value messaging, economic evidence, and payer‑ready materials.

• Monitor payer market trends and track assess reimbursement, coverage, and policy trends affecting Sports Medicine.
• Coordinate closely with Legal, Compliance, and Regulatory teams to ensure payer engagements adhere to applicable policies and regulations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MPH, MHA, PharmD) preferred.
• 8–10+ years of experience in payer relations, market access, reimbursement, or related roles within medical devices or healthcare; Experience within Sports Medicine and/or Orthopaedics preferred.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with U.S. commercial payers.  Established relationships with regional and national commercial payer decision‑makers.
• Proven track record of influencing payer policy or contracting outcomes (new coverage, expanded coverage, or removal of barriers).
• Ability to articulate strategic vision and translate it into executable plans.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to engage C‑Suite executives.
• Strong understanding of U.S. reimbursement systems & payer methodologies, including coding, coverage, and payment dynamics, contracting, clinical criteria, and HEOR principles.

Key Competencies

• Strategic payer negotiation and relationship management
• Strong executive presence and communication skills
• Ability to translate complex clinical and economic data into payer‑relevant insights
• Cross‑functional leadership and stakeholder influence
• High level of integrity and compliance mindset

Why This Role Matters

A strategic, relationship‑driven leader who brings deep payer expertise, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to influence complex reimbursement environments. This role plays a critical part in ensuring patients and providers can access innovative Sports Medicine solutions by shaping payer understanding, policy, and reimbursement—directly enabling commercial success and long‑term franchise growth.

Location: US - remote

Travel: 25%

You Unlimited.

We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.    

• Inclusion and Belonging- Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Inclusion and Belonging, Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website (https://www.smith-nephew.com/ ).
• Your Future: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Tuition Reimbursement  
• Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day  
• Your Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program 
• Flexibility: Hybrid Work Model (For most professional roles)  
• Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship  
• Extra Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!  

Smith+Nephew is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Smith+Nephew will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please alert the recruiter if you are selected to move forward. 

The anticipated base compensation range for this position is $150,000-260,000 USD annually and the compensation offered will depend on the candidate’s qualifications. You may also be entitled to receive bonus and benefits, which may include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401k, tuition reimbursement, medical leave programs, and a variety of wellness offerings.

Smith & Nephew follows the Pay Transparency and non-discrimination provisions described by local and state policies.

We anticipate the application window for this opening to close on 5/4/2026.

Smith+Nephew provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

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