Director of Payor Relations, Sports Medicine

<h1><b>Director of Payor Relations, Sports Medicine</b></h1><h1></h1><p><b>Life Unlimited.</b> At Smith+Nephew, we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off <span style="overflow-wrap: break-word; display: inline; text-decoration: inherit; hyphens: auto;">living.   </span></p><p></p><p>The <b>Director of Payor Relations, Sports Medicine</b> 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.</p><div></div><p></p><p><b>What will you be doing?</b></p><p><b>Payor Strategy & Engagement</b></p><ul><li>Develop and execute a comprehensive payer relations strategy for the Sports Medicine portfolio, aligned with franchise growth priorities.</li><li>Serve as the primary relationship owner for national and regional payers, and other relevant stakeholders.</li><li>Lead payer discussions related to coverage, coding, payment, and utilization management policies.</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Reimbursement & Coverage Optimization</b></p><ul><li>Drive favorable coverage policies for existing and new Sports Medicine technologies.</li><li>Monitor and proactively respond to payer policy changes impacting Sports Medicine procedures and technologies.</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Value Proposition & Evidence Strategy</b></p><ul><li>Contribute to evidence‑generation planning to support payer needs and improve product value demonstration.</li></ul><ul><li>Support payer value propositions grounded in clinical evidence, health economics, and real‑world outcomes.</li><li>Support the development of payer‑focused materials, including value dossiers, economic models, and coverage submissions.</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Cross‑Functional Leadership <i>& </i>Compliance</b></p><ul><li>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. </li><li>Partner cross‑functionally with Market Access, Marketing, Medical Affairs to align on value messaging, economic evidence, and payer‑ready materials.</li></ul><ul><li>Monitor payer market trends and track assess reimbursement, coverage, and policy trends affecting Sports Medicine.</li><li>Coordinate closely with Legal, Compliance, and Regulatory teams to ensure payer engagements adhere to applicable policies and regulations.</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Qualifications & Experience</b></p><ul><li>Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MPH, MHA, PharmD) preferred.</li><li>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.</li><li>Demonstrated experience engaging with U.S. commercial payers.  Established relationships with regional and national commercial payer decision‑makers.</li><li>Proven track record of influencing payer policy or contracting outcomes (new coverage, expanded coverage, or removal of barriers).</li><li>Ability to articulate strategic vision and translate it into executable plans.</li><li>Excellent communication skills with ability to engage C‑Suite executives.</li><li>Strong understanding of U.S. reimbursement systems & payer methodologies, including coding, coverage, and payment dynamics, contracting, clinical criteria, and HEOR principles.</li></ul><div></div><p><b>Key Competencies</b></p><ul><li>Strategic payer negotiation and relationship management</li><li>Strong executive presence and communication skills</li><li>Ability to translate complex clinical and economic data into payer‑relevant insights</li><li>Cross‑functional leadership and stakeholder influence</li><li>High level of integrity and compliance mindset</li></ul><div></div><p></p><p><b>Why This Role Matters</b></p><p>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 <span style="overflow-wrap: break-word; display: inline; text-decoration: inherit; hyphens: auto;">reimbursement—directly</span> enabling commercial success and long‑term franchise growth.</p><p></p><p><b>Location: US - remote</b></p><p></p><p><b>Travel: 50% </b></p><p></p><p><b>You Unlimited. </b></p><p>We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.    </p><ul><li><b>Inclusion and Belonging- </b>Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Inclusion and Belonging, Learn more about <a href="https://www.smith-nephew.com/en/careers/life-at-smith-nephew#inclusion-diversity-+-equity" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Employee Inclusion Groups</a> on our website (<a href="https://www.smith-nephew.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="overflow-wrap: break-word; display: inline; text-decoration: inherit; hyphens: auto;">https://www.smith-nephew.com/</span></a> ).</li><li><b>Your Future:</b> 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Tuition Reimbursement  </li><li><b>Work/Life Balance:</b> Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day  </li><li><b>Your Wellbeing:</b> Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program </li><li><b>Flexibility:</b> Hybrid Work Model (For most professional roles)  </li><li><b>Training:</b> Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship  </li><li><b>Extra Perks:</b> Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!  </li></ul><p></p><p>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. </p><p></p><p>The anticipated base compensation range for this position is $<span>150,000-260,000</span> 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.</p><p></p><p>Smith & Nephew follows the Pay Transparency and non-discrimination provisions described by local and state policies.</p><p></p><p>We anticipate the application window for this opening to close on 5/4/2026.</p><p style="text-align:inherit"></p><p style="text-align:inherit"></p><p style="text-align:left">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.</p><div><p style="text-align:inherit"></p><p style="text-align:left">Stay connected by joining our <a href="https://smithnephew.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/External/page/4ba17039009510002b17ea5e89c40000" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Talent Community</a>.</p><p style="text-align:inherit"></p><p style="text-align:left"><span><span>We're</span><span> more than just a company - </span><span>we're</span><span> a community! Follow us on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/smith-&-nephew/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">L</a></span></span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/smith-&-nephew/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">inkedIn</a><span><span> to see how we support and empower our employees and patients every day. </span> </span></p></div><div><div><p style="text-align:inherit"></p><p style="text-align:left"><span><span>Check us out on <a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Overview/Working-at-Smith-and-Nephew-EI_IE10233.11,27.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Glassdoor</a> for a glimpse behind the scenes and a sneak peek into </span></span><b><span>You</span><span>. </span><span>Unlimited</span><span>.</span></b><span><span>, life, culture, and benefits at S+N.</span></span></p><p style="text-align:inherit"></p></div><div><p style="text-align:left"><span><span>Explore our <a href="https://www.smith-nephew.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">website</a></span></span><span><span> and learn more about our mission, our team, and the opportunities we offer.</span></span><span> </span></p></div></div><div><p style="text-align:inherit"><span> </span></p></div>

Back to blog

Common Interview Questions And Answers

1. HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR DAY?

This is what this question poses: When do you focus and start working seriously? What are the hours you work optimally? Are you a night owl? A morning bird? Remote teams can be made up of people working on different shifts and around the world, so you won't necessarily be stuck in the 9-5 schedule if it's not for you...

2. HOW DO YOU USE THE DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION TOOLS IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS?

When you're working on a remote team, there's no way to chat in the hallway between meetings or catch up on the latest project during an office carpool. Therefore, virtual communication will be absolutely essential to get your work done...

3. WHAT IS "WORKING REMOTE" REALLY FOR YOU?

Many people want to work remotely because of the flexibility it allows. You can work anywhere and at any time of the day...

4. WHAT DO YOU NEED IN YOUR PHYSICAL WORKSPACE TO SUCCEED IN YOUR WORK?

With this question, companies are looking to see what equipment they may need to provide you with and to verify how aware you are of what remote working could mean for you physically and logistically...

5. HOW DO YOU PROCESS INFORMATION?

Several years ago, I was working in a team to plan a big event. My supervisor made us all work as a team before the big day. One of our activities has been to find out how each of us processes information...

6. HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE CALENDAR AND THE PROGRAM? WHICH APPLICATIONS / SYSTEM DO YOU USE?

Or you may receive even more specific questions, such as: What's on your calendar? Do you plan blocks of time to do certain types of work? Do you have an open calendar that everyone can see?...

7. HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE FILES, LINKS, AND TABS ON YOUR COMPUTER?

Just like your schedule, how you track files and other information is very important. After all, everything is digital!...

8. HOW TO PRIORITIZE WORK?

The day I watched Marie Forleo's film separating the important from the urgent, my life changed. Not all remote jobs start fast, but most of them are...

9. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A MEETING AND PREPARE A MEETING? WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING DURING THE MEETING?

Just as communication is essential when working remotely, so is organization. Because you won't have those opportunities in the elevator or a casual conversation in the lunchroom, you should take advantage of the little time you have in a video or phone conference...

10. HOW DO YOU USE TECHNOLOGY ON A DAILY BASIS, IN YOUR WORK AND FOR YOUR PLEASURE?

This is a great question because it shows your comfort level with technology, which is very important for a remote worker because you will be working with technology over time...