Provider Relations Manager, Johannesburg Unity Health is a well-established primary healthcare provider in the South African market. Our mission is to offer primary healthcare insurance solutions to the vast majority of South Africans. We are searching for a Provider Relations Manager who will manage a team and ensure that our company and its providers are supported. The successful candidate will collaborate with the team to maintain operational service commitments, as well as the organisation’s mission and values. The successful candidate will report to our Operations Executive. Job Title: Provider Relations Manager Qualifications: Commercial Degree/Diploma FAIS Compliant (Qualification, RE 5 and class of business a must) Drivers license Skills and Experience: Minimum of 6 years’ experience in the South African healthcare market, with at least 3 years in a similar role involving healthcare provider network development and management. Proven track record in the negotiation, contracting, and management of healthcare providers across multiple disciplines: GPs, dental practitioners, pharmacies, radiologists, pathologists, optometrists, emergency services, hospitals (private and public), and out-patient casualty units. Demonstrate experience managing provider network utilisation. Strong leadership experience, with the ability to manage, mentor, and develop a team of consultants. Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment and discretion in a complex and dynamic environment. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate at all levels, including with medical professionals and executive stakeholders. Highly proficient in Microsoft Office and other relevant business systems; ability to interpret and act on data. Ability to work under pressure, prioritise effectively, and maintain professionalism at all times. Have a proactive approach, take ownership, strong problem-solving ability, and a commitment to team collaboration. Reporting to: Operations Executive Scope of responsibility: Develop, manage, and maintain the national Unity Health provider network, ensuring optimal access, cost-efficiency, and quality of care for members. Establish and monitor appropriate provider distribution to meet network adequacy standards across geographic and demographic segments. Lead the development and execution of provider contracting strategies, including new provider acquisition, ongoing relationship management, and renewals. Conduct regular provider visits to strengthen relationships, monitor service quality, and drive ongoing provider education and engagement. Ensure consistent adherence to agreed service levels and quality metrics by providers. Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the setup, management, and review of provider agreements and daily operations. Ensure accuracy and integrity of provider network data across all systems, enabling accurate administration and reporting. Design, negotiate, and manage provider fee structures in line with business strategies and market conditions. Monitor utilisation patterns, identify trends, and collaborate with internal teams to address inefficiencies and cost drivers. Lead and participate in interdepartmental projects to enhance systems, workflows, and overall network performance. Manage escalated provider or member issues where network involvement is required. Drive team performance through coaching, regular feedback and performance reviews (KPAs). Provide input into budget planning, cost management, and the strategic direction of the provider network's function. This includes ensuring efficient use of travel budgets through careful route planning, managing accommodation and daily allowances, and maximising provider coverage per visit to ensure cost-effective network engagement. Prepare reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders, including executive-level reporting. Ensure the healthcare provider network includes a well-balanced mix of providers across relevant areas. ·Any other duties as assigned by the company from time to time. Changes: The company reserves the right to change this job description at its sole discretion from time to time