Partnerships & Controls Director

Partnerships & Controls Director, Provider Organisation IHDS

Cigna International Health

Position Summary

This role is responsible for designing and executing robust control frameworks, performance oversight, and partnership standards for the Provider Organisation across international markets. The Partnerships & Controls Lead ensures operational integrity, quality delivery, and support for annual savings targets while enhancing effectiveness across Pre-Authorization, Claims Management, Reconciliation, Network and Counter Fraud, Waste and Abuse functions. The role partners closely with senior leadership and cross‑functional teams to strengthen accountability, improve performance, and enhance collaboration with TPAs, Cigna Links, and external partners.

Controls Framework & Operational Assurance

• Design and implement control frameworks that reinforce accountability, sound decision‑making, and operational integrity across functional areas.

• Lead closed file review (CFR) campaigns and drive continuous process improvements across Provider, Member and Clinical domains.

• Implement quality assurance initiatives and ensure adherence to internal standards and expectations.

Savings Delivery & Performance Oversight

• Develop and maintain financial and operational control mechanisms to support IH and IHDS annual savings targets.

• Monitor savings performance, identify delivery risks, and guide corrective actions.

• Provide senior leadership with clear reporting on control effectiveness, performance trends, and risk exposure.

Resource Planning & Capacity Controls

• Establish controls and standards for resource allocation, capacity planning, and alignment with strategic priorities.

• Validate workforce and vendor utilisation relative to approved budgets and operational requirements.

• Monitor forecasting processes and escalate risks to delivery or quality.

Health Services Standards & Quality Controls

• Develop health services control structures that promote evidence‑based practices and cost‑effective care delivery across markets.

• Collaborate with medical directors and health services teams to enhance utilization management, case management, and quality improvement programs.

• Support initiatives that reduce avoidable medical costs and strengthen overall health outcomes.

Network & Partnership Management

• Define control standards for provider contracting, partnership agreements, and Cigna Links operational oversight.

• Validate adherence to contractual obligations and performance expectations.  

• Monitor KPIs, identify performance gaps, and communicate actions needed to leadership.

Claims Operations

• Establish control standards for provider call centre operations, GOP, claims management, and reconciliation processes.

• Collaborate with Strategy & Transformation to automate workflows and strengthen system validation rules to improve customer & provider experience.

• Monitor dashboards, identify operational risks, and escalate concerns appropriately.

Counter Fraud, Waste and Abuse

• Establish operational and analytical controls for PI programs to ensure effective fraud, waste, and abuse safeguards.

• Validate and refine detection, sampling, analytics, and recovery methods for accuracy and effectiveness.

• Review performance reporting and highlight control weaknesses requiring intervention.

Development Value

• High visibility with International Health SLT, CEOs, COO IHDS, IHDS SLT.

• Opportunity to shape global partnership and control standards across markets.

• Meaningful influence on operational strategy and performance improvement across international regions.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred (healthcare administration, business, or clinical discipline).
• Significant experience in the health insurance industry including leadership roles in multi-disciplinary operations.
• Proven experience designing and monitoring operational and financial controls tied to performance outcomes.
• Strong understanding of provider contracting, operational process design, and partnership frameworks.
• Demonstrated accountability with ability to drive execution individually and through teams.
• International experience and cross cultural fluency is essential
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and leadership skills with strong stakeholder management across countries and functions.
• Strong analytical, decision making, and problem solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written skills in English, proficiency in other languages preferred but not essential.
• Willingness to travel internationally.

About Cigna Healthcare

Cigna Healthcare, a division of The Cigna Group, is an advocate for better health through every stage of life. We guide our customers through the health care system, empowering them with the information and insight they need to make the best choices for improving their health and vitality. Join us in driving growth and improving lives.

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, age, disability, sex, childbirth (including pregnancy) or related medical conditions including but not limited to lactation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital or familial status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by applicable equal employment opportunity laws.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing the online application process, please email: SeeYourselfEMEA@cigna.com for support. Do not email SeeYourselfEMEA@cigna.com for an update on your application or to provide your resume as you will not receive a response.