Lead Implementation Specialist

A Little About Us

Zelis is modernizing the healthcare financial experience across payers, providers, and healthcare consumers. We serve more than 750 payers, including the top five national health plans, regional health plans, TPAs and millions of healthcare providers and consumers across our platform of solutions. Zelis sees across the system to identify, optimize, and solve problems holistically with technology built by healthcare experts – driving real, measurable results for clients.

A Little About You

You bring a unique blend of personality and professional expertise to your work, inspiring others with your passion and dedication. Your career is a testament to your diverse experiences, community involvement, and the valuable lessons you've learned along the way. You are more than just your resume; you are a reflection of your achievements, the knowledge you've gained, and the personal interests that shape who you are.

Position Overview

The Lead Implementation Specialist is responsible for managing the end-to-end execution of client implementation projects, with a strong focus on project management, technical solutioning, and cross-functional coordination. This role ensures successful delivery of payment and communication solutions by maintaining project plans, managing risks, and driving accountability across stakeholders. Lead Implementers serve as technical experts and project leaders, representing the Implementation team with excellence and precision.

What You’ll Do

• Lead implementation projects from initiation through go-live, ensuring delivery on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Develop and manage detailed project plans, timelines, and milestones using tools such as JIRA, Smartsheet, and Confluence.
• Send regular status reports to internal and external stakeholders, maintaining transparency and alignment.
• Keep project tools and documentation up to date, including issue logs, risk registers, and implementation guides.
• Identify, manage, and escalate risks and issues proactively to ensure timely resolution and project continuity.
• Facilitate client meetings and serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the implementation lifecycle.
• Ensure client satisfaction by providing clear communication, timely updates, and expert guidance.
• Collaborate with internal teams including Product, Engineering, QA, Sales, and Support to ensure seamless integration and deployment.
• Apply deep understanding of payment systems, APIs, file formats (e.g., X12, XML, flat files), and integration platforms to guide implementation.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and provide consultative support to clients and internal teams.
• Translate client business requirements into technical specifications and ensure alignment with Zelis platform capabilities.
• Support data mapping, transformation workflows, and configuration of system components.
• Represent the Implementation team in cross-functional initiatives and strategic projects.
• Contribute to the development of best practices, playbooks, and process improvements.
• Mentor junior team members and support onboarding and training of new hires.

What You’ll Bring to Zelis

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in implementation, project management, or technical client services.
• Strong understanding of payment processing, APIs, batch file transfers (SFTP), and data formats (X12, XML, flat files).
• Experience managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders; PMP or similar certification preferred.
• Familiarity with project management tools such as JIRA, Smartsheet, Confluence, and Salesforce.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences and translate business needs into executable plans.
• Strong documentation habits and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• SQL or database experience is a plus.

Please note at this time we are unable to proceed with candidates who require visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Location and Workplace Flexibility

We have offices in Atlanta GA, Boston MA, Morristown NJ, Plano TX, St. Louis MO, St. Petersburg FL, and Hyderabad, India. We foster a hybrid and remote friendly culture, and all our employee's work locations are based on the needs of the position and determined by the Leadership team. In-office work and activities, if applicable, vary based on the work and team objectives in accordance with Company policies.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Zelis is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications for the role. We believe in the value of diverse perspectives and experiences and are committed to building an inclusive workplace for all.

Accessibility Support

We are dedicated to ensuring our application process is accessible to all candidates. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require a reasonable accommodation with any part of the application and/or interview process, please email TalentAcquisition@zelis.com.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities, duties, and skills from time to time.