Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) – UnitedHealthcare

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The UnitedHealthcare (UHC) Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is the senior information security leader for the UnitedHealthcare business segment. This role reports to the VP, Enterprise Security Office and is part of the Enterprise Security & Resilience Office (ESRO).

The UHC CISO applies deep security expertise and solid business acumen to lead a comprehensive information risk management strategy—one that anticipates, identifies, and mitigates risk effectively. As the primary interface between the UHC business and ESRO, the CISO ensures alignment between enterprise security programs and UHC’s unique operating environment, including its regulatory landscape, customer needs, competitive pressures, and value drivers.

You’ll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Serve as the business information security leader, advising on security requirements for business initiatives and programs
• Drive implementation of the UHG ESRO strategy within UHC, including UHC-specific security programs
• Prioritize and advocate for security initiatives that align with enterprise strategy and a risk-based approach
• Act as the executive point of contact for strategic information security issues within the UHC business platform
• Represent UHC’s specific security needs to corporate executive leadership, including IT, Legal, Compliance, and Privacy
• Maintain active communication with UHC executive leadership to understand business objectives and associated information risks
• Ensure business plans and programs comply with UHG’s information risk management policies and frameworks
• Stay current on emerging security topics and apply them creatively to UHC’s business environment
• Lead the UHC Security Office, including oversight of Business Information Security Officers (BISOs) and Segment Information Security Officers (SISOs)
• Engage proactively with UHC and affiliates during security incidents or critical vulnerabilities, ensuring timely and comprehensive response in coordination with Cyber Defense – Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT)
• Lead the development and execution of security strategies for UHC acquisitions

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field
• 15+ years of experience in information security across multiple roles
• 5+ years in a leadership role (Director level or above)
• 5+ years of experience working with external auditors, regulatory bodies, and customers
• Experience with multiple information security frameworks (e.g., ISO, NIST, HITRUST)
• Demonstrated experience in risk management, including identification, prioritization, and mitigation
• Solid communication, crisis management, and leadership skills
• Executive presence with excellent communication and relationship management skills
• Ability to influence and negotiate across business units without direct authority

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, or HCISPP
• Master’s degree (MBA, MIS, or related field)
• Solid project management skills and attention to detail
• Ability to make quality, data-driven decisions through discovery, analysis, and verification

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy.

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $196,600 to $337,100 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable. 

This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone–of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income–deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes — an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug – free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.