Senior Director of Capability – OptumRx AI Strategy and Execution – Remote

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.  

OptumRx is embarking on a transformative AI journey. To lead this ambitious agenda, we are seeking a Senior Director of Capability to define and drive the OptumRx AI strategy, accelerate execution, and ensure measurable value realization across the enterprise.

This executive leader will serve as the central integrator across business, data, and technology teams – removing barriers, embedding AI into core operations, and building the capabilities needed to scale AI responsibly and effectively.

Strategic Imperatives:

• Unified Leadership: Align AI initiatives with enterprise goals, regulatory standards, and operational priorities
• Execution Acceleration: Address capability gaps and clarify ownership to drive timely delivery
• Value Realization: Prioritize and scale high-impact initiatives to deliver measurable ROI
• Cross-Functional Integration: Coordinate across data, tech, and business units to support overburdened teams
• Governance & Capability Building: Establish AI Centers of Excellence, ethical frameworks, and scalable playbooks

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

Primary Responsibilities:

• Build and lead a cross-functional AI capability team.
• Define and evolve the OptumRx AI strategy and multi-year roadmap.
• Lead execution of AI initiatives across the organization, inclusive of change management, scaling of AI initiatives, and stakeholder engagement
• Lead communications with executive leadership on status, value delivery, strategy, forecasts, and execution plans.
• Drive value realization through performance tracking and ROI measurement.
• Partner with senior leaders to embed AI into day-to-day operations.
• Establish and oversee AI governance, risk, and compliance frameworks.

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:

• 5+ years of experience in AI, digital transformation, or enterprise strategy
• Experience building and leading high-performing teams
• Proven track record of leading large-scale, cross-functional initiatives
• Proven solid executive presence with the ability to influence C-level stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in healthcare, pharmacy benefit management, or other regulated industries
• Familiarity with ethical AI frameworks and compliance standards
• Deep understanding of AI technologies, data science, and operational integration

*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 $156,400 to $268,000 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

Application Deadline: 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.