CEO of Payment Network – Optum Financial

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 diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The CEO of Payment Network is an executive leadership role responsible for driving our Payment Network’s Vision, growth strategies, expanding market reach, penetration and leading initiatives that enhances our Network’s presence across health, wealth, and benefits. This role is responsible for driving Optum Financials Vision of becoming a Payment Network for healthcare and benefits by creating and implementing innovative solutions to address the evolving market needs, fostering strategic partnerships, and managing key relationships across the payment ecosystem.

As the CEO of Payment Network, you will spearhead a dynamic and fast-growing business within Optum Financial, a pioneering health FinTech entity.  You will be responsible to drive and build the growth of the Network by entering new verticals, through acquisitions, partnership with banks, issuing & acquiring processors, payment processors, FinTechs, Retailers, Providers, and Government Agencies.

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

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage the P&L for the segment, ensuring financial performance aligns with Optum Financial goals.
• Define, guide and lead future Network expansion under new verticals, including healthcare, wealth, benefits, and government payments.
• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing Merchant Integration, Product Management, Network Standard, Market Development and Partnerships team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
• Ensure the team has the right skills, expertise, and resources to achieve the goals.
• Identify and pursue M&A and strategic partnership opportunities to help deliver on strategic opportunities. 
• Forge and cultivate strategic partnerships with key players in the payments, financial services, technology, and fintech sectors.
• Leverage market research, customer insights, and industry trends to identify emerging opportunities and risks in the payments landscape.
• Oversee business development activities, from market entry strategies to partnerships and implementation of new solutions.
• Represent the Network in engaging with government agencies, regulators, and industry leaders
• Drive the development and integration of secure, frictionless payment solutions for consumers and businesses alike.
• Focus on the ongoing enhancement of new product innovation like EMV, mobile payments, security, fraud prevention, and risk management protocols.

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:

• 15+ years of experience in payment networks, financial services, FinTech, or technology industries, with at least 5 years in senior leadership positions with a history of managing and scaling P&L.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver sustained results at scale within a complex, matrixed environment across Growth, Finance, Operations and Technology.
• Exceptional leadership capabilities, with a talent for motivating diverse, matrixed teams and driving high performance.
• Advanced negotiation skills, paired with an executive presence and effective communication abilities.
• Experience with forging high performing partnerships and identifying and pursuing M&A

Preferred Qualifications:

• MBA

*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. UnitedHealth Group complies with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your salary, UnitedHealth Group offers 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 UnitedHealth Group, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.

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.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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