Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives

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 Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives will lead high-priority projects that span multiple Optum business units, with a focus on integrated care and value-based care delivery. This role requires end-to-end ownership of complex initiatives, from framing the problem and building the plan, to driving execution alongside cross-functional teams and senior leaders. The ideal candidate brings solid analytical skills, operational discipline, and the ability to influence in a matrixed environment.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead high-impact, cross-functional strategic initiatives aligned to Optum’s priorities in integrated and value-based care
• Translate executive direction into actionable project plans with clear goals, milestones, and ownership
• Conduct structured analysis and research to support business case development and recommendations
• Develop clear, concise presentations and briefing documents for senior leadership
• Facilitate decision-making and alignment across business units by managing input from multiple stakeholders
• Build relationships across clinical, operational, and corporate teams to move work forward
• Navigate ambiguity by asking the right questions, breaking down complex problems, and identifying next steps
• Maintain a high standard of accuracy, clarity, and follow-through on deliverables

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:

• 10+ years of total professional experience in strategy, business operations, or corporate planning
• 5+ years of management consulting experience at a top-tier firm
• Direct experience in healthcare and value-based care 
• Proven solid problem-solving skills and ability to manage ambiguity
• Demonstrated excellent written communication and storytelling through slides and documents
• Ability to be comfortable engaging directly with senior executives
• Proven high attention to detail and execution quality
• Based in Los Angeles

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.

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.