Associate Director Business Operations - Remote

At UnitedHealthcare, we're simplifying the health care experience, creating healthier communities and removing barriers to quality care. The work you do here impacts the lives of millions of people for the better. Come build the health care system of tomorrow, making it more responsive, affordable and optimized. Ready to make a difference? Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together

The Associate Director of Business Operations is responsible for leading enterprise strategic initiatives that drive operational efficiency, technology enablement, and experience transformation across UHC Payment Integrity and the broader organization. This role focuses on advancing end-to-end process simplification, scalable operating models, and data-driven performance management.

This leader plays a key role in delivering high-impact programs such as Medical Documentation Simplification (MDS), while also supporting broader enterprise transformation initiatives. The position partners across UHC, Optum, Technology, Product, Operations, and external stakeholders design and implement solutions that improve cost, quality, compliance, and provider experience.

The Associate Director translates strategic priorities into actionable execution plans, governance frameworks, and measurable outcomes, enabling sustained business value and enterprise transformation.

You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office a minimum of four days per week.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Strategic Programs and Initiatives  
  • Leads and manages high visibility strategic initiatives focused on process improvement, technology enablement, revenue generation, and provider experience
  • Serves as a key leader for the UHC PI Medical Documentation Simplification program and related enterprise efforts
• Business & Operating Model Transformation
  • Plans, designs, and implement enterprise medical documentation strategies that improve efficiency, scalability, and financial performance
  • Identifies and eliminates inefficiencies across documentation intake, routing, storage, and retrieval
  • Translates strategic priorities into actionable operating models and execution roadmaps
• Technology, Data & AI Enablement
  • Partners with technology teams to support automation, AI enablement, and system integration initiatives
  • Translates business needs into technology and operating model requirements
  • Advances automated performance reporting and analytics to improve transparency, governance, and decision-making
• Enterprise & Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Support alignment discussions across operations, business partners, and product teams
  • Champion consistent, high-quality provider and stakeholder experiences
• Performance Management & Insights
  • Establishes integrated frameworks to monitor, manage, and oversee performance against cost, quality, experience, and compliance objectives
  • Uses insights to drive continuous improvement and inform strategic priorities
  • Identifies additional opportunities to refine or expand reporting aligned with enterprise priorities

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 combined experience across Payment Integrity, Revenue Cycle Management, Encounter/Claims Processing, and/or Provider Network
• 3+ enterprise and cross functional program management experience, including senior and executive level stakeholder engagement
• Experience with enterprise claims processes and products/platforms
• Experience within the health insurance industry, including regulatory and industry knowledge
• Proven ability to drive business performance in high growth environments using governance frameworks, performance models, and structured operating rhythms
• Demonstrated success leading strategy discussions and driving alignment and decision making across diverse teams

Preferred Qualifications:

• Medical documentation system experience such as Electronic Medical Record systems
• Proven solid communication, negotiation, and influence skills
• Proven ability to integrate multiple perspectives while remaining decisive
• Proven excellent problem solving, planning, and execution skills
• Proven executive level communication and change management experience

*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 $112,700 - $193,200 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.