Associate Director Business Process - Claim and Appeal Operations - Remote in US

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 Associate Director Business Process, Claim & Appeal Operations serves as a key strategic partner to the Claim & Appeal Operations VP, driving execution of operational, financial, and strategic priorities across the organization. This role is responsible for coordinating enterprise-level initiatives, leading financial planning and performance management, and ensuring alignment across operations, finance, and executive stakeholders.

The Associate Director Business Process operates in a highly matrixed environment, managing complex initiatives, advancing cost-efficiency strategies, and delivering data-driven insights that inform decision-making and improve operational outcomes across Claim & Appeal Operations.

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:

• Financial Management & Business Performance
  • Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and expense management activities
  • Identify and track cost savings opportunities in partnership with finance and operations
  • Develop financial models, dashboards, and reporting to monitor business performance
  • Create and manage cost-benefit analyses (CBAs), ensuring alignment with finance and executive reporting
  • Provide insights through analysis of performance metrics and recommend improvements
• Strategic Leadership & Executive Support
  • Partner directly with the Claim & Appeal Ops VP to drive execution of key operational and strategic priorities
  • Manage information flow, resolve issues, and provide analysis and counsel on critical business decisions
  • Represent the VP in leadership forums and respond to executive-level requests as appropriate
  • Facilitate leadership forums to align organizational goals, priorities, and initiatives
  • Support development and execution of short- and long-term strategic plans and MBOs
• Operational Execution & Governance
  • Coordinate and oversee monthly business reviews and performance tracking against objectives
  • Manage requisition processes and operational controls to ensure compliance and efficiency
  • Govern organizational structures, engagement models, and role clarity across teams
  • Maintain and update business continuity plans to ensure risk mitigation and operational resilience
  • Support change management for strategic initiatives and organizational priorities
• Portfolio & Project Management
  • Lead and oversee a portfolio of strategic projects from inception through implementation
  • Prioritize initiatives, track progress, and ensure alignment with enterprise objectives
  • Coordinate special assessments, deep dives, and evaluations as requested by leadership
  • Direct cross-functional teams to solve complex business challenges impacting multiple groups
• Workforce Planning & Process Improvement
  • Partner with operational leaders on staffing strategies and workforce analytics to inform resource allocation
  • Analyze data to improve operational efficiency, customer outcomes, and employee experience
  • Drive continuous improvement efforts across processes and performance outcomes
• Executive Reporting & Communication
  • Consolidate and deliver executive-level reporting and presentations
  • Present data-driven insights and recommendations to senior leadership
  • Ensure timely, accurate, and high-quality responses to executive and ad hoc requests

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 healthcare operations, strategy, consulting, or business management
• 3+ years of experience in finance, accounting, operations, or strategy within a large, matrixed organization
• 2+ years of experience leading complex projects or strategic initiatives
• Proficiency in financial modeling, forecasting, reporting, and business analytics
• Proven solid business acumen with ability to influence and consult across operational and technical teams
• Proven Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook; Visio preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proven solid analytical, problem-solving, and process improvement capabilities
• Proven excellent communication and executive-level presentation skills

UnitedHealth Group is working to create the health care system of tomorrow.

Already Fortune 6, we are totally focused on innovation and change. We work a little harder. We aim a little higher. We expect more from ourselves and each other. And at the end of the day, we're doing a lot of good.

Through our family of businesses and a lot of inspired individuals, we're building a high-performance health care system that works better for more people in more ways than ever. Now we're looking to reinforce our team with people who are decisive, brilliant - and built for speed.

Come to UnitedHealth Group, and share your ideas and your passion for doing more. We have roles that will fit your skills and knowledge. We have diverse opportunities that will fit your dreams.

*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.