Director of Planning and Strategy - 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.

This role is essential to advancing the strategic priorities of Optum Health (OH) Operations by providing leadership, analytical rigor, and strategic insight across multiple domains. It directly supports the execution of initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and enterprise-wide integration in key areas: Leveraging AI and advanced analytics to predict trends that improve operational processes and customer experience, shaping recommendations that will deliver on business priorities for Touchless Operations,  managing increased throughput for IVR/Bot enhancements and call obviation, and driving effective steerage and engagement to right care settings. Without this role ECS would lack the capacity to execute these high-impact projects.

We are seeking a forward-thinking and influential Director of Planning & Strategy to lead enterprise-level strategic initiatives and shape the organization's long-term direction. This role requires a seasoned leader who brings a broad business perspective, deep subject matter expertise, and the ability to translate complex concepts into actionable strategies. The Director will serve as a advisor to senior leadership, driving innovation and aligning planning efforts with organizational priorities. 

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:

• Develop and communicate strategic points of view that inform and drive business priorities
  • Serve as a strategic thought partner and resource to senior leadership, contributing to Optum Health Operations planning and decision-making
  • Identify and develop pioneering strategies to address challenges and opportunities to improve customer experience and the efficiency and efficacy of operations
  • Influence senior stakeholders to adopt innovative approaches, tools, and frameworks.
• Drive operational performance and initiatives
  • Formulate actionable insights and articulates analytical findings to senior leadership across multiple lines of business, while exposing assumptions and validation work in an easily understandable and concise manner 
  • Assess viability of programs/business cases using appropriate analytical techniques and pressure-test the value stories across our business partners using rigorous statistical methodologies
  • Translate complex data and strategic concepts into clear, actionable insights for diverse internal audiences.
  • Drive large-scale, cross-functional initiatives with broad impact across the organization such as:
  • Leverage advanced analytics and AI to support and predict trends that drive business growth and operational improvements 
  • Analyze customer call drivers and friction points to develop actionable digital and omnichannel strategies that improve the customer experience
  • Partner across tech, digital and operations to drive integrated friction-less omnichannel/digital experiences 
    

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:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Healthcare Administration, Finance, Economics, Operations, Public Health, or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive experience in strategy, business planning, operations, management consulting, or a related field
• 5+ years of leadership experience driving enterprise-wide, cross-functional initiatives and influencing senior executives
• Demonstrated success developing and executing strategic plans that drive measurable business results and operational improvements

Skills: Solid analytical and conceptual thinking skills; ability to solve complex and ambiguous problems and develop innovative solutions. Excellent communication and leadership skills; ability to influence at all levels of the organization.

*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 $134,600 - $230,800 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.