Director, Optum Operations People Team

UnitedHealth Group is a health care and well-being company that's dedicated to improving the health outcomes of millions around the world. We are comprised of two distinct and complementary businesses, UnitedHealthcare and Optum, working to build a better health system for all. Here, your contributions matter as they will help transform health care for years to come. Make an impact with a team that shares your passion for helping others. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The Director, People Team is a Salary Grade 30 individual contributor responsible in part for leading workforce planning and transformation execution for Optum Operations. The role serves as the primary execution lead, converting enterprise workforce strategy into disciplined, repeatable decisions that shape how work is designed, staffed, and delivered at scale.

This role operates with enterprise-wide scope and senior influence, driving outcomes through partnership, governance, and decision leadership rather than direct people management. The role reports to VP, People Team, Optum.

Primary Responsibilities: 
Workforce Strategy Execution - Optum Operations

• Lead execution of workforce transformation priorities across Optum Operations.
• Apply enterprise workforce strategy to operational decisions related to: 
  • Workforce size, shape, and mix (including organizational hygiene),
  • Talent supply, deployment, and capability alignment, and
  • Location, hub, and geographic strategy.
• Partner closely with People Business Partners, Workforce Management, and enterprise teams to ensure alignment and execution discipline.

Alignment of People, Work, and Workplace

• Ensure workforce decisions are integrated across:
  • Work: demand, scope, and decomposition
  • Roles: skills, job design, and automation
  • Location: remote, hub, and geographic placement, and
  • Talent flows: sourcing, reskilling, redeployment, and exits
• Translate enterprise workforce frameworks into clear, actionable guidance for Optum Operations leader

Workforce Alignment, Redeployment, and Change Execution

• Lead proactive workforce alignment efforts across Optum Operations, including: 
  • Redeployment and internal mobility
  • Reskilling aligned to evolving work, and
  • Coordination of workforce actions during large-scale transformations
• Support Operations leaders through operating model changes by providing clear workforce pathways and execution support

Location and Hub Strategy

• Help execute enterprise hub and location strategy including for Optum Operations
• Drive consistency and rigor in role-to-location decisions, balancing cost, talent access, operating needs, and employee experience
• Partner with enterprise peers to assess and plan for future, talent-driven location requirements

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:

• Proven record working implementing projects at scale
• Expert stakeholder engagement and alignment
• Proven Influence without authority in a matrixed organization
• Demonstrated Strategic thinking
• Demonstrated Change leadership 
• Solid analytical rigor and structured decision-making

Preferred Qualifications:

• Operating model and workforce strategy execution
• Executive communication and narrative development
• Complex organization navigation and political acumen
• Process discipline and scalable operating frameworks

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 to $230,800 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.