Director, Strategic Planning and Analytics - Healthcare Operations - 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.

Lead strategic initiatives to improve operational efficiency, advance value-based care, and support data-driven decision-making across healthcare operations. Provide expert guidance to senior leadership, leveraging analytics and operational expertise to deliver actionable insights and drive organizational effectiveness.

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:

• Provide strategic planning and direction for healthcare operations, supporting senior leadership in decision-making
• Develop and implement strategies to address operational challenges and improve customer experience and efficiency
• Lead analytics teams to deliver solutions in healthcare delivery and operations
• Formulate and communicate analytical findings to diverse audiences, ensuring clarity and transparency
• Assess program and business case viability using advanced analytical techniques
• Translate complex data and strategic concepts into actionable recommendations
• Drive cross-functional initiatives using advanced analytics and AI to support business growth and operational improvements
• Advance value-based care initiatives by designing and implementing strategies that improve patient outcomes and optimize resource utilization
• Develop analytics frameworks to measure and enhance the effectiveness of value-based care programs
• Collaborate across technology, clinical, and operational teams to support value-based care delivery and continuous improvement
• Advise senior leaders with recommendations that shape healthcare operations and organizational strategy

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 experience in strategic operations, analytics/data science, or healthcare operations leadership
• Experience delivering actionable recommendations to senior leaders in healthcare or operations environments
• Proven ability to lead complex, high-impact initiatives across multiple departments or business units
• Proven excellent communication and leadership skills; ability to influence at all levels of the organization
• Demonstrated solid analytical and conceptual thinking skills; demonstrated ability to solve complex and ambiguous problems and develop innovative solutions

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams in healthcare delivery or enterprise operations
• Experience with large-scale, cross-functional initiatives in healthcare or related industries
• Expertise in advanced analytics, AI, and statistical methodologies
• Track record of improving operational effectiveness and achieving significant cost savings
• Recognized for delivering meaningful, data-driven insights

*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.