Associate Director Healthcare Economics

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.

Job Summary

The Associate Healthcare Economics Director (Network Pricing & Analytics) provides strategic leadership and oversight for provider reimbursement analytics, pricing strategy, financial modeling, network performance reporting, and analytical operations across the organization. This role is responsible for leading enterprise-level pricing initiatives, directing analytical and reporting teams, and driving strategic decision-making related to provider reimbursement, network optimization, and healthcare cost management.

The Associate HDirector partners closely with executive leadership, contracting, clinical, actuarial, finance, operations, provider relations, and technology teams to establish pricing strategies, evaluate financial performance, and implement scalable analytical solutions that support organizational objectives. This leader drives modernization of analytical capabilities, reporting infrastructure, and data-driven decision-making processes.

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 lead enterprise network pricing and reimbursement analytics strategy aligned with organizational and financial objectives
• Oversee provider reimbursement methodologies, pricing models, contract analytics, and financial forecasting activities
• Direct teams responsible for large-scale healthcare data management, coding, dashboard development, and advanced analytical reporting
• Lead strategic evaluation of healthcare cost trends, provider market dynamics, reimbursement benchmarks, and network performance opportunities
• Partner with executive leadership to establish pricing strategies, reimbursement targets, and cost management initiatives
• Ensure accuracy, integrity, and governance of analytical reporting, pricing methodologies, and reimbursement models
• Lead financial impact analyses supporting provider negotiations, network strategy, and value-based payment initiatives
• Drive operational improvements through advanced analytics, process optimization, and data-driven performance management
• Collaborate with technology and data teams to improve data architecture, reporting capabilities, and analytical scalability
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, contractual obligations, and internal governance standards
• Build, mentor, and develop high-performing analytical leadership and technical teams
• Present strategic recommendations, financial analyses, and market insights to executive leadership and senior stakeholders

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 Finance, Economics, Healthcare Administration, Data Analytics, Business, Statistics, or related field required
• 5+ years of progressive experience in healthcare pricing, managed care analytics, reimbursement strategy, healthcare finance, or provider network operations
• Experience leading enterprise analytical initiatives, reporting modernization, or automation programs
• Deep expertise in healthcare reimbursement methodologies, provider contracting, claims analytics, and network pricing strategies
• Advanced proficiency in SQL, business intelligence tools, financial modeling, and large-scale healthcare data environments
• Demonstrated ability to influence strategic business decisions and executive-level initiatives
• Proven  solid leadership, communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple large-scale initiatives in a fast-paced environment

Core Competencies:

• Strategic healthcare pricing leadership
• Provider reimbursement and network strategy
• Enterprise analytics and business intelligence
• Financial forecasting and cost management
• Executive leadership and organizational influence
• Large-scale data analytics and reporting modernization
• Team leadership and talent development
• Operational excellence and process optimization
• Cross-functional partnership and stakeholder management
• Executive communication and strategic presentation skills

*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.