Associate Director, Strategic 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.
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:

• Work directly with Chief of Staff to manage and drive key operational strategies across the business
• Support the Chief of Staff by managing information flow, resolving issues, providing analysis and advice on key issues
• Represent the Chief of Staff in a variety of forums and respond to ad-hoc requests as requested and appropriate
• Coordinate and oversee monthly performance and business reviews to track progress against objectives
• Coordinate special assessments or evaluations as requested by leadership
• Manage executive-level requests, ensuring timely and accurate responses
• Partner with finance and operational teams to identify and track cost savings opportunities
• Develop financial models, reports, and dashboards to track business performance
• Present data-driven insights to senior leadership to guide decision-making
• Work closely with operational and finance teams to align strategic initiatives with business objectives
• Facilitate strategic planning meetings and cross-functional workgroups
• Manage key projects from inception to implementation
• Support cohesive strategic planning and MBO development
• Facilitate and manage regular leadership forums to align organizational goals and initiatives
• Support the development and execution of short- and long-term strategic plans for ECS Core Operations
• Consolidate and deliver executive reporting materials
• Manage requisition processes and controls to ensure compliance and efficiency
• Oversee project portfolios, prioritizing initiatives and tracking progress from inception to implementation
• Develop case studies to showcase successes, best practices, and lessons learned
• Analyze staffing requirements and workforce data to inform resource allocation decisions
• Ensure clarity of functional roles and responsibilities, maintaining accountability across teams
• Maintain and update business continuity plans to mitigate risks and ensure operational resilience
• Govern organizational structures and engagement models
• Provide analysis and guidance to support strategic and operational business planning
• Analyze key performance metrics to measure the success of strategic initiatives and recommend improvements
• Support change management efforts related to new strategic initiatives
• Develop and implement scalable operational processes to support growth and performance improvement
• Collaborate with leadership to align operational strategies with overall business objectives
• Manage operating reviews with regional teams to track performance, address challenges, and drive continuous improvement
• Lead Data-Driven Decision Making & Reporting
• Support successful execution by establishing effective organizational management practices
• Manage governance and leadership forums for Core Ops Team
• Partner with operational leaders to continuously improve processes, positively impacting outcomes, customer/ employee satisfaction and cost/ efficiencies
• Lead and orchestrate special projects and initiatives, contribute to the strategic content, and oversee the analysis and decision making where appropriate; direct team to resolve highly complex business problems that affect multiple teams and disciplines
• Support financial/ budget planning and management

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
• 5+ years of experience in strategy, business planning, management consulting, or related role
• 3+ years of experience managing complex projects or strategic initiatives
• 3 + years of experience in financial modeling, business analytics, forecasting and reporting for multi-faceted departments with budgets in excess of $10 million
• 3+ years of experience with finance, accounting, strategy, or operations within a large, matrixed organization
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, Visio, and Excel
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally and influence at all levels of the organization
• Proven organizational aptitude with keen attention to detail
• Proven solid analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in process improvement and performance optimization
• Proven solid business acumen with ability to strategically consult with business and technical partners

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree (MBA, MHA, or related field)
• 2+ years of experience utilizing operational metrics, data/analytics, goals/objectives, and dashboards to measure and drive performance
• Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement methodologies
• Proven excellent communication skills, including executive - level writing and presentation development
• Proven excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels

*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 to $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.