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.
Overview
Growth Finance is a partner to the Optum Health executive leadership team supporting long range planning, industry and competitive intelligence, and high visibility strategic initiatives. The team develops insights and decision support that shape the organization's continued growth.
The position of Associate Director, Strategic Finance will play a role in building executive ready analyses, financial models, and strategic recommendations. This role requires the ability to translate complex financial and operational information into clear, concise materials for senior leadership, often under tight timelines in a dynamic, high stakes environment.
The ideal candidate combines financial modeling experience with strategic thinking, communication skills, and the ability to collaborate across a highly matrixed organization.
If you are located in / near Eden Prairie, MN, you will have the flexibility to work remotely*, as well as work in the office as you take on some tough challenges. This position follows a hybrid schedule with four in-office days per week.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Long Range Planning & Forecasting
- Drive the long range planning process through development of scenario based financial models, strategic analyses, and presentation materials for senior leadership
- Partner with Finance, Operations, Strategy, and other business teams to ensure alignment of assumptions and key drivers
- Industry & Competitive Intelligence
- Lead recurring and ad hoc analysis of the healthcare industry, competitive landscape, and key market trends
- Strategic Analysis & Decision Support
- Lead evaluation of strategic initiatives, new growth opportunities, and operational improvement efforts through structured analysis and financial modeling
- Build financial models to assess strategic partnerships and synergy cases related to mergers and acquisitions
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 finance, strategic finance, corporate strategy, consulting, investment banking, or a related analytical role
- Demonstrated experience working in a dynamic, project-based environment with the ability to quickly assess ambiguous business problems, synthesize complex financial and operational information, and develop clear, actionable recommendations
- Demonstrated experience developing executive-ready presentations, financial analyses, and strategic recommendations, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, concise materials for senior leadership audiences
- Proven ability to lead workstreams or strategic initiatives independently, including partnering with cross-functional leaders to drive analysis, recommendations, and decision support
- Demonstrated professionalism and discretion in handling highly sensitive or confidential information
- Proven exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively across cross functional teams
Preferred Qualifications:
- 5+ years of experience building complex financial models, scenario-based analyses, and decision-support materials used to evaluate strategic initiatives, growth opportunities, partnerships, or operational improvement efforts
- Healthcare industry experience
*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.
#BI-Hybrid
Skills Required
- 5+ years of experience in finance, strategic finance, corporate strategy, consulting, investment banking, or a related analytical role
- Experience working in a dynamic, project-based environment with ability to assess ambiguous business problems and synthesize complex financial and operational information
- Experience developing executive-ready presentations, financial analyses, and strategic recommendations for senior leadership
- Proven ability to lead workstreams or strategic initiatives independently and partner with cross-functional leaders
- Demonstrated professionalism and discretion in handling highly sensitive or confidential information
- Exceptional organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate across cross-functional teams
- 5+ years building complex financial models, scenario-based analyses, and decision-support materials
- Healthcare industry experience
Optum Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Official materials highlight copay and HSA medical plan choices with in‑network preventive care at 100%, prescription coverage, and low/no‑cost virtual visits, plus company HSA contributions. Dental preventive services are 100% in network, and mental health resources include an EAP and premium Calm access.
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Parental & Family Support — Programs include six weeks paid parental leave, up to two weeks paid caregiver leave, and Bright Horizons back‑up care with enhanced family supports. Adoption assistance up to $10,000 for full‑time employees reinforces family‑oriented benefits.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Financial benefits include an Employee Stock Purchase Plan at a 10% discount, expanding access to equity ownership.
Optum Insights
What We Do
Optum, part of the UnitedHealth Group family of businesses, 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. At Optum, we support your well-being with an understanding team, extensive benefits and rewarding opportunities. By joining us, you’ll have the resources to drive system transformation while we help you take care of your future. We recognize the power of connection to drive change, improve efficiency and make a difference in health care. Join a team where your skills and ideas can make an impact and where collaboration is key to creating technology that produces healthier outcomes.
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Optum Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
Optum has three workplace models that balance the needs of the business and the responsibilities of each role. These models, core on‑site (5 days/week), hybrid (4 days/week) and telecommute or fully remote, vary by country, role and location.