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 Benefits Compliance Associate Director is responsible for leading regulatory compliance oversight for UnitedHealth Group's qualified and nonqualified retirement plans ("Plans"). This role ensures adherence to ERISA, IRS/DOL requirements, and other applicable laws while advancing solid governance, risk management, and operational excellence practices. The position operates at a strategic and advisory level, translating complex regulatory requirements into actionable guidance, influencing plan design and administration, and ensuring effective execution of compliance activities through team leadership and cross-functional collaboration.
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:
- Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management
- Serve as the senior subject matter expert and primary point of contact for retirement plan compliance matters
- Interpret and apply complex laws and regulations including ERISA, IRS, and DOL guidance
- Identify, assess, and mitigate compliance risks; escalate issues appropriately
- Ensure alignment with enterprise compliance frameworks and internal controls
- Strategic Advisory & Plan Governance
- Provide strategic consultation on plan design changes, including 401(k) and 409A plans
- Partner with Legal to interpret and apply regulatory requirements
- Influence governance practices supporting compliant and scalable plan administration
- Plan Documentation & Disclosure
- Oversee the accuracy and timeliness of plan documents and amendments
- Lead development and review of SPDs, SMMs, and required disclosures
- Ensure documentation aligns with regulatory standards and plan provisions
- Filings, Testing & Operational Oversight
- Accountable for Form 5500, Form 5330, and required notices executed by the team
- Oversee non-discrimination testing activities
- Ensure compliant, controlled, and scalable operational processes
- Cross-Functional Leadership & Communication
- Act as liaison between Retirement and Legal teams
- Review and guide plan-related communications for accuracy and compliance
- Support enterprise initiatives impacting retirement plan compliance
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:
- 8+ years of retirement plan compliance or benefits experience
- Experience with Form 5500, nondiscrimination testing, and plan documentation
- Deep knowledge of ERISA, IRS/DOL requirements, and plan regulations
- Demonstrated solid analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in a large, regulated organization
- Leadership or project management experience
- Demonstrated solid communication and stakeholder management skills
Competencies
- Compliance & Ethics Leadership
- Strategic Thinking
- Execution & Accountability
- Collaboration & Influence
- Talent Development
*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.
Skills Required
- 8+ years of retirement plan compliance or benefits experience
- Experience with Form 5500, nondiscrimination testing, and plan documentation
- Deep knowledge of ERISA, IRS/DOL requirements, and plan regulations
- Demonstrated solid analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Experience in a large, regulated organization
- Leadership or project management experience
- Demonstrated solid communication and stakeholder management skills
- Pass a pre-employment drug test
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.