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 talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
This role provides strategic leadership for OptumRx operating costs and operating cost management, overseeing financial planning, forecasting, month-end close, and reporting across IT, corporate functions, and core business operations. The position drives cost transparency, reporting discipline, and data-driven decision-making through standardized processes, advanced analytics, and strong cross-functional partnerships. It also stewards key financial models-including pricing inputs, workforce and operating expense frameworks, and IT product allocation-and leads a high-performing team to enhance financial rigor, strengthen cost stewardship, and support the organization's long-term performance and growth.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Partner cross-functionally to build a deep understanding of the OptumRx cost structure and support model, translating insights into clear narratives, meaningful metrics, and disciplined reporting.
- Lead SG&A financial planning and analysis activities-including monthly close, forecast, allocations, and long-range model consolidation-providing variance analysis and senior-level reporting.
- Lead development of SG&A inputs for the pricing model by coordinating with underwriting and finance to continuously validate and refresh assumptions, analyzing drivers of rate changes, and building detailed rate components.
- Oversee IT, corporate chargeback, and capital forecasting and close processes, delivering detailed reporting, variance analysis, and stewardship of the IT product allocation model.
- Standardize and manage centralized processes for planning, monitoring, and reporting operating expenses and FTEs to ensure consistent, high-quality financial inputs across all functions.
- Drive transparency into cost drivers, workforce dynamics, vendor spend, and SG&A performance to enable proactive, data-driven decision-making.
- Strengthen cost discipline through maintenance of enterprise cost-takeout frameworks, improved alignment of forecast and actuals, and continuous refinement of cost management models.
- Develop tools, dashboards, and analytics that enhance SG&A visibility and improve business performance, while contributing to the maturation of the centralized operating cost management model. Including support for the implementation of Oracle EPM.
- Lead and develop a team of finance professionals while navigating cross-functional priorities, building strong relationships, and influencing process improvements and operational excellence.
Required Qualifications:
- Undergraduate degree in Finance or equivalent field.
- 8+ years of progressive experience in financial planning, accounting, strategy, or corporate finance within large, complex matrixed organizations.
- 3 years-experience leading high-impact teams and influencing enterprise-level financial strategy and cross-functional decision-making.
- Experience designing, implementing, and delivering financial models
- Demonstrated success driving enterprise-wide transformation, including automation, advanced analytics, and forecasting enhancements.
- Extensive experience managing large-scale financial initiatives, operating cost budgets, and forecasting processes.
- Expertise in shared services models, enterprise cost structures, allocations, and associated accounting implications.
- Exceptional strategic thinking, communication, and relationship-building skills at all levels of a matrixed organization.
- Strong financial and business acumen with the ability to identify issues, assess impact, and develop actionable plans.
- Proven ability to articulate ROI and business value of financial investments and cost-management strategies.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a history of driving transformational change.
- Highly effective leader who builds, manages, and inspires teams, fostering collaboration, credibility, and trust.
- Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships quickly and influence senior leaders and cross-functional partners.
Preferred Qualifications: - MBA or CPA or other advanced degree
- Advanced Systems skills including Peoplesoft and Essbase
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 to $230,800 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.
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.
Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.
Skills Required
- Undergraduate degree in Finance or equivalent field
- 8+ years of progressive experience in financial planning, accounting, strategy, or corporate finance
- 3 years-experience leading high-impact teams
- Experience designing, implementing, and delivering financial models
- Demonstrated success driving enterprise-wide transformation
- Extensive experience managing large-scale financial initiatives
- Expertise in shared services models and enterprise cost structures
- Exceptional strategic thinking, communication, and relationship-building skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships quickly
- MBA or CPA or other advanced degree
- Advanced Systems skills including Peoplesoft and Essbase
Optum Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple plan types with employer HSA contributions, in‑network preventive care at 100%, and included 24/7 virtual visits, alongside dental and vision options. This breadth allows predictable copay choices or tax‑advantaged HSA designs to fit different usage needs.
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Retirement Support — Retirement programs include a 401(k) with employer match eligibility and full vesting over time plus an Employee Stock Purchase Plan at a discount. Together these elements support long‑term savings and ownership.
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Parental & Family Support — Family supports include six weeks paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, adoption assistance, and subsidized Bright Horizons back‑up care. Emotional well‑being resources like a premium Calm subscription and a 24/7 EAP complement these supports.
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.