Senior Director, Strategy and Operations - Remote

Requisition Number: 2375732
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.
The Senior Director, Strategy & Operations is a highly visible enterprise leadership role responsible for driving strategic planning, business performance, operational excellence, and executive decision support. This leader partners across Product, Finance, Operations, Technology, and Talent organizations to align strategic priorities with measurable business outcomes.
The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking, operational leadership, analytics expertise, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders across a complex, matrixed environment.
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:

• Strategy & Business Performance
  • Lead strategic planning, business reviews, and executive-level performance discussions
  • Partner with senior leaders to develop and execute enterprise initiatives aligned to growth, productivity, and financial objectives
  • Translate complex business challenges into actionable strategies and measurable outcomes
  • Develop executive communications, presentations, and strategic recommendations for leadership audiences
• Analytics & Performance Management
  • Establish and manage KPIs, scorecards, and performance reporting frameworks
  • Leverage data, analytics, and business intelligence to identify opportunities, risks, and performance trends
  • Create executive dashboards and actionable insights that support decision-making
  • Drive accountability through ongoing measurement and operational reviews
• Operational Excellence & Transformation
  • Lead cross-functional initiatives focused on productivity, efficiency, cost optimization, and organizational effectiveness
  • Partner with Finance and Operations leaders to identify and execute improvement opportunities
  • Establish governance processes to monitor progress against strategic and financial goals
  • Drive execution across complex enterprise programs and transformation efforts
• Workforce Strategy & Innovation
  • Support workforce planning, resource allocation, and organizational investment decisions
  • Partner with Talent and Finance leaders to align workforce strategies with business priorities
  • Champion the use of AI, automation, and advanced analytics to improve decision-making and operational performance
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and data-driven problem solving

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:

• 10+ years of experience in strategy, operations, consulting, finance, analytics, or related business leadership roles
• 7+ years leading complex, cross-functional initiatives with measurable business impact
• 7+ years partnering with executive leadership on strategic planning, performance management, or organizational initiatives
• 5+ years of management consulting experience or equivalent enterprise strategy experience
• Experience developing KPIs, executive scorecards, and performance reporting frameworks
• Experience leveraging analytics and data-driven insights to support executive decision-making
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive outcomes in a highly matrixed organization
• Demonstrated success delivering measurable improvements in operational performance, productivity, cost optimization, workforce planning, or business growth

Preferred Qualifications:

• MBA or other advanced business-related degree
• Experience in healthcare, technology, product-led, or large enterprise organizations
• Experience leading AI, advanced analytics, automation, or digital transformation initiatives

Success Factors

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen
• Data-driven decision maker and structured problem solver
• Solid executive communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and lead through change
• Proven enterprise leader capable of driving collaboration and results across functions

*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 $159,300 - $273,200 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.
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.