Job Description

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.

As an Associate Director, Business Process, you will lead enterprise-level initiatives that advance Specialty Pharmacy conversion, retention, and patient engagement outcomes. This role partners across Operations, Clinical, Product, Digital, Sales, Franchise, Capabilities, Reporting, and Finance to translate strategic priorities into measurable improvements in first fill conversion, refill and renewal retention, and the overall patient experience.

The Associate Director will drive program-level execution, identify performance opportunities, and lead high-impact workstreams that improve business, financial, clinical, and operational outcomes. This leader will provide data-driven insights, executive-ready recommendations, and sustainable process solutions that support long-term growth and retention objectives.

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:

• Partner with senior leadership to shape, prioritize, and execute Specialty Pharmacy conversion and retention strategies
• Lead cross-functional programs focused on first fill conversion, refill and renewal retention and patient engagement
• Collaborate across Operations, Clinical, Digital, Sales, Franchise, Capabilities, Reporting, and Finance to design scalable process improvements
• Apply systems thinking, root cause analysis, and process improvement methodologies to address performance gaps and improve operational efficiency
• Evaluate performance drivers across patient, provider, operational, and digital dimensions to identify opportunities, risks, and targeted interventions
• Own governance routines, KPI monitoring, reporting frameworks, and value realization tracking to measure progress against strategic objectives
• Drive readiness, change management, stakeholder alignment, and implementation planning for new capabilities, and process enhancements
• Partner with Finance and Reporting teams to support forecasting, measurement, and value realization activities
• Identify opportunities to leverage AI, automation, digital capabilities, and emerging technologies to improve conversion and retention outcomes
• Translate complex operational data into concise executive communications, decision support materials, and leadership recommendations
• Influence stakeholders across a matrixed organization to align priorities, resolve dependencies, and deliver measurable business results
• Develop documentation, operational processes, and governance structures that support sustainable performance improvement
• Provide matrix leadership, mentorship, and subject matter guidance while fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and innovation

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:

• 7+ years of experience in healthcare, pharmacy, business operations, business process improvement, analytics, or related business functions
• 3+ years of experience leading cross-functional programs, strategic initiatives, or operational transformation efforts
• Experience using data, analytics, and performance trends to define opportunities, inform strategy, and improve operational outcomes
• Experience with process improvement, change management, implementation planning, or operational transformation initiatives
• Experience developing executive-ready presentations, business cases, recommendations, and strategic communications for senior leadership
• Experience working across multiple functional areas including operations, technology, clinical, reporting, or customer experience teams
• Experience with Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, and other business analytics or reporting tools
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and drive results within a matrixed organization

Preferred Qualifications:

• Specialty Pharmacy, Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM), Home Delivery Pharmacy, or healthcare services experience
• Experience leading conversion, retention, customer experience, growth, or engagement-focused initiatives
• Experience analyzing conversion, retention, abandonment, attrition, leakage, or engagement drivers to identify root causes and translate findings into targeted business or operational interventions
• Experience designing or leading initiatives that improve patient, provider, or customer continuation outcomes, including first-fill conversion, refill adherence, renewal retention, reduced abandonment, or reduced attrition
• Experience supporting digital transformation, automation, AI, or technology-enabled business initiatives
• Proven experience presenting to senior leaders and driving alignment across diverse stakeholder groups

*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.