Director, Strategy & Transformation - Hybrid in MN or NYC

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.

We are seeking a Director of Strategy & Transformation to drive high-impact initiatives that accelerate growth, improve operational performance, and enable data-driven decision-making across the Optum Financial segment. This role combines strategic planning and execution with deep analytical rigor-leveraging data analytics, financial modeling, and executive-level communications to shape and execute key priorities. The ideal candidate will partner closely with senior leaders to translate complex business challenges into actionable strategies, lead cross-functional transformation efforts, and deliver insights that influence critical decisions. This is a unique opportunity for a strategic thinker with solid execution skills and a passion for driving measurable impact in a dynamic, high-growth environment.

If you are located in MN, you will follow a hybrid schedule with four in-office days per week. If you are located in NYC, you will follow a hybrid schedule with three in-office days per week.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning & Execution:
  Support the development and execution of strategic initiatives that align with business goals. Translate high-level strategies into actionable plans, roadmaps, and measurable outcomes
  
• Data Analytics & Insights:
  Conduct advanced data analysis to uncover trends, risks, and opportunities. Use data visualization tools to communicate insights and support strategic decision-making
  
• Financial Modeling & Business Case Development:
  Build and maintain financial models to evaluate investment opportunities, forecast performance, and support scenario planning. Partner with Finance to ensure alignment with broader financial goals
  
• Executive-Level Communication:
  Develop compelling presentations and dashboards for senior leadership. Synthesize complex data and strategic insights into clear, concise, and visually engaging formats
  
• Transformation Program Support:
  Contribute to digital and operational transformation initiatives, including process redesign, automation, and platform modernization
  
• Cross-Functional Leadership:
  Lead or support cross-functional teams to deliver strategic projects on time and within scope. Ensure alignment across stakeholders and manage project risks and dependencies

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 experience in digital and/or operational strategy, technology transformation and/or product management
• 2+ years of internal or external consulting experience, preferably in healthcare, financial services, or technology sectors
• Proven expertise in building and maintaining financial and other data models, coupled with deep analytical skills in data analysis, visualization, and insight generation using tools such as Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or similar platforms
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver executive-level presentations that synthesize complex data and strategic insights into clear, compelling narratives
• Experience leading or supporting cross-functional initiatives with measurable business impact
• Demonstrated familiarity with product development lifecycles and technology platforms, with the ability to collaborate effectively with product, engineering, and digital teams
• Proven solid program management skills, including the ability to manage multiple workstreams, coordinate stakeholders, and deliver results on time and within scope
• Experience designing and optimizing business processes and operating models to improve efficiency, scalability, and performance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with Agile, Lean, or Six Sigma methodologies
• Experience supporting M&A integration efforts, including synergy identification, value capture, and post-merger operational alignment
• Comfortable using AI tools and technologies to enhance productivity and decision-making

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 $132,200 to $226,600 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.

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.