Director of Planning and Strategy - Remote

UnitedHealth Group•Eden Prairie, MN

2d•$134,600 - $230,800•Remote

About The Position

This role is essential to advancing the strategic priorities of Optum Health (OH) Operations by providing leadership, analytical rigor, and strategic insight across multiple domains. It directly supports the execution of initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and enterprise-wide integration in key areas: Leveraging AI and advanced analytics to predict trends that improve operational processes and customer experience, shaping recommendations that will deliver on business priorities for Touchless Operations, managing increased throughput for IVR/Bot enhancements and call obviation, and driving effective steerage and engagement to right care settings. Without this role ECS would lack the capacity to execute these high-impact projects. We are seeking a forward-thinking and influential Director of Planning & Strategy to lead enterprise-level strategic initiatives and shape the organization’s long-term direction. This role requires a seasoned leader who brings a broad business perspective, deep subject matter expertise, and the ability to translate complex concepts into actionable strategies. The Director will serve as a advisor to senior leadership, driving innovation and aligning planning efforts with organizational priorities. 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.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Healthcare Administration, Finance, Economics, Operations, Public Health, or a related field
10+ years of progressive experience in strategy, business planning, operations, management consulting, or a related field
5+ years of leadership experience driving enterprise-wide, cross-functional initiatives and influencing senior executives
Demonstrated success developing and executing strategic plans that drive measurable business results and operational improvements
Solid analytical and conceptual thinking skills; ability to solve complex and ambiguous problems and develop innovative solutions.
Excellent communication and leadership skills; ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy
Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

Responsibilities

Develop and communicate strategic points of view that inform and drive business priorities
Serve as a strategic thought partner and resource to senior leadership, contributing to Optum Health Operations planning and decision-making
Identify and develop pioneering strategies to address challenges and opportunities to improve customer experience and the efficiency and efficacy of operations
Influence senior stakeholders to adopt innovative approaches, tools, and frameworks.
Drive operational performance and initiatives
Formulate actionable insights and articulates analytical findings to senior leadership across multiple lines of business, while exposing assumptions and validation work in an easily understandable and concise manner
Assess viability of programs/business cases using appropriate analytical techniques and pressure-test the value stories across our business partners using rigorous statistical methodologies
Translate complex data and strategic concepts into clear, actionable insights for diverse internal audiences.
Drive large-scale, cross-functional initiatives with broad impact across the organization such as:
Leverage advanced analytics and AI to support and predict trends that drive business growth and operational improvements
Analyze customer call drivers and friction points to develop actionable digital and omnichannel strategies that improve the customer experience
Partner across tech, digital and operations to drive integrated friction-less omnichannel/digital experiences