Strategic Account Executive Commercial - Remote

UnitedHealth Group•New York, NY

4d•$112,700 - $193,200•Remote

About The Position

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. The Strategic Account Executive (SAE) serves as the dedicated relationship leader and primary point of accountability for OptumRx's partnership with an assigned client. This role is responsible for supporting and growing a highly strategic, complex national employer relationship while ensuring exceptional client satisfaction, operational performance, contract execution, and long-term business retention. The SAE partners with the client’s executives, consultants, and internal OptumRx leaders to develop and execute a multi-year strategic roadmap focused on pharmacy trend management, member experience, clinical innovation, digital engagement, and measurable business outcomes. The role requires exceptional communication skills, consultative leadership, strong business acumen and the ability to coordinate large cross-functional teams to deliver results for one of OptumRx's most visible and strategically important customers. This position functions as the quarterback of the client relationship and is accountable for aligning strategic objectives, operational execution, financial performance, and client advocacy. You’ll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.

Requirements

7+ years of experience in PBM account management, demonstrating a successful track record in client management and retention
5+ years of experience leading upsells and growth activities, with a demonstrated ability to identify and capitalize on business opportunities.
5+ years’ experience developing project plan, project timelines, project team driving through completion.
Proficiency in utilizing PBM tools to create marketing materials, responding to requests for proposals (RFPs), and generate financial and data reports
Proven excellent executive-level communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts and strategies
Willingness to travel up to 25%25 of the time to meet client needs and attend relevant industry events

Nice To Haves

Experience managing national and / or strategic accounts
Experience reading, interpreting and negotiating contract terms
Experience navigating through system enhancements or installations
Experience working with RxClaim
Experience working cross-functionally within a matrix environment
Proven ability to exhibit leadership through influencing without authority
Proven ability to work in a self-motivated environment with limited supervision

Responsibilities

Serve as the relationship owner for the client
Develop and execute a multi-year account strategy focused on retention, growth, innovation, and client value creation
Lead strategic planning and business reviews with client leadership and consulting partners
Identify opportunities to improve member experience, affordability, clinical outcomes, and pharmacy benefit performance
Drive adoption of new OptumRx products, capabilities, and enterprise solutions aligned to the client’s priorities
Establish trusted advisor relationships with senior client stakeholders and Aon consultants
Represent OptumRx in executive business reviews, onsite meetings, governance sessions, and renewal discussions
Influence client decision-makers through data-driven recommendations and strategic consultations
Serve as the executive escalation point for critical client issues
Lead a high performing account team consisting of account management, clinical, analytics, implementation, service, operations, communications, and product resources
Ensure contract compliance, performance guarantee achievement, and service excellence
Manage complex issues from identification through resolution, coordinating across OptumRx functional areas
Maintain accountability for client satisfaction, relationship health, and overall account performance
Monitor account profitability, retention, growth opportunities, and enterprise value
Lead strategic trend analysis and develop actionable recommendations to improve plan performance
Partner with finance, underwriting, and product teams to support renewals, pricing discussions, and business cases
Identify expansion opportunities across Optum and UnitedHealth Group capabilities when appropriate
Lead strategic initiatives focused on improving the member experience and pharmacy journey
Partner with client stakeholders to evaluate emerging solutions, digital capabilities, clinical programs, and operational enhancements
Translate client goals into executable plans with measurable outcomes and defined governance