Senior Director, Clinical Project Leader - Remote

Optum Insight is improving the flow of health data and information to create a more connected system. We remove friction and drive alignment between care providers and payers, and ultimately consumers. Our deep expertise in the industry and innovative technology empower us to help organizations reduce costs while improving risk management, quality and revenue growth. Ready to help us deliver results that improve lives? Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The Senior Director, Clinical Project Leader is a pivotal, client-dedicated role responsible for driving exceptional outcomes in clinical projects through direct oversight of qualitative and quantitative client deliverables, client satisfaction (NPS), and the effective daily management of a matrixed consulting team. The leader acts as the primary liaison between the client and internal teams, ensuring that project targets are met or exceeded through proactive leadership, strategic insight, and a relentless commitment to client value.

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:

• Client Outcome Ownership: Assume end-to-end responsibility for delivering measurable and meaningful clinical outcomes for the client across all assigned projects. Utilize both qualitative and quantitative methods to assess performance, challenge status quo, and drive continuous improvement in project execution and client deliverables
• Client Relationship & NPS Management: Develop and nurture client relationships, positioning yourself as a trusted advisor and the primary point of escalation. Drive the client's Net Promoter Score (NPS) by anticipating their needs, proactively resolving issues, and ensuring project satisfaction at every stage
• Matrixed Team Leadership: Lead and coordinate a diverse, cross-functional consulting team embedded within the client's project environment. Assign daily tasks, set performance expectations, monitor output, and provide ongoing coaching and feedback to ensure excellence and efficiency in project execution
• Strategic Project Management: Oversee project planning, execution, monitoring, and closure, ensuring all milestones are met on time and within budget. Employ best practices in project management, risk mitigation, and stakeholder communication
• Qualitative and Quantitative Reporting: Align frameworks for capturing, analyzing, and presenting both qualitative insights and quantitative data based on OA Clinical Delivery and client structure. Regularly report project status, key findings, and improvement recommendations to client leadership through set leadership meeting structure
• Continuous Improvement: Identify, design, and implement process improvements that enhance client outcomes, team efficiency, and overall project value. Facilitate after-action reviews and lessons learned sessions to embed success into future engagements in partnership with the OA Clinical Delivery lead
• Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate regular meetings and status updates with client stakeholders, internal senior leadership, external partners, and consulting team to ensure alignment on project goals, deliverables, and timelines
• Issue Escalation & Resolution: Act as the central escalation point for client issues, concerns, or risks. Rapidly coordinate internal and external resources to deliver effective solutions
• Compliance & Best Practice: Ensure all project activities are in line with regulatory standards, clinical guidelines, and organizational best practices
• Knowledge Management: Encourage the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and domain expertise across the matrixed consulting team and the broader organization

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Achievement of client-defined clinical outcomes and milestones
• Client NPS improvement and maintenance above organizational targets
• Project delivery within agreed timelines and budget
• Quality and accuracy of qualitative and quantitative reporting
• Matrixed consulting team engagement and performance metrics
• Number and effectiveness of process improvements implemented
• Stakeholder satisfaction (internal and client-side)

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 progressive experience in clinical project management, consulting, or healthcare operations, with at least 2 years in leadership capacity. Client-facing experience is essential
• Project Management Expertise: Demonstrated excellence in managing complex, multi-stakeholder clinical projects, with a track record of delivering both qualitative and quantitative outcomes
• Analytical Acumen: Strong ability to interpret and present clinical data, KPIs, and qualitative findings for strategic decision-making
• Team Leadership: Proven experience leading, developing, and coaching high-performing, matrixed teams in a fast-paced, results-driven environment
• Communication Skills: Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated ability to influence, negotiate, and resolve conflicts at all organizational levels
• Client-Centric Mindset: Deep understanding of client relationship management, with a focus on delivering measurable value and achieving high client satisfaction (NPS) scores
• Change Management: Experience guiding teams and clients through change, fostering adaptability and continuous improvement
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet), data visualization software, and clinical documentation platforms

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience improving inpatient care delivery efficiency in a management or consulting capacity
• Proven application of change management methodologies in hospital system inpatient operations
• Expertise in hospital data and systems, including EMR, decision support, revenue cycle, and supply chain
• Understanding of hospital costs and financial performance drivers
• Results-Oriented and pursues the achievement of client outcomes and project excellence
• Strategic Thinker: Balances the details of daily project operations with long-term client and organizational goals
• Collaborative: Fosters a spirit of teamwork and open communication across matrixed environments
• Exceptional Communication: Mastery in articulating complex concepts clearly and succinctly, adapting messaging for diverse audiences, and fostering open dialogue across all levels
• Strategic Problem Solving: A proven capacity for navigating ambiguity, synthesizing qualitative and quantitative insights, and designing practical solutions to challenging project dynamics

*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 to $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.

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.