Remote Clinical Program Consultant – Strategic Healthcare Innovation & Operations Leadership (Work‑From‑Home)

About Optum & UnitedHealth Group

Optum, a leading subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, combines data, technology, and clinical expertise to transform the health‑care experience for millions of people worldwide. From cutting‑edge digital platforms that simplify the patient journey to sophisticated analytics that unlock new insights, our mission is to make health care more personalized, accessible, and efficient. As part of a global organization that champions health equity, you will join a team that embraces diversity, encourages bold ideas, and celebrates the impact that every employee can make on the wellbeing of communities across the globe.

We are headquartered in the United States but our footprint spans more than 150 countries, allowing you to collaborate with a truly international network of innovators, clinicians, and technology partners. At Optum, you will be part of a culture that values continuous learning, collaborative problem‑solving, and the courage to challenge the status quo.

Why This Role Is Critical

The Clinical Program Consultant you will become is a strategic bridge between senior leadership, product development teams, operations, and technology groups. You will shape the design and execution of clinical programs that directly influence the quality of care, operational efficiency, and overall patient outcomes. By translating complex clinical models into scalable, data‑driven solutions, you will play a pivotal role in advancing Optum’s vision of a healthier future for all.

This position offers the flexibility of remote work from anywhere in the United States, empowering you to balance professional growth with personal wellbeing while tackling high‑impact challenges that shape the future of health care.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Program Design & Implementation

• Collaborate closely with senior leaders in Product, Operations, and Technology to define, design, and launch innovative clinical programs and services.
• Lead end‑to‑end program deployment, ensuring alignment with business objectives, clinical best practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop comprehensive program artifacts—including project plans, business requirements, executive summaries, staffing analyses, and budget forecasts—to guide execution and stakeholder communication.
• Design and refine staffing models that optimize resource allocation, skill mix, and operational efficiency for each new initiative.
• Partner with analytics teams to co‑design predictive‑modeling criteria and member identification algorithms that support proactive care delivery.

Change Management & Adoption

• Craft and execute change‑management strategies that facilitate smooth adoption of new programs across multidisciplinary teams.
• Develop global communication plans, training curricula, and support materials to ensure consistent rollout and sustained use of program deliverables.
• Monitor performance metrics, conduct root‑cause analyses, and iterate solutions to continuously improve program outcomes.

Consultative Leadership & Stakeholder Influence

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing data‑driven recommendations that balance clinical excellence with business viability.
• Influence cross‑functional partners without direct authority, fostering collaboration and alignment across a matrixed organization.
• Present complex data and program insights in clear, compelling formats for global audiences, ensuring executive buy‑in and resource allocation.

Essential Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of hands‑on product development experience within the health‑care sector, including full‑cycle implementation of clinical solutions.
• At least 3 years of project management experience, with a proven track record of delivering complex initiatives on time and within budget.
• 2+ years of experience redesigning or enhancing health‑care products, ensuring alignment with evolving clinical guidelines and market needs.
• 2+ years of practice or operations management experience in a health‑care setting, demonstrating deep understanding of clinical workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change initiatives, develop program artifacts, and manage stakeholder expectations.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with proficiency in data‑driven decision making, root‑cause analysis, and solution design.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to influence senior leaders, convey complex concepts simply, and build lasting relationships.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Project, Visio) and familiarity with project‑tracking tools.
• Outstanding presentation abilities, with experience delivering clear, impactful briefings to global audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent certification.
• Experience working within Agile frameworks and delivering iterative value in fast‑paced environments.
• Background in health‑care consulting, managed care, or payer‑provider collaborations.
• Skilled in business writing, proposal development, and responding to RFPs.
• Adherence to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy for remote employees.

Core Competencies & Skills

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to synthesize clinical evidence, market trends, and business objectives into coherent program strategies.
• Analytical Acumen: Proficiency in extracting insights from large data sets, health‑care analytics platforms, and performance dashboards.
• Change Leadership: Skilled at guiding teams through transformation, fostering adoption, and mitigating resistance.
• Collaboration & Influence: Comfortable working in a matrixed setting, influencing cross‑functional partners without direct reporting lines.
• Communication Excellence: Capable of translating technical jargon into clear, stakeholder‑friendly language, both verbally and in writing.
• Operational Insight: Understanding of clinical staffing models, workflow optimization, and cost‑effectiveness analysis.
• Technology Savvy: Familiarity with health‑IT systems, electronic health records (EHR), and digital health platforms.
• Adaptability: Thrive in a fast‑changing environment, welcoming ambiguity and turning challenges into opportunities.

Compensation, Perks & Benefits

We recognize that top talent deserves a competitive total rewards package. While exact compensation varies based on location, experience, and qualifications, the role offers a salary range of $88,000 – $173,200 annually. In addition to base pay, eligible employees enjoy:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans with flexible spending options.
• Generous paid time off (PTO), holidays, and parental leave policies to support work‑life balance.
• Retirement savings plans, including 401(k) matching contributions.
• Equity stock purchase programs, allowing employees to share in the company’s long‑term growth.
• Performance‑based bonuses, incentive programs, and recognition awards.
• Professional development subsidies for certifications, conferences, and continuing education.
• Access to wellness resources, mental‑health counseling, and employee assistance programs.
• Fully remote work environment with a technology stipend to set up an optimal home office.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

Optum invests heavily in the development of its people. As a Clinical Program Consultant, you will have access to a rich ecosystem of learning pathways designed to accelerate your career:

• Mentorship Programs: Pairing with senior leaders who guide your professional journey and help you navigate complex organizational dynamics.
• Leadership Development Tracks: Structured curricula that prepare high‑potential talent for senior managerial and director‑level roles.
• Cross‑Functional Rotation Options: Opportunities to work temporarily in product, analytics, or operations teams, broadening your skill set.
• Certification Support: Funding for PMP, Agile Scrum Master, Lean Six Sigma, or other relevant credentials.
• Internal Mobility: A transparent internal job board that encourages lateral moves and upward progression across UnitedHealth Group’s diverse business units.

Our Culture & Values

At Optum, culture is more than a buzzword—it’s the engine that drives our success. We foster an environment where:

• Inclusivity is Paramount: We celebrate differences in background, perspective, and experience, believing that diverse teams deliver better health outcomes.
• Collaboration Beats Competition: Shared success is recognized and celebrated, with open communication channels across all levels.
• Innovation Is Expected: Employees are encouraged to challenge norms, experiment, and bring forward breakthrough ideas that improve patient care.
• Community Impact Matters: Our work advances health equity, reduces disparities, and contributes to a more sustainable planet.
• Integrity Guides Decisions: Transparent, ethical conduct underpins every interaction with patients, partners, and each other.

How to Apply

If you are ready to leverage your expertise in product development, project management, and health‑care operations to make a tangible difference, we want to hear from you. Click the link below to submit your application, including a tailored resume and a compelling cover letter that highlights how your background aligns with the responsibilities and qualifications outlined above.

Apply today and become a catalyst for change in the health‑care industry.

We Want to Hear From You!

Does this role feel like the perfect next step in your career? Don’t wait—take the leap and join a community of passionate professionals dedicated to building a healthier future for all.