UnitedHealth Group

Chief Operating Officer, Optum MA

UnitedHealth Group$200K — $343K *
Healthcare
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree required; advanced healthcare administration or business administration preferred.
  • 10+ years of senior leadership experience in a clinic or similar healthcare setting.
  • Proven experience in multi-site, multi-specialty operations management.
  • Expertise in P&L management and financial decision-making based on reports.
  • Hands-on experience with healthcare quality metrics and cost management.

Responsibilities

  • Participate in setting strategic and financial goals for clinical operations.
  • Lead daily clinical operations and integrate initiatives to improve patient care outcomes.
  • Oversee budget planning and monitor financial performance against targets.
  • Develop relationships with key stakeholders to support operational alignment.
  • Champion the implementation of best practices across the organization.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare and retirement plans.
  • Incentive and recognition programs to reward performance.
  • Equity stock purchase options available.
  • 401k contributions with organizational support.
Full Job Description
General Duties and Responsibilities
• Participate in setting long-range strategic and financial goals and translate those goals into short- and long-term operational plans, objectives, and accountabilities.
• Provide day-to-day strategic and operational leadership of clinical operations across the region, in partnership with regional leadership teams, integrating initiatives that enhance clinical outcomes and patient care while delivering on the operational levers of the P&L (value-based care vs. fee-for-service) and SG&A (overhead).
• Lead the operational infrastructure needed to support practice sites, ancillary services, business units, and enterprise support functions.
• Ensure operating policies, procedures, systems, and practices are implemented, monitored, and interpreted consistently in support of the organization's mission, strategies, goals, and objectives.
• Oversee operating and capital budget planning in collaboration with finance and clinical leadership; develop and govern the annual budget for clinic operations, monitor operating expenses, productivity, service performance, and financial outcomes against targets, and implement plans to achieve budgetary goals.
• Provide direction to leaders on operational activities, strategic initiatives, growth opportunities, practice transitions, space planning, and implementation of new or expanded services.
• Lead the identification, implementation, and spread of best practices across sites and functions, using continuous improvement methods and industry awareness to improve outcomes.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with physicians, advanced practice clinicians, department chairs, division chiefs, regional directors, site leaders, managers, and other key stakeholders to support operational alignment and change execution.
• In partnership with executive leaders, champion a care model, patient experience, and culture transformation in addition to executing on core clinical levers daily.
• Partner with clinical leadership to ensure services meet applicable regulatory, accreditation, quality, safety, risk management, and patient satisfaction expectations.
• Ensure patient satisfaction and non-clinical service quality are measured, monitored, and addressed, including appropriate resolution of complaints and implementation of corrective action plans.
• Support physician recruitment, orientation, acquisition, and integration activities, including operational and analytical support for new providers and practices.
• Provide leadership for practice transitions and integrations, ensuring operational readiness, stakeholder engagement, and effective adoption of organizational standards.
• Accountable for the culture and retention of the regional operations team, ensuring clinics remain compliant and meet all regulations while upholding quality standards, including performance management, succession planning, and staffing.
• Provide operational effectiveness reporting and develop strategies for improvement at the practice level when necessary.
• Represent the organization in public, professional, community, and business meetings as requested, and provide administrative performance updates to senior leadership and governance bodies as needed.
• Serve as a senior operational leader for critical or emergency issues when designated by the CEO or executive leadership.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of a positive, team-focused company culture.

Leadership Expectations
• Act as a true enterprise operator, balancing near-term execution with long-term scalability.
• Provide strong, visible leadership through complexity, ambiguity, and change influence.
• Influence across matrixed organizations without relying solely on direct authority.
• Develop strong successor talent and leadership depth across operational teams.
• Be an engaged leader who collaborates well with their team of regional leaders.
• Drive proactive performance management while ensuring consistent, data-driven reporting.

Supervisory Responsibilities
• Lead, develop, coach, and mentor a high-performing operational leadership team with clear accountabilities for goals, objectives, quality, service, financial performance, and employee development.
• Provide direction and oversight to leaders responsible for practice operations.
• Ensure selection, training, ongoing development, and performance evaluation processes for operations are applied consistently and fairly across the organization.
• Promote communication, cross-functional collaboration, and timely flow of information across practice sites, support functions, and leadership forums.

Education / Licenses / Certifications
• Master's level education required.
• Advanced degree in health care administration, business administration, public health, or a related field preferred where applicable.
• Any required license or certification must be maintained in accordance with organizational and regulatory standards.

Experience
• Ten or more years of senior leadership experience in a clinic, medical group practice, or comparable health care delivery setting required.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi-site, multi-specialty practice operations and administrative support functions.
• Experience with business systems, information systems, financial management, provider operations, regulatory standards, and continuous improvement in a health care environment.
• Proven ability to lead through matrixed relationships, partner with physicians and clinical leaders, and deliver results across quality, service, financial, growth, and operational performance priorities.
• One or more years of hands-on experience with P&L / budget management and making business decisions based on financial reports.
• Experience with medical cost management and HEDIS quality metrics.
• Experience in both managed care and fee-for-service based models.

Skills

Strong business acumen, strategic agility, change leadership, results orientation, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to communicate mission, vision, goals, and progress clearly to diverse audiences and model collaborative, values-based leadership.
• Demonstrated capability to analyze operational and financial performance, identify risks or opportunities, and implement practical solutions.
• Ability to foster physician-staff collaboration, resolve operational barriers, and support a culture focused on patient satisfaction, quality, productivity, and accountability.
• Knowledge of medical group operations, practice management, regulatory and accreditation expectations, compliance, risk management, facilities, access, service excellence, and administrative support services.
• Ability to establish trust with senior leaders, physicians, APCs, managers, and staff while driving enterprise consistency and local execution.
• Proficient computer skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, email systems, and web-based programs, along with familiarity with AI systems and their utilization within healthcare and leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelors degree, Master of Health Administration (MHA) or MBA, highly preferred.
• Experience managing leaders and working in a matrix environment.
• 15 years of progressive experience in leadership roles in the healthcare industry, preferably outpatient ambulatory setting
• Experience in a value based, full risk or capitated model of care, with a strong mix of population health, primary, specialty and/or ancillary care service line experience.
• Proven change leadership and transformation experience.
• Exceptional executive communication skills.
• 5+ years of clinical experience.
• 5+ years of operational leadership experience.

Career Growth & Impact

You will be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that challenges you, supports your leadership development, and enables you to make a meaningful difference for members, providers, and the communities Optum MA serves across the region.

Other Requirements
• Must support the organization's values, mission, patient-centered culture, commitment to high-quality care, collaboration, teamwork, respect for diversity, integrity, and continuous improvement.
• Must be able to manage multiple priorities, respond to urgent operational issues, and operate effectively in a complex, changing health care environment.
• Nothing in this job description restricts the organization's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities.

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 $200,400 - $343,500 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

About UnitedHealth Group

UnitedHealth Group is a medical facility. They offer health technology, health finance, and pharmacy services. They are utilizing clinical data and intelligence to assist in the redesign, automation, and deployment of technology to streamline administrative operations and clinical decision-making. Payment systems for both consumers and providers are critical components of a health-care system.

UnitedHealth Group Careers

Joining UnitedHealth Group means becoming part of a diverse team dedicated to making a difference. As a leader in health services and innovation, our company offers a variety of job opportunities that allow professionals to leverage their skills, drive innovation, and improve lives. Work You’ll Do At UnitedHealth Group, you’ll contribute to a mission-focused environment where your expertise will influence the health and well-being of people worldwide. Our employment opportunities span across a wide range of disciplines, from healthcare specialists to data analysts, ensuring that your career journey is both dynamic and rewarding. Transform Healthcare with Your Expertise UnitedHealth Group stands at the forefront of health innovation. Our team collaborates to deliver solutions that lead to better patient outcomes. Working with us, you’ll find yourself at the intersection of technology, healthcare, and leadership, providing key insights that drive industry transformation. Join Our Global Team As part of our team, you’ll engage with over 300,000 professionals globally, dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. UnitedHealth Group is not just a company; it’s a community where you can grow your career through continuous learning and leadership opportunities. Our commitment to diversity training ensures that every team member can thrive. UnitedHealth Group Career Development We are committed to your professional growth. Explore career paths filled with promising job opportunities and internships that will harness your potential and expand your capabilities. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, you’ll find that our career development programs support your ambition at every level. Innovative Work Environment At UnitedHealth Group, innovation is at the core of our operations. We encourage our team to bring forward-thinking ideas that challenge the status quo and lead to breakthrough improvements in patient care. Be Part of a Great Team Our culture fosters a collaborative and supportive environment where every member’s contribution is valued. Enjoy the benefits of being part of a global team that’s committed to making a difference in people’s lives. Future-Proof Your Career With UnitedHealth Group, your career is future-proof. Dive into a range of positions that offer both challenges and rewards. Our robust support system includes unmatched training, development programs, and certification support to propel your career forward. Stay Connected Join Our Team Discover the right position that matches your skills and interests. We are always hiring and look for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Search UnitedHealth Group jobs today and take the first step towards a fulfilling career. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can use today—all from the people who work here. Read Careers Blog Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Explore the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at UnitedHealth Group.
Learn more about UnitedHealth Group
Size
350,000 employees
Market Cap
$493.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$15.4 billion
Founded
1974
5 Year Trend
+9.2%
Revenue
$257.1 billion
NASDAQ

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