UnitedHealth Group

Director, Shared Services

UnitedHealth Group$112K — $193K *
Healthcare
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years in healthcare operations, strategy, consulting, or business management
  • Experience with value-based care and provider network operations
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Proven project management skills handling multiple priorities
  • Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills across all levels
  • Willingness to travel up to 20% for stakeholder engagement

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and execution of shared services strategy
  • Drive measurable operational and financial outcomes
  • Operate as a cross-functional leader in a matrixed environment
  • Build scalable processes and performance management capabilities
  • Lead and develop a high-performing team
  • Serve as a trusted partner to executive leadership

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Incentive and recognition programs
  • Equity stock purchase option
  • 401(k) contribution
  • Opportunities for professional development and advancement
Full Job Description
As Director of Shared Services, you will lead the transformation of core administrative functions, including referral management and UM processes , to improve care access, reduce unnecessary cost, and strengthen regulatory compliance. Your work will directly influence how patients move through the healthcare system, how providers experience our network, and how effectively we manage total cost of care.

You will join a small, high-performing team with outsized impact, operating with significant visibility into executive leadership. This is a unique opportunity to build and shape next-generation shared services capabilities, at one of the largest and most mature managed care organizations . You will partner across clinical, operational, network, and compliance teams to design scalable solutions that meaningfully improve performance across the system.

This is not a maintenance role, it is a builder role, with real ownership of strategy, execution, and outcomes.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Lead design and execution of shared services strategy
    • Define and scale shared services capabilities across referral management, UM and adjacent workflows
    • Align operating model to improve efficiency, reduce friction, and support enterprise priorities
  • Drive measurable operational and financial outcomes
    • Improve referral timeliness, provider experience, and patient access to care
    • Improve financials and reduce administrative inefficiencies
    • Strengthen compliance with regulatory requirements
  • Operate as a cross-functional leader in a highly matrixed environment
    • Partner with clinical, network, contracting, claims, compliance, and technology teams
    • Manage relationships with National and West Region Shared Services teams, ensuring alignment across tools, workflows, and service models
    • Influence without authority to drive alignment and execution across diverse stakeholders
  • Build scalable processes and performance management capabilities
    • Establish KPIs, reporting frameworks, and governance to monitor service performance
    • Identify gaps, prioritize improvements, and drive continuous process optimization
  • Lead and develop a high-performing team
    • Coach team members to operate with ownership, accountability, and solid executive presence
    • Foster a culture of problem-solving, collaboration, and continuous learning
  • Serve as a trusted partner to executive leadership
    • Translate complex operational challenges into clear options and recommendations
    • Support strategic decisions with data-driven insights and structured thinking


Key Competencies:

  • Learning Agility and Domain Fluency: Quickly builds credibility in new and complex subject areas, moving from initial intake to meaningful contribution with speed and sound judgment
  • Program Leadership and Execution: Leads high-priority initiatives from strategy through implementation, including planning, governance, stakeholder alignment, risk management, and execution oversight
  • Executive Communication and Influence: Distills complex information into clear, concise, executive-ready recommendations and communicates effectively across frontline teams, cross-functional partners, and senior leadership
  • Strategic Judgment and Risk Awareness: Anticipates downstream impacts, identifies hidden dependencies, and proactively surfaces operational, financial, or regulatory risks before they become issues
  • Process Improvement and Simplification: Identifies inefficiencies, challenges outdated ways of working, and redesigns processes to improve clarity, scalability, and execution
  • Leadership, Ownership, and Team Development: Leads through influence, builds trust across teams, develops others, and demonstrates accountability, sound judgment, and the courage to raise concerns when needed


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:

  • 8+ years of experience in healthcare operations, strategy, consulting, or business management
  • Experience in value-based care, provider network operations, or healthcare service delivery
  • Proven solid analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in process improvement and performance optimization
  • Proven excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
  • Proven solid communication and stakeholder management abilities, across all levels (C-suite to front line)
  • Ability to travel up to 20% to Southern California admin & clinic sites (local stakeholder engagement is critical)


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with data visualization tools such as Power BI. High proficiency in MS Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint etc.)
  • Familiarity with California managed care regulatory environment (e.g., DMHC/Knox-Keene)
  • Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement methodologies
  • Background in consulting or strategic operations roles
  • Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional initiatives in a matrixed environment


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 $112,700 - $193,200 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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