UnitedHealth Group

Senior Director, Applied AI & Data Science - Hybrid in MN

UnitedHealth Group$159K — $273K *
Healthcare
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 15+ years in IT industry with a Master’s in Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Data Science, or related field.
  • 8+ years of enterprise leadership experience defining strategy across multiple teams.
  • 4+ years in Senior Director/VP roles overseeing large-scale applied AI/ML engineering organizations (30 to 100+ team members).
  • Proven track record in building AI-enabled software products with annual budgets of $15M+ in healthcare or regulated sectors.
  • Strong business acumen linking AI investments to ROI and strategic outcomes.
  • Exceptional executive communication skills influencing funding decisions.
  • Willingness to work a hybrid schedule in Minnetonka, MN.

Responsibilities

  • Define and lead AI/ML strategy for Medicare & Retirement to drive measurable business transformation.
  • Collaborate with business leaders to identify high impact AI opportunities and develop executive-ready use cases.
  • Position AI as a business transformation lever while exhibiting strong executive presence.
  • Oversee the entire software engineering lifecycle from design to production-grade Data Science and AI solutions.
  • Provide technical leadership for building AI-native applications, ensuring security and resilience.
  • Implement responsible AI practices, emphasizing governance and compliance throughout the delivery lifecycle.
  • Build and lead high-performing greenfield AI engineering teams fostering innovation and mentorship.
  • Partner cross-functionally to deliver integrated, enterprise-aligned AI solutions.
  • Communicate AI strategies and business impacts clearly to senior leadership and board stakeholders.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package including health and wellness programs.
  • Incentive and recognition programs to reward performance.
  • Equity stock purchase options.
  • 401k contribution plans to support retirement.
  • Development opportunities for career advancement.
Full Job Description
The Senior Director, Applied AI & Data Science is a strategic business and technology leader responsible for identifying, shaping, and delivering AI-driven transformations across the Medicare & Retirement business. This role partners closely with senior business leaders to uncover high-impact opportunities where AI [Data Science, Machine learning and Agentic AI ] can materially improve cost, operational efficiency, and member outcomes, and to translate those opportunities into funded, enterprise-scale initiatives.

This leader curates and prioritizes a portfolio of AI use cases, defines clear value propositions and success metrics, and builds executive-ready proposals grounded in business value, risk, and feasibility. The role requires strong executive presence to influence investment decisions, secure funding, and champion initiatives from concept through approval and scaled delivery.

This position follows a hybrid schedule with four in-office days per week.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Define and lead AI/ML strategy for Medicare & Retirement, driving end-to-end AI enabled software delivery aligned to business transformation with measurable outcomes
  • Partners with business leaders to identify and shape high impact opportunities where AI can drive transformative outcomes. Develops executive ready use cases with clear value propositions and presents them to senior leadership to secure alignment and funding
  • Requires strong business acumen, executive presence, and the ability to position AI as a lever for transformation-not just technology
  • Own end-to-end lifecycle delivery of Software Engineering - from problem framing and design through development, deployment, scaling, and optimization of production grade Data Science, Machine learning and Agentic AI solutions
  • Provide end-to-end technical leadership for building AI-native applications integrating AI/ML within core application architecture, data strategy, model development, and develop core products, ensuring scalable, secure, and resilient production-ready systems
  • Embed responsible and secure AI practices across the delivery lifecycle, including governance, fairness, transparency, compliance, and adherence while adhering to enterprise security standards
  • Build and lead high performing greenfield AI engineering teams, fostering a culture of innovation, continuous learning, team mentorship and engineering excellence
  • Partner cross-functionally across product, finance, compliance, infrastructure, security, and business leaders to deliver integrated, enterprise-aligned AI solution
  • Communicate AI strategy, delivery progress, and business impact with clarity and executive presence to senior leadership and board level stakeholders


Youll 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:

  • 15+ years in IT industry with Masters degree in Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Data Science, or a related discipline
  • 8+ years of enterprise leadership experience defining strategy, architecture, and delivery across multiple teams
  • 4+ years in Senior Director / VP level positions, leading largescale applied AI/ML engineering organizations (30 to100+ team consisting of engineers, data scientists, and ML engineers, across shores) delivering Data Science, Machine learning and Agentic AI solutions end-to-end production software platforms
  • Proven success building and operating AI enabled software products, from full stack application development to AI/ML integrated solution with $15M+ annual budgets in healthcare or similarly regulated environments
  • Proven solid business acumen with ability to link AI investments to ROI, risk, and strategic outcomes
  • Demonstrated executive communication skills and ability to influence funding and prioritization decisions
  • Ability to work a Hybrid schedule in Minnetonka, MN


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Deep domain expertise in healthcare and regulatory frameworks
  • Solid understanding of Medicare regulatory needs including data governance, privacy, and HIPAA compliance
  • Proficiency in solving combinatorial optimization challenges through AI, and integrating them into mainstream solutions
  • Demonstrated success in scaling GenAI and enterprise-grade ML capabilities across large enterprises


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, youll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $159,300 - $273,200 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

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at UnitedHealth Group

More Healthcare Jobs

Find similar Senior Director, Applied AI & Data Science - Hybrid in MN jobs: