Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Position Summary

We are seeking a strategic and client-focused leader to build and lead the U.S. Forecasting & Modeling team within OptumRx. This team will serve as the primary interface between our global modeling capability and the clients, consultants, and internal partners who rely on these forecasts to make informed decisions about pharmacy benefit design and clinical program adoption.

The U.S. team will focus on interpreting and communicating model results, supporting finalist and renewal meetings, and helping internal stakeholders and clients understand the implications of pharmacy trend forecasts and scenario modeling.

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:

• Build and lead a U.S.-based team of forecasting analysts
• Serve as the primary point of contact for forecasting requests from account management and clinical consulting teams
• Present modeling results and insights to clients, consultants, and internal stakeholders
• Translate complex statistical models into clear, actionable narratives for non-technical audiences
• Collaborate with global modeling teams and AI product teams to ensure alignment and integration
• Guide new models through Optum’s Machine Learning Review Board (MLRB)
• Support the development of reusable modeling tools and processes that can be scaled across the enterprise

Global Collaboration

This role is part of a broader global forecasting capability that includes:

• A team in India focused on client-specific modeling (e.g., GLP-1 forecasts), synthetic claims generation, and trend forecasting experimentation
• A team in Ireland responsible for building reusable modeling tools, templates, and methodologies
• A U.S.-based IT team developing scalable, production-grade scoring infrastructure
• AI product teams integrating model outputs into intelligent plan diagnostic and recommendation tools
• Other modeling teams across the PBM, including clinical analytics, underwriting, and network pricing, who will be supported and enabled through shared modeling tools and governed processes to ensure consistency, quality, and responsible use of forecasting capabilities

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:

• 10+ years of experience in forecasting, modeling, and/or data science
• 5+ years in an analytics leadership role with client-facing experience (internal and/or external stakeholders)
• 5+ years of experience presenting to executive-level stakeholders and clients
• Experience explaining complex models to non-technical audiences
• Proficiency in statistical modeling techniques (e.g., linear/logistic regression, tree-based methods)
• Proficiency in in statistical modeling tools such as SAS, Databricks and/or Python

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building new teams and/or capabilities
• Experience supporting or leading finalist or renewal meetings in a client-facing capacity
• Experience with model governance and ethical AI practices
• Familiarity with open-source forecasting tools (e.g., Prophet)
• Familiarity with agile management and experience working with IT on development projects
• Background in healthcare, financial services, and/or other data-intensive industries

*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 $156,400 to $268,000 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.