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.
The Manager, Network Programs is responsible for leading provider network operations to ensure quality, compliance, and cost-effectiveness. This position oversees a team focused on recruiting and maintaining qualified providers, setting strategic direction, and driving performance aligned with customer KPIs and regulatory standards. Key duties include analyzing network performance, managing costs, implementing process improvements, and fostering strong provider relationships. The role also involves mentoring staff, ensuring documentation standards, coordinating quality initiatives, and collaborating across departments to deliver efficient, compliant, and sustainable network solutions.
You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.
Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee a team that is responsible for the recruitment and maintenance of qualified and cost-effective providers, and meet the accessibility requirements of the contract
• Set team direction, provide guidance and resolve problems
• Gather data from relevant sources to respond to stakeholders' requests
• Analyze network and/or provider performance along key indicators
• Determine performance metrics for staff to align with Customer KPIs and competitive data, internal data (e.g., provider improvement opportunities) and applicable legal and regulatory requirements
• Communicate with key stakeholders (e.g., network management contractors) to ensure programs/networks/contracts comply with standards
• Provide oversight of functional supervisory staff for all operational teams that are part of the Provider Network Management (PNM) department
• Provide strategic and operational management of Optum Serve Provider Network Operations
• Manage, mentor and evaluate staff with a focus on provider and practitioner quality, provider pricing, compliance with network requirements, department efficiency and department goals
• Analyze and evaluate reports and other information to ensure appropriate network composition
• Analyze and evaluate reports and other information to coordinate quality improvement plans and develop process improvement initiatives
• Manage and analyze provider network costs and make recommendations for risk mitigation
• Define and enforce documentation standards for all materials developed for PNM
• Manage the selection, hiring, training, development, performance assessments, disciplinary actions and coaching for staff
• Lead and provide oversight on projects, process improvement initiatives and contract change requirements
• Communicate effectively and directly with internal and external customers at all levels within the organization
• Develop solid provider and practitioner relationships; assist in management of strategic partner relationships
• Take responsibility for successful, quality and cost-effective network solutions
• Provide guidance to cultivate and foster long-term provider and practitioner retention
• Work collaboratively with other managers within PNM and throughout the organization
• OSHA/ADA visits will be required

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:

• 5+ years of experience in a network-related role handling complex network providers with accountability for business results
• 2+ years of experience with provider contracting
• 2+ years of leadership experience
• MEDNET experience
• Tableau experience
• Clear understanding of provider reimbursement methodologies
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Proven solid customer service skills
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain long-term relationships with healthcare organizations
• Demonstrated ability to lead the activities of others as well as manage and monitor performance
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to speak clearly and concisely, conveying complex or technical information in a manner that others can understand, as well as ability to understand and interpret complex information from others, including but not limited to reimbursement policy standards
• Demonstrated solid interpersonal skills, establishing rapport and working well with others
• Equivalent combination of education, experience and/or applicable military experience will be considered
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25%
• Driver's License and access to reliable transportation

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with direct provider contracting, including facility, physician, and ancillary providers
• Government contracting experience
• Experience working with Veterans
• Experience in implementing new provider networks
• OSHA/ADA facility compliance experience

*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 $91,700 to $163,700 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.