Join Optum, a global leader in health optimization, and drive significant impact through data-driven solutions. This role is crucial in identifying and implementing high-value initiatives focused on automation, inventory reduction, and claims processing efficiency to meet enterprise Cost & Productivity objectives. You will act as a central connector between Analytics, Operations, Business Analysts, and Technology teams, ensuring seamless progression of opportunities from concept to tangible benefits.

A key aspect of this position involves analyzing manual workflows and operational challenges to devise scalable automation strategies that boost productivity and refine claims processing. You will be responsible for constructing business cases, crafting strategic roadmaps, validating achieved benefits, and leading the execution of future opportunity pipelines.

Furthermore, you will provide essential leadership in governance, testing, and operational readiness, ensuring successful solution deployment and sustained business value. By collaborating across Payment Integrity, Operations, Technology, and Analytics departments, you will champion strategic priorities and foster continuous improvement leveraging advanced analytics, automation, and AI.

Lead the identification, evaluation, and prioritization of high-impact automation and operational efficiency opportunities. Manage and govern a portfolio of Cost & Productivity initiatives, ensuring delivery against quarterly and annual targets. Develop and maintain multi-year automation and operational improvement roadmaps aligned with enterprise priorities. Partner with Business Analysts, Data Scientists, Developers, Operations leaders, and Technology teams to drive solution delivery and implementation. Establish governance frameworks, testing standards, and quality controls to ensure operational readiness and long-term sustainability. Monitor implementation progress, manage risks and dependencies, and drive issue resolution across stakeholder groups. Track and validate operational and financial benefit realization through reporting and performance measurement. Analyze inventory trends, workload patterns, and claims processing opportunities to improve operational effectiveness. Provide leadership updates on initiative progress, risks, dependencies, and mitigation strategies. Identify and evaluate emerging automation, AI, and advanced analytics capabilities to expand productivity opportunities.

A Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience is required, coupled with over 7 years of experience in healthcare analytics, operational excellence, automation, or business process optimization. Proven experience leading cross-functional initiatives from inception through implementation and value realization is essential. Proficiency in reporting tools, dashboard development, performance measurement frameworks, and operational metrics is expected. Solid understanding of healthcare claims processing, operational workflows, and inventory management concepts is a must. Demonstrated ability to develop business cases, quantify benefits, and measure operational outcomes is critical. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills are necessary, with a knack for translating data into actionable recommendations. Excellent communication, executive presentation, stakeholder management, and influencing skills are vital for success in this role.