Strategic Account Executive - Remote

Job ID: 99449363376Posted: 2026-08-19Location: Schaumburg, Illinois, United StatesSalary: $112,700 - $193,200/yearJob Area: Sales SupportCompany: UnitedHealth GroupOptum 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 talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.The Strategic Account Executive (SAE) serves as the relationship leader and primary point of accountability for OptumRx's partnership with an assigned book of clients. This role is responsible for supporting and growing a book of highly strategic, complex national employer relationship while ensuring exceptional client satisfaction, operational performance, contract execution, and long-term business retention.The SAE partners with the client's executives, consultants, and internal OptumRx leaders to develop and execute a multi-year strategic roadmap focused on pharmacy trend management, member experience, clinical innovation, digital engagement, and measurable business outcomes. The role requires exceptional communication skills, consultative leadership, strong business acumen and the ability to coordinate large cross-functional teams to deliver results for some of OptumRx's most visible and strategically important customers. This position functions as the quarterback of the client relationship and is accountable for aligning strategic objectives, operational execution, financial performance, and client advocacy.You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.Primary Responsibilities:Strategic LeadershipServe as the relationship owner for the clientDevelop and execute a multi-year account strategy focused on retention, growth, innovation, and client value creationLead strategic planning and business reviews with client leadership and consulting partnersIdentify opportunities to improve member experience, affordability, clinical outcomes, and pharmacy benefit performanceDrive adoption of new OptumRx products, capabilities, and enterprise solutions aligned to the client's prioritiesExecutive Relationship ManagementEstablish trusted advisor relationships with senior client stakeholders and Aon consultantsRepresent OptumRx in executive business reviews, onsite meetings, governance sessions, and renewal discussionsInfluence client decision-makers through data-driven recommendations and strategic consultationsServe as the executive escalation point for critical client issuesAccount Oversight & GovernanceLead a high performing account team consisting of account management, clinical, analytics, implementation, service, operations, communications, and product resourcesEnsure contract compliance, performance guarantee achievement, and service excellenceManage complex issues from identification through resolution, coordinating across OptumRx functional areasMaintain accountability for client satisfaction, relationship health, and overall account performanceFinancial & Business PerformanceMonitor account profitability, retention, growth opportunities, and enterprise valueLead strategic trend analysis and develop actionable recommendations to improve plan performancePartner with finance, underwriting, and product teams to support renewals, pricing discussions, and business casesIdentify expansion opportunities across Optum and UnitedHealth Group capabilities when appropriateInnovation & TransformationLead strategic initiatives focused on improving the member experience and pharmacy journeyPartner with client stakeholders to evaluate emerging solutions, digital capabilities, clinical programs, and operational enhancementsTranslate client goals into executable plans with measurable outcomes and defined governanceYou'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:7+ years of experience in PBM account management, demonstrating a successful track record in client management and retention5+ years of experience leading upsells and growth activities, with a demonstrated ability to identify and capitalize on business opportunities5+ years of experience developing project plan, project timelines, project team driving through completionProficiency in utilizing PBM tools to create marketing materials, responding to requests for proposals (RFPs), and generate financial and data reportsProven excellent executive-level communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts and strategiesWillingness to travel up to 25% of the time to meet client needs and attend relevant industry eventsPreferred Qualifications:Experience managing national and / or strategic accountsExperience reading, interpreting and negotiating contract termsExperience navigating through system enhancements or installationsExperience working with RxClaimExperience working cross-functionally within a matrix environmentProven ability to exhibit leadership through influencing without authorityProven ability to work in a self-motivated environment with limited supervision*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter PolicyPay 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.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.