Vice President, Security Architecture

Vice President, Security Architecture

UnitedHealth Group is a health care and well-being company that's dedicated to improving the health outcomes of millions around the world. We are comprised of two distinct and complementary businesses, UnitedHealthcare and Optum, working to build a better health system for all. Here, your contributions matter as they will help transform health care for years to come. Make an impact with a team that shares your passion for helping others. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The Vice President, Security Architecture is the senior leader responsible for shaping and executing the enterprise-wide vision for security architecture. This role owns the development and stewardship of Enterprise Security Architecture, Enterprise Domain Architecture, and Security Solutions Architecture, ensuring alignment with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and technology strategy. The VP will drive cross-functional collaboration, reduce friction between teams, and enable proactive, scalable security planning and operations across the organization.

You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires within 30 minutes of an office in Minnesota or Washington, D.C., you'll be required to work a minimum of four days per week in-office.

Primary Responsibilities

• Establish and mature an Enterprise Security Architecture operating model as the single, low-friction engagement system for security architecture work across Engineering, Cyber, Infrastructure, Application, and Business teams
• Develop and enforce security architecture frameworks and standards, embedding security by design into enterprise platforms and solutions
• Launch and lead forums for architecture governance, technical strategy, and solution review, ensuring consistent adoption of best practices and alignment with enterprise risk posture
• Own the strategy and execution for Security Solutions Architecture, including evaluation, selection, and integration of security technologies and platforms
• Partner with domain architects to ensure security requirements are embedded in all enterprise domain architectures, supporting business agility and compliance
• Measure and improve the maturity of enterprise security architecture, including posture assessments, solution effectiveness, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Drive synergy between security architecture, audit, compliance, and risk management functions to ensure robust governance and regulatory alignment

Scope of Ownership vs. Partnership

• Enterprise Security Architecture operating model (intake → review → decision → delivery) and joint planning rhythms
• Security architecture frameworks, standards, and reference models
• Security Solutions Architecture strategy and realization (build vs. buy vs. deprecate), ensuring interoperability and operational readiness
• Architecture governance forums, technical review boards, and solution evaluation processes
• Security architecture metrics, reporting, and continuous improvement programs

Partners

• Business Unit CIOs and domain architects to embed security standards and requirements into business and technology initiatives
• Cybersecurity, Infrastructure, and Application teams for solution integration, incident preparedness, and operationalization
• Audit, Compliance, and Risk Management for architecture governance and regulatory alignment
• Procurement and Finance for solution rationalization and operationalization

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an enterprise-wide security architecture strategy and integrated planning system that enables teams to deliver secure solutions efficiently
• Standardize security architecture frameworks, reference models, and operational metrics across platforms and business units
• Lead forums and operating models for architecture governance, technical strategy, and solution review
• Direct the product/backlog for scalable security architecture capabilities and ensure efficient intake/prioritization
• Make solution choices (build, buy, deprecate) to maximize ROI and speed to operational maturity
• Lead joint technical readiness and solution integration exercises with partner teams
• Establish continuous improvement loops, incorporating lessons learned into architecture and solution backlogs
• Serve as the trusted leader breaking down silos between Security, Infrastructure, and Application teams; implement repeatable, low-friction engagement models to increase business throughput and shared accountability
• Own and lead engagement with key technology partners and vendors, influencing roadmaps and accelerating adoption of platform-native security features

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 in infrastructure, security architecture, or software product delivery for large, complex organizations in regulated domains
• 8+ years leading enterprise security architecture and solutions architecture in multi-domain (cloud, distributed, on-prem) environments
• Demonstrated success building low-friction engagement models across Security, Infrastructure, and Application teams
• Proven execution of solution rationalization and rapid operationalization - for both build and buy situations
• Experience partnering with incident response, audit, and compliance teams
• Depth in security architecture frameworks, policy baselines, and posture management
• Executive engagement with technology partners and vendors
• Leadership in enterprise security architecture

*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 $200,400 to $343,500 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

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.