Vice President, Trend Analytics Modernization & Innovation

Job Description – Vice President, Trend Analytics Modernization & Innovation The Vice President of Trend Analytics Modernization & Innovation is a critical leadership role within UnitedHealth Group’s corporate Risk & Analytics function. This position is responsible for assessing, framing and driving innovation and modernization within and across the trend forecasting and historical reporting functions. The role leads a programmatic, framework-driven and AI-forward modernization agenda spanning data, analytics, technology and core processes across the central UHG Trend Analytics team and its segment partners. This high-impact position partners closely with actuarial, data, AI and technology leaders, working through partnership and education, to design and deliver a multi-year strategic modernization program. The role is instrumental in shaping the company’s approach to trend forecasting and reporting, and risk management, with a focus on improving predictive capabilities and delivery speed, while driving operational efficiency and re‑investment of released capacity. The Vice President is accountable for improving the breadth of predictive signals, quality, scalability and efficiency of trend forecasting and historical reporting by assessing current state processes, data flows, tools and operating models, and defining a clear, adoptable future state. Modernization solutions are expected to scale beyond the central trend team and be implementable by business actuarial teams to improve enterprise-wide productivity and quality. This role does not own actuarial models or assumptions; instead, it focuses on how trend work gets done end-to-end—from data ingestion through insight-based outputs—and on modernizing those systems and processes to support reliable, high-quality enterprise decision-making at scale. The role will influence actuarial workforce and talent development planning to amplify the impact of the UHG Risk & Analytics function. Primary Responsibilities: Assess and optimize end-to-end data, technology and analytic processes supporting trend forecasting and historical reporting, including manual effort, rework, handoffs, tooling, data pipelines and sources of variability across segments, populations and teams. Define a clear AI-forward innovation and modernization roadmap that balances near-term productivity gains; medium-term quality, consistency and automation improvements; long-term scalability and sustainability. Translate modernization opportunities into concrete business cases (capacity released, cycle time reduced, risk reduced, quality improved). Lead a multi-year modernization program that integrates enabling technologies, including AI where appropriate, to improve efficiency, quality and scalability of actuarial and analytic workflows. Partner with UHC and Optum Health Trend forecasting TFM leads and HCTA leaders to ensure modernization efforts are adoptable, scalable and embedded into forecasting and reporting workflows. Drive consistency in methods, definitions and outputs while preserving business decision authority. Expand the breadth of data sources used as part of the analytic process to strengthen trend forecasting and monitoring capabilities. Build strong partnerships across actuarial, finance, business and technology functions to align on priorities, manage tradeoffs (e.g., speed vs. rigor; standardization vs. flexibility) and drive sustained adoption of modernized tools and processes. Communicate progress and outcomes clearly to senior leadership, including: what changed, why it matters, what risk or effort it removed. Provide strategic direction and execution oversight for the AI innovation and modernization roadmap, ensuring alignment to enterprise goals and delivery of measurable outcomes. Demonstrate cross-functional leadership by partnering with internal stakeholders across departments to execute strategy and drive business outcomes. Provide strategic direction in program roadmap development and execution; communicate a clear vision for the team that aligns with organizational goals. Influence without direct authority across senior leaders and expert teams. Required Qualifications: Credentialed actuary (FSA or ASA). 12+ years of broad actuarial experience within healthcare payer organizations, with proven expertise in risk assessment and analytics. Deep familiarity with medical cost trend forecasting and/or historical reporting processes and large-scale analytical workflows with executive exposure. Demonstrated success in leading modernization programs and implementing advanced analytics or AI solutions in actuarial applications. Demonstrated success in driving change management activities within and across actuarial teams. Solid partnership and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders across diverse functions. Broad business acumen and understanding of healthcare payer operations, data sources and industry trends. Exceptional leadership in change management, guiding teams through technology and process transformation. Excellent communication skills: ability to clearly articulate technical concepts to non-technical senior leaders (CEO, CFO, etc.), and to understand perspectives of multiple constituents. Recognized industry thought leader with experience collaborating with cross-functional partners and presenting analytical findings to an executive audience. Benefits & Compensation: Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, you may receive a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase options and 401(k) contributions (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). 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. You’ll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. Hybrid in MN/DC: This position follows a hybrid schedule with four in-office days per week. 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. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes. 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. UnitedHealth Group is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or accommodation for any part of the application process, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io to be connected to Recruitment Services. Recruitment Services hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday. #J-18808-Ljbffr UnitedHealth-Grou