Payer Implementation Project Manager

Implementation Project Manager

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 Implementation Project Manager (PM) will serve as the dedicated lead for a key enterprise account, managing implementation and readiness efforts for directed spend benefit programs in support of the broader payment strategy.

This role is responsible for end-to-end ownership of implementation readiness (1/1), while also supporting ongoing initiatives and enhancements tied to the enterprise account. The PM acts as the primary liaison across internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment, accountability, and successful delivery across a complex, enterprise-scale environment.

The position requires solid relationship management skills, the ability to operate across a cross-matrix organization, and expertise in coordinating large-scale implementations that impact multiple products, systems, and business units.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Serve as the dedicated Implementation PM for the enterprise account, owning the implementation relationship and acting as the primary point of contact
• Partner closely with the Account Management team to ensure alignment between implementation activities, client strategy, and ongoing account priorities
• Lead end-to-end 1/1 readiness, ensuring delivery across all milestones, dependencies, and go-live activities
• Oversee multiple concurrent workstreams, including both large-scale implementations and smaller enterprise account initiatives
• Create and effectively manage deliverables for client implementation projects: Program Requirements, Project Schedule, Issues, Risks, Action Items Decision (IRAD) Log, Weekly Implementation Executive Status Report, Lessons Learned, etc.
• Maintain enterprise awareness of overlapping initiatives that may impact readiness, proactively surfacing risks, dependencies, and conflicts
• Raise awareness of any misalignment or misunderstanding of project scope and objectives with applicable stakeholders
• Act as the internal SME on enterprise account strategies, priorities, and guidance, providing direction and clarity to internal stakeholders
• Assist in internal improvement projects

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:

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent work experience
• 2+ years of experience in project management or implementation projects in the healthcare industry
• Experience acting as a liaison between business and technical teams
• Proficiency with project management tools (Smartsheet- preferred), and other Microsoft tools such as Excel, Visio, Word and PowerPoint
• Proven ability to communicate ideas clearly and concisely to the leadership
• Proven ability to prioritize and balance multiple demands and competing deadlines

Preferred Qualifications:

• PMP Certification
• Experience with Healthcare industry
• Medicare/Medicaid experience
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in ambiguous and uncertain environments while maintaining a high level of professionalism
• Demonstrated advanced communication skills, both verbal and written

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). 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.

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.