COBRA Client Services Leader - Remote

Job ID: 101461072960Posted: 2026-10-02Location: Albany, New York, United StatesSalary: $91,700 - $163,700/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 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 COBRA Client Services Leader is responsible for leading a high-performing team of Client Service Managers and operational specialists supporting COBRA administration for clients of varying size and complexity. This role provides strategic leadership across client service, operations, compliance, renewals, and open enrollment activities while ensuring exceptional client satisfaction, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance.The Client Services Leader serves as a key partner across Operations, Technology, Product, Compliance, Legal, Sales, and Implementation teams to drive service performance, mitigate risk, resolve escalated client concerns, and support business growth initiatives. This leader is responsible for developing talent, fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration, and driving continuous improvement across the COBRA service model.This role serves as the primary leader responsible for delivering a scalable, compliant, and client-focused COBRA service operation while developing future leaders and supporting the organization's strategic growth objectives.You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.Primary Responsibilities: Leadership & Talent DevelopmentLead, coach, and develop a team of Client Service Managers and service professionalsFoster a culture focused on accountability, engagement, collaboration, and service excellenceManage staffing, workload balancing, succession planning, and employee developmentProvide performance management, mentoring, and career growth opportunitiesClient Service & Relationship ManagementOversee service delivery for a portfolio of COBRA clients, including strategic and complex accountsBuild trusted relationships with clients, consultants, brokers, and internal stakeholdersServe as the executive escalation point for critical client issues and service concernsLead client business reviews, service discussions, and strategic planning conversationsOperational Excellence & ComplianceEnsure accurate and compliant execution of COBRA administration activitiesMonitor operational performance, service metrics, quality results, and client satisfactionDrive adherence to regulatory requirements, contractual obligations, and company policiesIdentify operational risks and implement mitigation strategiesBusiness Strategy & Continuous ImprovementLead initiatives focused on service model enhancements, process optimization, automation, and operational efficiencySupport implementations, acquisitions, platform migrations, renewals, and open enrollment readiness activitiesPartner with business leaders to develop scalable solutions that support growth and improve client outcomesChampion organizational change and new technology adoptionIssue Resolution & Risk ManagementProvide leadership during client escalations and critical operational eventsCoordinate cross-functional teams to investigate root causes and implement sustainable solutionsEnsure timely communication, documentation, and resolution of high-priority issuesMinimize client, operational, and compliance risk through proactive monitoring and 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 client services, operations, benefits administration, financial services, or related industries5+ years of leadership experience managing leaders, client service teams, or operational organizationsExperience leading large-scale client relationships and operational service deliveryDemonstrated success managing cross-functional initiatives and driving business resultsPreferred Qualifications: COBRA administration experienceExperience supporting health and welfare benefits administrationKnowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements related to employee benefitsExperience leading implementations, open enrollment readiness, or operational transformation initiativesCore CompetenciesStrategic LeadershipClient Relationship ManagementOperational ExcellencePeople Leadership & Talent DevelopmentRisk & Compliance ManagementProcess ImprovementExecutive CommunicationChange ManagementProblem Solving & Decision MakingCross-Functional CollaborationSuccess MeasuresClient retention and satisfactionOperational performance and service delivery resultsCompliance and risk management outcomesEmployee engagement and developmentSuccessful implementation of strategic initiativesContinuous improvement and efficiency gains*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 $91,700 - $163,700 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.