Associate Director - Legal Entity Licensing

Overview 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. Associate Director of Licensing The Associate Director of Licensing is a people leader responsible for overseeing licensing strategy and execution across multiple jurisdictions and business lines. This role exercises independent judgment and ensures regulatory licensing requirements are appropriately assessed, obtained, and maintained. The Associate Director routinely interfaces with leadership, regulators and, when necessary, directly completes or oversees licensing filings. Remote work is possible from anywhere within the U.S. For hires in Minneapolis or Washington, D.C., you will be required to work in the office a minimum of four days per week. Primary Responsibilities Leads, mentors, and develops a team of licensing professionals Sets clear expectations, performance goals, and accountability standards while fostering a high-performing, consultative team culture Serves as a subject matter expert for licensing requirements and provides guidance to licensing analysts Researches, interprets, and applies state-specific licensing and regulatory requirements to support compliant business operations Independently analyzes and makes informed licensing decisions that balance regulatory compliance, operational feasibility, and business strategy Participates in business discussions and provides concise, risk-based licensing perspectives Escalates material licensing risks, gaps, or delays with clear options and recommended paths forward Supports acquisitions, expansions, and new product launches by assessing licensing implications and timelines and developing integration pathways Represents the organization in audits or licensing inquiries as needed Oversees and monitors team metrics to ensure accuracy and timeliness Ensures quality controls, documentation standards, and audit-ready records are maintained Identifies process improvements and implements scalable approaches to manage high licensing volume Personally completes or directly oversees complex, high-risk, or escalated licensing filings when required Required Qualifications 5+ years of experience in regulatory licensing within healthcare, insurance, financial services, with emphasis on Third Party Administrator (TPA), Utilization Review (UR), and Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) licensing Solid experience interfacing directly with state and federal regulators Demonstrated experience as a people leader, including managing managers and/or senior professionals Proven ability to exercise independent judgment and make licensing determinations in ambiguous or evolving regulatory environments Proven ability to consult effectively with senior leaders and influence decision-making without direct authority Preferred Qualifications Paralegal certificate, associate degree, or equivalent legal training Experience supporting multistate operations and complex organizational structures Solid understanding of compliance risk management frameworks Additional Information All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy. Salary information: Pay is based on factors including local labor markets, education, work experience, and certifications. In addition to salary, benefits include a comprehensive package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (eligibility applies). The salary range for this role is $112,700 to $193,200 annually for full-time employment. We comply with all applicable minimum wage laws. Application Deadline: This posting will remain for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool is collected. The posting may be updated or removed early due to volume of applicants. UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All 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 applicable laws. UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace; candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Optum