Chief Operating Officer – Optum Health, California

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 Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Optum California is a key executive leader responsible for driving the strategic direction and operational performance of the Group and IPA (Independent Physician Association) business across the California market. This role ensures alignment with Optum’s mission to deliver high-quality, affordable and accessible care through physician-led models.

The COO will lead the execution of integrated care delivery strategies, oversee performance metrics and ensure operational excellence across all regions and delegated entities. This includes accountability for affordability, access, quality and patient experience outcomes.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership:
  Develop and execute the Group and IPA strategy for California, ensuring alignment with enterprise goals and market-specific needs
• Operational Excellence:
  Lead the continued design and implementation of the ACE operational models that drive efficiency, scalability and affordability across care delivery organizations (CDOs), MSOs and IPA networks
• Performance Management:
  Own and monitor key operational metrics, including cost-of-care, utilization, access and quality. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to meet or exceed performance targets
• Market Integration & Growth:
  Partner with regional and functional leaders to integrate legacy and acquired entities, optimize organizational design and identify growth opportunities across commercial, Medicare Advantage and Medi-Cal lines of business
• Leadership & Culture:
  Build and lead high-performing teams. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation and collaboration across clinical and administrative functions
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  Serve as a key liaison with physician leaders, health plan partners and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment and execution of shared goals

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:

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare operations, preferably in managed care, provider groups or integrated delivery systems
• Deep understanding of California’s healthcare landscape, including delegated risk models, IPA operations and regulatory environment
• Proven track record of leading large-scale operational transformations and delivering measurable results
• Solid financial acumen, including P&L responsibility and cost-of-care management
• Exceptional leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills

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. 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.