Director Product Management - Utilization Management

highmarkhealth; United States; On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Highmark Health seeks a senior product leader to drive the Utilization Management portfolio, aligning strategy with business goals and customer needs. You will partner with UM operations and product delivery to realize value and shape the future of the product suite.

The role requires leading a team, defining requirements, and delivering market-ready solutions while navigating healthcare regulations and industry trends.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in product management, strategy, or related roles.
• 5+ years in management or leadership.
• Healthcare or health insurance industry experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define product vision and roadmap aligned with business goals.
• Lead cross-functional teams across engineering, design, operations, marketing, and sales.
• Manage product backlog and prioritize features.
• Monitor performance metrics and optimize product portfolio.
• Mentor and lead product managers and analysts.
• Ensure regulatory compliance in health care sector.

Skills

Product management

Strategy

Leadership

Stakeholder mgmt

Healthcare

Analytics

Communication

Product lifecycle

User stories

Business case

Job description

Company

Highmark Health

Job Summary

This job will lead our Utilization Management product management teams including strategy, roadmap formulation, and value realization. This position will partner closely with UM operations and UM product delivery in driving our UM strategy and capabilities. This role will be accountable for leveraging a deep understanding of business and customer problems to solve, market trends, and business goals for defining, developing, and launching products & solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers, providers, and employees, deliver exceptional experiences and drive business outcomes. The incumbent will be a key driver in shaping the future of our product portfolio and ensuring its alignment with our overall business objectives.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform management responsibilities to include, but are not limited to: involved in hiring and termination decisions, coaching and development, rewards and recognition, performance management and staff productivity. Plan, organize, staff, direct and control the day-to-day operations of the department; develop and implement policies and programs as necessary; may have budgetary responsibility and authority.

Product Strategy & Vision

• Define and articulate a clear product vision and strategy, communicating it effectively to stakeholders across the organization. Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and customer insights to identify unmet needs and opportunities for product innovation. Apply Human Centered Design principles to develop new products and experiences that delight and create durable customer and business value
• Socialize product strategy and roadmap with key stakeholders and obtain buy-in
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive multi-year product roadmap that aligns with the company's strategic goals and segment/market trends.
• Identify & develop relationships with stakeholders to foster collaboration and influence business strategies & adjust product roadmap & strategy.

Product Development & Management

• Lead the product development process from ideation to launch, working closely with cross-functional teams including engineering, design, technology, operations, marketing, and sales.
• Define product requirements, user stories, and acceptance criteria, ensuring alignment with experience strategy, business objectives, and customer needs.
• Manage product backlog, prioritize features, and track progress against timelines, budgets, and value realization
• Conduct user testing and gather feedback to continuously improve product usability and performance.

Product Lifecycle Management

• Monitor product performance metrics, analyze data, and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement strategies for product optimization, growth, and expansion.
• Manage product in accordance with our Product Management lifecycle from launch to sunset, ensuring smooth transitions and minimizing disruption to customers, and engaging appropriate teams (research, design, marketing, engineering) as needed throughout lifecycle.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of product managers and analysts.
• Develop and deliver messaging that provides clear direction with needed context and strategic connection for teams.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative and data-driven culture within the product team.
• Lead teams through complex organizational or strategic changes with intention and optimism while maintaining team morale.
• Effectively communicate product vision, strategy, and progress to stakeholders at all levels.

Industry Expertise & Compliance

• Stay abreast of industry trends, regulations, and best practices in the health care sector & ensure comply with relevant regulations and industry standards.

Other Duties

• Other duties as assigned or requested.

EXPERIENCE

Required

• 7 years of experience in product management, strategy, operational improvement, and/or consulting or other relevant experience, preferably within the health insurance industry.
• 5 years of experience in Management or leadership role

Preferred

• UM experience in payer or provider or health tech organization

SKILLS

• Through knowledge of membership, rates, financial, economic and competitive data
• Excellent written, interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Proven track record of successfully developing and launching innovative products that meet customer needs and drive business growth
• Knowledge of software development lifecycle, from planning to delivery
• Experience developing business cases, and building ROI for programs from planning through execution
• Strong understanding of the health insurance and health system landscape, including regulatory requirements, market dynamics, and customer behavior
• Ability to lead and motivate teams, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment
• Experience using sketches, flow diagram