Director Technology - Remote

Optum; Eden Prairie (MN); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 231,000; Full time

Job summary

Optum is seeking a strategic Technology Leader to guide AI-enabled HR transformation across Compensation, Benefits, Payroll, and Talent Acquisition. This role drives enterprise capabilities, partners with Product, Engineering, Data, and HR teams, and ensures compliant, scalable solutions.

You will lead end-to-end delivery, manage governance frameworks, and champion AI adoption with measurable business outcomes. This position offers remote flexibility within the U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in technology, computer science, information systems, business, HR, or related field (or equivalent)
• 10+ years of progressive technology leadership experience delivering enterprise-scale solutions
• Experience leading HR technology domains such as compensation, benefits, payroll, or talent acquisition
• Proven track record delivering end-to-end multi-project initiatives
• Experience in matrixed environments with cross-functional influence
• Experience with governance, risk, and compliance in regulated environments
• Ability to align senior stakeholders on priorities and outcomes

Responsibilities

• Serve as senior technology lead for the Corporate Transformation initiative across Compensation, Benefits, Payroll, and Talent Acquisition
• Translate business strategy into scalable AI-enabled solutions for HR products and services
• Establish and evolve a capability roadmap aligned to enterprise objectives, AI strategy, and funding priorities
• Lead AI delivery and adoption across the People Technology portfolio
• Partner across Product, Engineering, Data, HR, Security, and vendors to deliver enterprise-grade solutions
• Drive governance frameworks for risk, compliance and security
• Oversee end-to-end delivery across discovery, design, build, deployment, and transition
• Monitor capability performance and drive optimization through automation and standardization

Skills

Technology leadership

HR technology domains

AI/ML leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Governance & compliance

Stakeholder influence

Delivery leadership

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Optum Tech is a global leader in health care innovation. Our teams develop cutting-edge solutions that help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. From advanced data analytics and AI to cybersecurity, we use innovative approaches to solve some of health care's most complex challenges. Your contributions here have the potential to change lives. Ready to build the next breakthrough? Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office a minimum of four days per week.

Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Transformation

• Serve as senior technology lead for the Corporate Transformation (PTR) initiative across Compensation, Benefits, Payroll, and Talent Acquisition, driving alignment to enterprise workforce strategy
• Translate business strategy into scalable, reusable technology capabilities that support cross-functional HR products and services
• Establish and evolve a capability roadmap aligned to enterprise objectives, AI strategy, and funding priorities

AI Delivery & Adoption Leadership

• Act as a matrixed AI leader driving delivery and adoption of AI-enabled solutions across the People Technology portfolio
• Translate complex business needs into scalable, compliant, and value-driven AI solutions that enhance employee experience and operational efficiency
• Lead the operationalization and scaling of AI capabilities, ensuring measurable business outcomes and sustained adoption

Cross-Functional Partnership & Execution

• Partner across Product, Engineering, Data, HR, Security, and external vendors to deliver integrated, enterprise-grade solutions
• Serve as a connective layer between strategy and execution, ensuring alignment across stakeholders and initiatives
• Influence and align leadership teams on prioritization, trade-offs, and delivery models across multiple initiatives

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Establish and enforce governance frameworks to ensure AI solutions meet enterprise standards for risk, compliance, security, and ethical use
• Ensure alignment with enterprise decision rights, architecture standards, and operational support models for AI and HR technology solutions
• Drive consistency in solution design, integration, and lifecycle management across People Tech platforms

Delivery Oversight & Operational Excellence

• Lead end-to-end delivery across discovery, design, build, deployment, and operational transition for complex HR technology initiatives
• Balance innovation, modernization, and operational stability, reducing technical debt while advancing capability maturity
• Oversee resource allocation, execution planning, and delivery performance across multiple concurrent initiatives

Capability Development & Optimization

• Design and implement scalable, enterprise HR technology capabilities across people, process, and platforms-not just systems
• Continuously monitor and improve capability performance, adoption, and user experience, driving measurable gains in efficiency and effectiveness
• Identify and drive optimization opportunities through automation, AI, and process standardization

Stakeholder Engagement & Change Leadership

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior business and HR leaders on technology strategy, AI adoption, and capability maturity
• Lead change management, communication, and adoption strategies to ensure successful rollout of new capabilities
• Build solid alignment across enterprise stakeholders and governance bodies to ensure outcomes and value realization

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Business, HR, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 10+ years of progressive experience in technology leadership, including experience delivering complex, enterprise-scale solutions
• Demonstrated experience leading HR technology domains such as Compensation, Benefits, Payroll, or Talent Acquisition
• Proven track record translating business needs into scalable, enterprise technology or AI-enabled solutions
• Experience driving end-to-end delivery across multiple cross-functional initiatives, including planning, execution, and operationalization
• Solid experience working in matrixed environments, influencing without direct authority across Product, Engineering, Data, and business stakeholders
• Experience establishing and operating within governance, risk, and compliance frameworks, particularly in regulated environments
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and align senior stakeholders on priorities, trade-offs, and outcomes

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading or delivering AI/ML-driven solutions, including adoption, scaling, and operationalization within enterprise environments
• Deep understanding of HR platforms and ecosystems (e.g., recruiting, payroll, benefits, employee experience platforms)
• Experience with enterprise transformation programs or large-scale modernization initiatives
• Familiarity with data, analytics, and automation platforms supporting AI-enabled capabilities
• Experience working with third-party vendors and strategic partners to deliver technology solutions
• Advanced degree (MBA, MS, or equivalent) in Technology, Business, or related discipline

Leadership & Functional Competencies

• Strategic thinker with ability to connect enterprise vision to execution
• Solid ability to drive AI adoption and organizational change in complex environments
• Expertise in governance, risk management, and compliance alignment
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-moving environments with multiple stakeholders
• Excellent communication and executive presence, with ability to translate technical concepts into business outcomes
• Solid focus on delivery outcomes, operational excellence, and continuous improvement
• 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 $134,600 - $230,800 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.