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 talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
The Strategic Account Executive (SAE) serves as the relationship leader and primary point of accountability for OptumRx's partnership with an assigned book of clients. This role is responsible for supporting and growing a book of highly strategic, complex national employer relationship while ensuring exceptional client satisfaction, operational performance, contract execution, and long-term business retention.
The SAE partners with the client's executives, consultants, and internal OptumRx leaders to develop and execute a multi-year strategic roadmap focused on pharmacy trend management, member experience, clinical innovation, digital engagement, and measurable business outcomes. The role requires exceptional communication skills, consultative leadership, strong business acumen and the ability to coordinate large cross-functional teams to deliver results for some of OptumRx's most visible and strategically important customers. This position functions as the quarterback of the client relationship and is accountable for aligning strategic objectives, operational execution, financial performance, and client advocacy.
You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership
- Serve as the relationship owner for the client
- Develop and execute a multi-year account strategy focused on retention, growth, innovation, and client value creation
- Lead strategic planning and business reviews with client leadership and consulting partners
- Identify opportunities to improve member experience, affordability, clinical outcomes, and pharmacy benefit performance
- Drive adoption of new OptumRx products, capabilities, and enterprise solutions aligned to the client's priorities
- Executive Relationship Management
- Establish trusted advisor relationships with senior client stakeholders and Aon consultants
- Represent OptumRx in executive business reviews, onsite meetings, governance sessions, and renewal discussions
- Influence client decision-makers through data-driven recommendations and strategic consultations
- Serve as the executive escalation point for critical client issues
- Account Oversight & Governance
- Lead a high performing account team consisting of account management, clinical, analytics, implementation, service, operations, communications, and product resources
- Ensure contract compliance, performance guarantee achievement, and service excellence
- Manage complex issues from identification through resolution, coordinating across OptumRx functional areas
- Maintain accountability for client satisfaction, relationship health, and overall account performance
- Financial & Business Performance
- Monitor account profitability, retention, growth opportunities, and enterprise value
- Lead strategic trend analysis and develop actionable recommendations to improve plan performance
- Partner with finance, underwriting, and product teams to support renewals, pricing discussions, and business cases
- Identify expansion opportunities across Optum and UnitedHealth Group capabilities when appropriate
- Innovation & Transformation
- Lead strategic initiatives focused on improving the member experience and pharmacy journey
- Partner with client stakeholders to evaluate emerging solutions, digital capabilities, clinical programs, and operational enhancements
- Translate client goals into executable plans with measurable outcomes and defined governance
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:
- 7+ years of experience in PBM account management or a proven track record of success in strategic client management, retention, growth, and account leadership
- 5+ years of experience leading upsells and growth activities, with a demonstrated ability to identify and capitalize on business opportunities
- 5+ years of experience developing project plan, project timelines, project team driving through completion
- Proficiency in utilizing PBM tools to create marketing materials, responding to requests for proposals (RFPs), and generate financial and data reports
- Proven excellent executive-level communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts and strategies
- Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time to meet client needs and attend relevant industry events
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience managing national and / or strategic accounts
- Experience reading, interpreting and negotiating contract terms
- Experience navigating through system enhancements or installations
- Experience working with RxClaim
- Experience working cross-functionally within a matrix environment
- Proven ability to exhibit leadership through influencing without authority
- Proven ability to work in a self-motivated environment with limited supervision
*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 $112,700 - $193,200 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.