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 Sr. Strategic Account Executive manages ongoing contract relationships and service delivery for large, complex client accounts. This role serves as the primary, outward-facing point of contact for assigned clients and is accountable for day-to-day relationship management, strategic planning, and overall service delivery.
This is a highly visible role supporting complex, high-profile clients and requires solid autonomy, initiative, and the ability to navigate challenging and dynamic client environments. The Sr. SAE collaborates across internal teams to drive client success, influence outcomes, and ensure long-term retention and growth.
The Sr. Strategic Account Executive (Sr. SAE) is an experienced account executive that has demonstrated knowledge of pharmacy benefit management activities including relationship building, client contracts/negotiations, reporting, and finance. This individual must have exceptional verbal, written and presentation skills to effectively manage all aspects of the client relationship. The Sr. SAE is responsible for supporting the client's sales and growth goals which includes marketing campaigns, new products and integrated Optum programs.
The Sr. SAE will work with cross functional partners to develop and execute strategy to support client retention goals, audits, and innovation. This individual will also be responsible for coaching and mentoring team members and leading teams, indirectly. The Sr. SAE will manage financial guarantees, lead data analytic efforts, and client renewal efforts.
You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned accounts, owning the overall client relationship and day-to-day service delivery
- Demonstrate solid initiative by independently leading client conversations, including complex or sensitive topics, with minimal oversight
- Develop and execute strategic account plans focused on client retention, performance improvement, and long-term partnership growth
- Build and maintain multi-level client relationships, including executive stakeholders, and act as a trusted strategic advisor
- Navigate complex and sometimes challenging client dynamics with professionalism, resilience, and accountability
- Lead client contract renewal activities with a focus on retention, multi-year agreements, and sustainable profitability
- Partner with sales and internal stakeholders to identify and support growth opportunities, including cross-sell and upsell initiatives
- Monitor and manage financial guarantees, reporting, and reconciliation activities, including audit support
- Deliver quarterly and ongoing business reviews, providing insights on performance, cost drivers, utilization, and strategic recommendations
- Collaborate cross-functionally (e.g., operations, analytics, legal) to implement solutions, resolve issues, and continuously improve client outcomes
- Proactively identify risks, opportunities, and process improvements; challenge the status quo and contribute to innovation across teams
- Provide guidance, mentorship, and leadership to team members, contributing to a collaborative and high-performing environment
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:
- 5+ years of client relationship management and/or account management experience
- 2+ years of experience managing large, complex client accounts with multiple stakeholders
- 2+ years of experience within healthcare, pharmacy benefit management (PBM), or a related industry
- Experience with contract renewals, client negotiations, and working through amendments in partnership with legal or contracting teams
- Experience analyzing performance, delivering business reviews, and communicating value to clients
- Demonstrated ability to independently lead client interactions and drive outcomes in a high-visibility environment
- Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence without direct authority
- Proven ability to operate in a self-directed environment with a high level of accountability and initiative
- Proven solid communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to navigate challenging client interactions with professionalism and composure
- Willing or ability to travel as required based on client needs
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience supporting client growth initiatives in partnership with sales teams
- Familiarity with Medicare, Exchange, or similar healthcare programs
- Demonstrated ability to identify and implement process improvements or innovative solutions
- Proven track record of meeting or exceeding client performance and retention goals
*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.