Senior Director, Medical Operations & Strategy

About the role

Optum is looking for a strategic, clinically grounded leader to serve as a Medical Director, driving impact across clinical operations, policy, and client engagement. The role combines deep clinical expertise with strong business acumen and operates at an executive level, influencing decisions and shaping strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, contributing to enterprise strategy and influencing key business decisions.
• Drive performance, quality, and efficiency across clinical operations while ensuring alignment with regulatory and organizational standards.
• Lead the development and evolution of clinical frameworks, ensuring they are both clinically sound and commercially viable.
• Partner with clients as a clinical subject matter expert, supporting strategic discussions, solutioning, and growth opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with operations, product, and commercial teams to translate clinical insights into actionable business solutions.
• Champion a culture of curiosity, continuous learning, and innovation to drive better outcomes for clients and members.

Required profile

• Licensed clinician (MD, RN, PharmD, or equivalent).
• Proven experience in clinical leadership, strategy, or enterprise‑level roles.
• Strong ability to bridge clinical expertise with business strategy.
• Experience engaging with executive stakeholders and client audiences.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and decision‑making skills.
• Demonstrated confidence, curiosity, and willingness to challenge constructively.

Required skills