Lead Director - Clinical Innovation

Lead Director, UM Innovation & Strategic Analysis

The Lead Director, UM Innovation & Strategic Analysis is a critical leadership role responsible for defining and driving the strategic analysis portfolio, enterprise transformation priorities, and Utilization Management (UM) automation strategy within Aetna's Clinical Solutions business unit. This role serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership by identifying opportunities to improve clinical, operational, and financial performance through data-driven insights, market intelligence, business case development, and technology-enabled innovation.

This leader is responsible for evaluating emerging trends, competitive dynamics, and operational performance to identify opportunities that create enterprise value and strengthen Aetna's competitive position. Working across clinical, operational, product, and technology organizations, the role drives analysis, portfolio prioritization, and business transformation initiatives with a focus on modernizing Utilization Management through automation, artificial intelligence, and digital innovation. The position is accountable for delivering measurable business outcomes through effective governance, value realization, and execution of high-impact strategic initiatives.

You will make an impact by:

• Evaluating Utilization Management performance, market trends, regulatory developments, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities that improve clinical outcomes, drive operational efficiency, reduce administrative burden, and create sustainable business value.
• Leading the development of strategic analyses, business cases, and investment recommendations that shape UM strategy, prioritize transformation initiatives, and influence executive decision-making through data-driven insights and structured problem-solving.
• Driving strategic portfolio planning for UM modernization initiatives, including opportunity assessment, prioritization, resource alignment, funding recommendations, and value realization tracking.
• Partnering with Clinical Operations, Product, Technology, and Enterprise Innovation teams to define and execute a multi-year Utilization Management modernization roadmap aligned to business priorities and customer needs.
• Leading the identification, evaluation, and implementation of automation opportunities across UM leveraging AI, Generative AI, predictive analytics, NLP, business rules engines, and decision support technologies.
• Developing and monitoring KPIs, dashboards, and performance measurement frameworks to quantify the impact of automation and transformation initiatives on productivity, service levels, quality outcomes, provider and member experience, and operating costs.
• Providing strategic oversight and governance for innovation pilots, proof-of-value assessments, and transformation initiatives to ensure scalability, business alignment, and achievement of targeted outcomes.
• Building influential relationships across the organization and serving as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on UM strategy, operational performance, automation opportunities, and enterprise transformation priorities.
• Managing and developing a high-performing team through coaching, mentoring, and professional development while fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience leading strategic planning, business analysis, consulting, portfolio management, transformation, or innovation initiatives within healthcare, health insurance, or managed care organizations.
• Deep understanding of health plan operations including Utilization Management, Policy Management, Care Management, Quality, Compliance, Regulatory Management, Claims, and Provider Networks.
• Demonstrated experience developing and leading enterprise strategic initiatives from concept through implementation and value realization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including business modeling, financial analysis, data synthesis, and development of executive-level recommendations.
• Proven success in enterprise portfolio management, strategic planning, and prioritization of complex initiatives.
• Experience with data visualization tools and advanced analytics technologies, including SQL, Python, and cloud-based data platforms.
• Strong understanding of automation, AI-enabled workflows, digital transformation, and technology-driven operational improvement.
• Expertise in developing business cases, defining success metrics, and measuring return on investment for strategic initiatives.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to effectively influence senior leaders and key stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of leadership experience in innovation, advanced analytics, business process optimization, enterprise consulting, strategic planning, financial analysis, risk management, or related disciplines.
• Experience creating new capabilities, products, services, operating models, or automation…