Innovation & Strategy Lead, AI Solutions - Remote

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 makes 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 Innovation and Strategy Lead, AI Solutions leads in the design, packaging, and commercialization of our AI solutions in one or more areas of our portfolio (i.e. Provider, Payer, Life Science). This leader will translate advanced AI capabilities into market-ready products and solution offerings, partnering closely with go-to-market, engineering, and operations teams to deliver measurable client value and business growth.

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:

* The Innovation and Strategy Lead will be responsible for the following in one or more areas of the Optum.ai portfolio (i.e. Provider, Payer, Life Science)

* Portfolio Leadership:
Define and manage the AI solutions portfolio and roadmap, ensuring alignment with client needs and business strategy

* Solution Packaging:
Convert concepts and innovations into scalable, repeatable solution offerings with clear value propositions and pricing models

* Go-to-Market Enablement:
Equip sales and delivery teams with compelling product narratives, competitive positioning, and reference architectures

* Support Delivery:
Partner with Optum.ai engagement leaders to lead client-facing meetings, workshops, and status updates to ensure technical capabilities are translated into measurable business value

* Innovation Intake:
Prioritize and translate research outputs and new capabilities into commercial offerings (by working with internal and external partners)

* Pricing and Commercial Discipline:
Develop pricing strategies and commercial guardrails in partnership with operations and finance

* Partnerships and Ecosystem:
Build and manage relationships with external partners, technology providers, and industry collaborators to accelerate market reach; collaborate with Legal and/or Corporate Compliance functions to account for intellectual property (e.g. patents/trademarks), data privacy & security (e.g. HIPAA), and commercialization quality (AKS) related to new AI-enabled digital capabilities

* Performance Management:
Set and track key performance indicators for portfolio growth, profitability, and customer impact

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear directions on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree required (advanced degree preferred)

* 10+ years in product strategy, management, or commercialization, with significant experience in AI or machine learning-powered products, platforms or solution delivery

* Experience with external partnership models such as constructing joint ventures to reduce risk related to innovation; establishing contract-based research collaborations to validate potential novel applications of 3rd party technology; technology licensing arrangements (e.g. white-label); and/or commercial development agreements to extend 3rd party capabilities to incorporate into new/existing Optum

AI offerings

* Experience collaborating with corporate venture groups to identify & screen new investment opportunities focused on transformational use of AI technology

* Proven success in launching and scaling AI solutions in healthcare, life science or related industries

* Solid understanding of model operations, cloud platforms, and productization best practices

* Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive results in complex environments

* Track record of success with executive-level communication and stakeholder management skills

* Willing and able to travel up to 30-40% to client location(s)

* All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to United Health 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 $159,300 to…