Principal Data Analyst, Internal Analytics

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.

We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic Principal Data Analyst to lead advanced analytics initiatives across our healthcare operations. This role is responsible for designing and delivering data-driven insights that inform business decisions, improve operational efficiency, and enhance client outcomes. The ideal candidate will be a subject matter expert in healthcare claims data, with deep experience in business intelligence tools, statistical analysis, and stakeholder engagement.

As a Principal Data Analyst, you will work closely with cross-functional teams to define data requirements, develop analytical models, and present actionable insights to senior leadership. You will also mentor junior analysts and contribute to the development of best practices in data governance, visualization, and reporting.

You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage a portfolio of cost savings initiatives with measurable client impact
• Lead conceptualization to completion of analytics projects and product development efforts
• Perform iterative analytical and investigative work to support concept development and solution validation
• Establish and maintain matrixed relationships with internal stakeholders to align and deliver payment integrity initiatives
• Influence senior leadership to adopt innovative ideas, approaches, and products
• Recommend changes to product development based on market research and emerging trends
• Serve as an industry thought leader and SME in professional and facility medical claims, pricing, and cost management
• Create specifications for data structuring, product modeling, and dashboard development
• Deliver activity and value analytics to clients and stakeholders using BI and statistical tools
• Use tools such as Excel, SQL, SAS, Tableau, and PowerPoint to build solutions and communicate insights
• Act as a company thought leader and functional SME
• Provide a broad business perspective and support senior leadership
• Develop pioneering approaches to emerging industry trends
• Lead cross-functional collaboration and influence without direct authority

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 healthcare claims lifecycle (submission, processing, adjudication, payment)
• 5+ years of experience auditing, billing, and/or coding claims
• 5+ years of experience in the healthcare industry (Medicare, Medicaid, Commercial, Behavioral Health, Home and Community) with deep exposure to Payment Integrity
• 3+ years of experience in consultative roles with cross-functional collaboration
• 3+ years of experience interpreting data sets and presenting proposals to stakeholders
• 3+ years of project management experience
• Advanced proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, formulas, charts)
• Working knowledge of CMS rules, billing codes, and related services
• Solid analytical mindset, critical thinking, and communication skills
• Proven ability to lead without authority in high-paced environments

Preferred Qualifications:

• Coding certification (AAPC or AHIMA)
• 3+ years of experience in claims adjudication or revenue cycle management
• 2+ years of experience in matrixed, adaptive environments with tight deadlines
• Proficiency in SQL, SAS, and other statistical programs
• Solid project management and problem-solving skills
• Exceptional presentation, communication, and negotiation abilities
• Proficiency in Visio, Tableau, PowerPoint

*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 $110,200 to $188,800 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.