Optum is a global organization focused on delivering care aided by technology. The Product Launch Leader is a senior Program Manager responsible for leading complex, enterprise-wide commercial launch programs aligned to the Enterprise Imaging roadmap and market expansion strategy. This role owns end-to-end program execution, ensuring cross-functional teams deliver product launches and releases on time, within scope, and with measurable business outcomes.
Primary Responsibilities
- Own end-to-end program execution for new products, releases, and capabilities—from initiation through launch and post-launch stabilization across the full product lifecycle
- Develop and manage integrated launch plans that define scope, milestones, dependencies, deliverables, acceptance criteria, and cross-functional ownership with assigned project teams
- Own post-GA program execution, including lifecycle roadmap initiatives, operational readiness, cross-functional enhancements, and delivery of ongoing business outcomes
- Lead structured product sunset and end-of-life (EOL) programs, coordinating cross-functional execution across Product, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Legal, Finance, Implementation, and Support to ensure customer continuity, revenue protection, regulatory compliance, and operational readiness
- Drive program governance and accountability across Product, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, QARA, Legal, Finance, Pricing, Implementation, and Support teams in a matrixed environment
- Manage interdependencies, risks, and issues proactively, developing mitigation and contingency plans to protect timelines and business outcomes
- Lead and continuously improve the Product Launch (PDLC/GTM) methodology, ensuring consistent, repeatable, and scalable launch execution
- Establish and track program metrics to measure launch readiness, execution quality, and business impact
- Provide clear, concise, and regular status reporting on milestones, risks, dependencies, and decisions to senior leadership and stakeholders
- Facilitate launch-critical meetings and forums, ensuring agendas, decisions, action items, and follow-ups are clearly documented and driven to closure
- Coordinate pilot, beta or early adopter activities with operational leaders and product management, incorporating customer feedback to resolve issues prior to full market release
- Identify and resolve operational and service readiness gaps that may impact go-to-market execution
- Lead multiple concurrent launch initiatives, balancing priorities, timelines, and resource constraints without compromising quality or outcomes
- Champion continuous improvement, applying lessons learned to strengthen launch execution, governance, and cross-functional collaboration
You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and provide development opportunities for other roles you may be interested in.
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience leading complex, cross-functional programs, with direct accountability for scope, schedule, dependencies, risks, and outcomes
- Experience driving programs in a matrixed organization, coordinating work across Product, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Support teams
- Experience leading multiple concurrent initiatives with competing priorities and shared resources
- Experience contributing to or leading delivery of initiatives across multiple phases of the product lifecycle, including launch, post-GA execution, and product retirement or sunset (e.g., PDLC, SDLC, GTM, enterprise release frameworks)
- Experience in healthcare technology, imaging, or regulated environments preferred
- Demonstrated ownership of end-to-end program execution, from initiation and planning through delivery, launch, and post-launch stabilization
- Proven program governance experience, including milestone definition, dependency management, risk and issue management, escalation, and executive-level reporting
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or higher in information technology, engineering, business or related field
Critical Skills
- Solid program management discipline, with the ability to translate strategy into executable, integrated plans
- Excellent stakeholder and executive communication skills, including clear status reporting, risk articulation, and decision framing
- Ability to drive accountability without direct authority, influencing cross-functional teams toward shared outcomes and clear plans
- Risk and dependency oriented mindset, anticipating issues early and driving mitigation before delivery is impacted
- Metrics and outcomes focused, using data to assess program health, readiness, and business impact
- High level of organization and prioritization, able to manage complexity without losing clarity or momentum
- Process methodology and continuous improvement mindset, applying lessons learned to strengthen governance, execution, and cross-team collaboration
- Ability to work under tight timelines and manage multiple projects simultaneously
*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. The salary for this role will range from $112,700 to $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 are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes.
UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.
UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.
