Associate Director - Quality Oversight & Performance Assurance

About Optum

Optum, part of UnitedHealth Group, is a global leader using technology to enhance healthcare delivery, positively impacting millions by improving access to care, pharmacy benefits, data, and resources. We foster a diverse and inclusive culture with talented teams, comprehensive benefits, and career development opportunities. Join us to contribute meaningfully to health equity on a global scale, combining advanced tools, AI, and data science to solve complex healthcare challenges.

Role Overview

We are seeking an Associate Director to spearhead quality oversight and performance assurance efforts. This role is crucial in developing scalable frameworks supporting operational excellence, maintaining audit integrity, and translating data-driven insights into actionable improvements across key programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead program-wide quality oversight including audits, quality reviews, and performance verification.
• Develop and monitor performance frameworks like audit volumes, accuracy targets, and service level agreements.
• Ensure the consistent use of quality standards and methodologies across various programs.
• Manage audit frameworks and sampling methods to optimize audit quality.
• Drive standardization and calibration of audit reviews while ensuring regulatory and policy compliance.
• Oversee root cause analysis to uncover systemic issues and collaborate on corrective actions.
• Partner with operational and training teams for implementing preventive and corrective measures and track remediation progress.
• Champion continuous quality improvements using data-driven approaches to enhance efficiency, scalability, and standardization.
• Create and present quality dashboards, scorecards, and executive reports that inform leadership.
• Build and sustain robust partnerships with operational, training, and client stakeholders, advocating quality goals in governance and steering committees.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in quality assurance, audit, or operational excellence leadership roles.
• Demonstrated ability to manage quality oversight functions and large-scale audit delivery.
• Strong knowledge of audit frameworks, quality methodologies, and defect management.
• Proven success in driving continuous performance improvements with measurable results.
• Advanced analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel for complex data analysis and reporting.
• Skilled in Microsoft PowerPoint for producing executive presentations and reports.
• Experience in healthcare operations or related fields preferred.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management expertise.
• High attention to detail and stringent quality commitment.
• Preferred certifications: Six Sigma, Lean, PMP, or PRINCE2.
• Experience in healthcare coding quality or risk adjustment is an advantage.

Additional Information

Eligible candidates must have unrestricted right to work indefinitely in Ireland, with proof required during the application process.

UnitedHealth Group is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity in healthcare. We embrace a drug-free workplace and provide equal employment opportunities irrespective of gender, race, age, disability, or any legally protected category.

This role offers hybrid work flexibility for employees based in Ireland, allowing split working hours between office locations in Dublin or Letterkenny and home-based remote work.