Associate Director, Corporate Security Operations - Remote

UnitedHealth Group is a health care and well-being company that's dedicated to improving the health outcomes of millions around the world. We are comprised of two distinct and complementary businesses, UnitedHealthcare and Optum, working to build a better health system for all. Here, your contributions matter as they will help transform health care for years to come. Make an impact with a team that shares your passion for helping others. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The Associate Director (AD) Corporate Security Operations is entrusted with the operational execution and standardization of the Enterprise Security Operations Center's (ESOC) strategy across all UHG locations. This role is pivotal in driving the successful expansion and integration of new GSOCs in EMEA and APAC, ensuring that operational excellence, workforce readiness, and regulatory compliance are consistently maintained as the organization scales globally.

Beyond day-to-day oversight, AD is responsible for developing and implementing standardized policies, procedures, and reporting frameworks that unify operations across regions. As the primary operational liaison between regional GSOC leads, the AD fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, ensuring consistent communication and alignment with UHG's broader security objectives.

This position also plays a critical role in workforce management, overseeing recruitment, structured training, workforce planning, and succession programs tailored for a global, 24/7 operational environment. The AD is instrumental in building an FTE bench to mitigate burnout and turnover, supporting the long-term health and resilience of GSOC teams.

Technological advancement is a core focus, with the AD leading the integration and optimization of security platforms and tools to enhance situational awareness, incident response, and interoperability across all GSOC locations. The AD partners closely with IT and security engineering teams to select, deploy, and continuously improve advanced monitoring and reporting solutions.

As part of the ESOC leadership team the AD provides global leadership continuity during crises, incidents, or absences, ensuring uninterrupted 24/7 crisis management and incident response coverage. The AD also manages the development and implementation of compliance programs to address complex, multi-country regulatory requirements and sensitive data handling.

Finally, the AD is responsible for operational metrics and reporting, tracking global SOC performance, workforce health, and compliance status, and providing regular briefings to the VP, SOC and regional leads. Through these responsibilities, the AD ensures that UHG's SOC function remains robust, scalable, and prepared to meet the evolving challenges of a global security landscape.

If you are located in Eden Prairie MN, you will have the flexibility to work remotely* 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:

• Lead the operational planning, execution, and oversight of new Fusion Centers in geographic regions, ensuring alignment with UHG's global security strategy
• Oversee operational responsibilities for three Country Security Operations Centers (CSOCs) in Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and Ireland
• Help to develop and implement and maintain standardized policies, procedures, and reporting frameworks across all Fusion Center and CSOC locations
• Oversee the development and optimization of technology platforms and tools for the Fusion Centers, ensuring seamless integration and interoperability
• Partner with IT and security engineering teams to evaluate, select, and deploy advanced monitoring, response, and reporting solutions
• Design and implement structured training, workforce planning, and succession programs for Fusion Center teams globally
• Oversee recruitment, staffing, and onboarding for new and existing CSOC locations, including the creation of an FTE bench to mitigate burnout and turnover
• Act as part of the leadership team and, at times, stand-in during leadership meetings for the VP, GSOC, in their absence providing leadership continuity during crises, incidents, or absences
• Manage the development and implementation of compliance programs to address multi-country regulatory requirements and sensitive data handling
• Coordinate with legal, compliance, and business teams to ensure adherence to local and international regulations
• Develop and implement proactive, risk-based strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate threats before they escalate into incidents
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to conduct regular risk assessments and readiness exercises
• Develop and maintain operational metrics and reporting frameworks to track Fusion Center and CSOC performance, workforce health, and compliance status
• Provide regular briefings to the VP, GSOC and regional leads on operational readiness, workforce trends, and key initiatives
• Directly manage an Operations Analyst with expectations to grow leadership responsibilities as the ESOC matures

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:

• 8+ years of experience in security operations, crisis management, or related fields, with 3+ years in a leadership role overseeing global or multi-site operations
• Hands-on experience with technology and platform integration for security operations
• Demonstrated experience leading a 24/7 operations center
• Expertise in managing multi-country regulatory compliance and sensitive data handling
• Proven track record of leading the operational stand-up and integration of security operations centers in multiple regions
• Proven sound verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across diverse teams and cultures
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement structured training, workforce planning, and succession programs
• Demonstrated sound critical thinking, problem-solving, and group facilitation skills in complex, fast-paced environments
• Change agent with the ability to drive standardization and continuous improvement
• Proven ability to manage, mentor, and develop high-performing teams across time zones and national boundaries
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership continuity during crises

Location:

Optum Headquarters - Eden Prairie, MN or Washington, DC (In-person, Hybrid)

*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 $112,700 to $193,200 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

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.