Principal Project/Program Manager

Optum / UnitedHealth Group

The Enterprise Security and Risk Operations (ESRO) team within Optum Technology is seeking a Principal Project/Program Manager to lead end-to-end program management for enterprise Cyber Transformation initiatives. In this high-impact role, you will drive execution across multiple concurrent workstreams within the ESRO portfolio (including AE Surge and Core Uplift tracks), ensuring alignment to NIST CSF maturity targets and enterprise risk reduction objectives. You will partner closely with technical workstream leads, architects, engineering teams, and executive leadership to translate strategic security objectives into actionable delivery plans with measurable outcomes.

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:

• Lead end-to-end program management for enterprise Cyber Transformation initiatives, driving execution across multiple concurrent workstreams within the ESRO portfolio (AE Surge and Core Uplift tracks)
• Own program intake, scoping, planning, and execution, including milestone definition, dependency mapping, resource alignment, and delivery cadence, ensuring alignment to NIST CSF maturity targets and enterprise risk reduction objectives
• Manage RAID (Risks, Assumptions, Issues, Dependencies) with discipline; proactively surface blockers, drive mitigation plans, and escalate appropriately to leadership
• Partner with technical workstream leads, architects, engineering teams, and business stakeholders to translate strategic objectives into actionable delivery plans with measurable outcomes
• Build and deliver executive-ready reporting, dashboards, and status updates for CISO, SLT, and board-level audiences, synthesizing complex technical progress into clear business narratives
• Facilitate steering committees, workstream syncs, and cross-functional working sessions; drive decisions, document outcomes, and hold owners accountable to commitments
• Manage program financials, resource forecasts, and vendor coordination in partnership with finance and sourcing partners
• Enforce PMO standards and governance (intake, planning artifacts, reporting cadence, change control) and contribute to continuous improvement of the PMO operating model
• Coordinate closely with peer PMs, workstream owners, and leadership to ensure integrated delivery across interdependent programs

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:

• High School Diploma / GED or 4+ years of equivalent project/program management experience
• 8+ years of program/project management experience delivering large-scale, cross-functional transformation programs in complex enterprise environments
• Demonstrated experience partnering with technical teams (engineering, architecture, operations) and translating technical work into business outcomes
• Proficiency with program management tooling (Smartsheet, Microsoft Project, Azure DevOps, or equivalent) and executive reporting tools (PowerPoint, Power BI)
• Proven track record leading multi-workstream initiatives with executive visibility, including direct reporting to VP/SVP-level stakeholders
• Proven excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging from working-team detail to board-level narrative
• Demonstrated solid command of program management fundamentals: planning, RAID management, dependency mapping, financial tracking, and executive reporting
• Demonstrated solid stakeholder management and influence skills; able to drive accountability without direct authority

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher
• PMP, PgMP, SAFe, or equivalent program management certification
• Experience in cybersecurity, technology risk, or regulated industry transformation programs
• Experience managing programs within a formal PMO operating model with defined intake and governance processes
• Experience supporting M&A integration, acquired entity remediation, or enterprise capability uplift programs
• Familiarity with NIST CSF, control frameworks, or enterprise risk/compliance environments

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