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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.    

The Senior Proactive Labor Relations Consultant is a strategic partner to the People Team and business leadership, driving a forward-looking labor relations approach focused on prevention, engagement, and sustained workforce stability. This role leads enterprise-facing initiatives to identify emerging labor risks, coordinate cross-functional response strategies, and build leader capability to proactively manage a complex workforce.

The Senior Consultant leverages data, insights, and deep labor expertise to anticipate challenges, influence outcomes, and foster a high-trust, collaborative labor environment aligned with organizational goals. The role owns complex labor relations workstreams, drives cross-functional project execution, and partners across HR, operations, legal, and leadership teams to deliver sustainable solutions.

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

Primary Responsibilities:

• Proactive Labor Strategy Leadership
  • Lead the development, prioritization, and execution of proactive labor relations strategies that emphasize prevention, early intervention, and workforce engagement across functions and business partners
  • Partner with senior leaders and People Team partners to embed labor considerations into business planning and decision-making, with accountability for translating labor insights into cross-functional action plans
  • Anticipate labor trends and risks, advising leadership on mitigation strategies, long-term implications
  • Workforce Insights & Predictive Analytics
  • Own the analysis of labor data (grievances, discipline, absenteeism, engagement, etc.) to identify patterns, systemic issues, and predictive indicators, and use findings to set priorities for proactive labor initiatives
  • Translate insights into actionable strategies that improve employee experience and reduce labor friction
  • Develop dashboards and reporting frameworks in partnership with the People Team and other key stakeholders to inform executive decision-making and support governance of labor-related action plans
• Early Issue Identification & Prevention
  • Drive early intervention strategies by identifying and addressing workplace concerns before escalation
  • Coach and guide leaders on consistent, fair, and proactive employee management practices
  • Partner closely with People Team colleagues to develop tools and frameworks that enable managers to prevent disputes and grievances, and lead implementation of those solutions across supported client groups
  • Partner closely with People Team colleagues to develop tools and frameworks that enable managers to prevent disputes and grievances
• Leadership Coaching & Capability Building
  • Act as a coach and thought partner to leaders and People Team partners on labor relations, union engagement, and workforce management
  • Influence outcomes through strong partnerships, even in complex or sensitive labor environments
  • Design and deliver advanced training programs and cross-functional initiatives focused on proactive labor practices, including:
  • Design and deliver advanced training programs focused on proactive labor practices, including:
    • Manager effectiveness in unionized environments
    • Conflict prevention and resolution
    • Strategic communication and engagement
  • Elevate organizational capability to manage labor relations confidently and independently by leading scalable solutions and leader readiness efforts
• Continuous Improvement & Culture
  • Lead cross-functional initiatives that enhance employee engagement, trust, and workplace culture within unionized populations, with accountability for implementation and sustained adoption
  • Champion listening strategies (e.g., pulse surveys, listening sessions) in partnership with the People Team to capture employee voice
  • Drive continuous improvement in labor relations processes, tools, and practices

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:

• 5 years of progressive experience in labor relations, with a strong emphasis on proactive and strategic work in unionized environments
• Demonstrated experience partnering with senior leaders and People Team stakeholders to influence outcomes
• Deep knowledge of labor laws, collective bargaining agreements, and union dynamics

Preferred Qualifications:

• SHRM or PHR certification
• Experience leading or supporting collective bargaining negotiations

*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 $91,700 - $163,700 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.