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Utilization Manager Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary Our client is seeking a Utilization Management Manager to review clinical documentation, justify inpatient hospital stays, and submit reasoning to insurance companies. Key ...

Minimum one year experience in a Utilization Management department in behavioral health or as a Mental Health Tech * Maintains education and development appropriate for position. * May substitute ...

Actalent is Hiring a Team of Concurrent Review Nurses (Utilization Management)!! This role performs concurrent reviews of inpatient acute and post-acute cases to determine medical necessity, evaluate ...

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Utilization Manager information

See Houston, TX salary details

$37.2K

$86.9K

$160K

How much do utilization manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for utilization manager in Houston, TX is $86,913.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,800.00 and $104,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a utilization manager?

A utilization manager works in the insurance industry to analyze health care needs in medical cases and determine further patient care. In this career, your job duties include conducting interviews to determine what services you register for and cutting down on unnecessary costs. You may review medical records and compile documentation to improve care and report your findings. Skills in management, customer service, and health care services are vital in this career. Job experience in nursing is a benefit when applying for utilization manager positions. Additional qualifications include a bachelor’s degree and medical case management certificate.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a utilization manager?

To thrive as a Utilization Manager, you need a solid background in healthcare management, case review, and knowledge of insurance regulations, often supported by a degree in nursing, healthcare administration, or a related field. Familiarity with utilization management software, electronic health records (EHRs), and certification such as Certified Case Manager (CCM) are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and negotiation skills help Utilization Managers effectively coordinate care and collaborate with providers. These skills ensure appropriate resource use, regulatory compliance, and optimal patient outcomes within healthcare organizations.

What are some common challenges faced by utilization managers, and how can they be addressed?

Utilization Managers often face challenges such as balancing cost containment with patient care quality, navigating complex insurance policies, and managing high caseloads. To address these, effective communication with healthcare providers and payers is essential, as is staying current with regulatory requirements and best practices. Building strong relationships within interdisciplinary teams and leveraging data analytics tools can also help Utilization Managers make informed decisions and improve workflow efficiency.

What is the difference between Utilization Manager vs Utilization Coordinator?

AspectUtilization ManagerUtilization Coordinator
CertificationsOften requires healthcare or case management certificationsMay have similar certifications but less emphasis on management
Work EnvironmentTypically in healthcare organizations, overseeing utilization review processesSupports daily operations, assisting with case documentation and scheduling
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in healthcare, insurance, and managed care companiesFound in similar settings, often working under Utilization Managers

In summary, a Utilization Manager generally has broader responsibilities, overseeing utilization review and resource allocation, while a Utilization Coordinator focuses on supporting daily tasks and documentation. Both roles are integral in healthcare settings but differ in scope and level of responsibility.

What are the most commonly searched types of Utilization jobs in Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Utilization jobs in Houston, TX are:

What are popular job titles related to Utilization Manager jobs in Houston, TX?

For Utilization Manager jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Utilization Manager jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Utilization Manager jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Utilization Manager jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Utilization Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Utilization Manager job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 91% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,913 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Manager Utilization Management

Harris Health System

Houston, TX • On-site

$118K - $153K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted yesterday

New


Harris Health System rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

About Us
Harris Health is the public healthcare safety-net provider established in 1966 to serve the residents of Harris County, Texas. As an essential healthcare system, Harris Health champions better health for the entire community, with a focus on low-income uninsured and underinsured patients, through acute and primary care, wellness, disease management and population health services. Ben Taub Hospital (Level 1 Trauma Center) and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital (Level 3 Trauma Center) anchor Harris Health's robust network of 39 clinics, health centers, specialty locations and virtual (telemedicine) technology. Harris Health is among an elite list of health systems in the U.S. achieving Magnet® nursing excellence designation for its hospitals, the prestigious National Committee for Quality Assurance designation for its patient-centered clinics and health centers and its strong partnership with nationally recognized physician faculty, residents and researchers from Baylor College of Medicine; McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth); and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
At Harris Health, we prioritize the well-being of our most valuable asset--our people--ensuring a culture of compassion, collaboration and excellence in serving Harris County's most in need. With integrity and accountability at our core, we commit to 'leading with love', embodying our dedication to quality care, education, and a steadfast respect for every individual's contribution to our mission.
Job Profile
Job Summary
The Manager, Utilization Management (MUM) coordinates the design, development, implementation, and monitoring of the system utilization management functions with the aim to achieve clinical, financial, and utilization goals through effective management, communication and role modeling. This position is responsible and accountable for overseeing the coordination of services through an interdisciplinary process through the continuum of care and for also developing and leading strategic business initiatives and programs as assigned. The MUM must balance individually identified patient needs with cost effective utilization of resources, functioning as the internal resource on issues related to the appropriate utilization of resources, utilization review and management.
The role will lead process improvement projects to improve the delivery and measurement of integrated care within the organization. In conjunction with the Vice President, System Care Management and other Utilization Management leaders, this manager will plan, execute, and manage various initiatives related to UM administrative, operational, and strategic objectives. This role will manage day-to-day tasks, activities, and caseloads for UM Nurses and resources assigned to this program. The MUM also demonstrates leadership and effective communication by fostering collaborative relationships with peers, co-workers, and staff, working alongside Care Management as well as other interdisciplinary, cross-functional teams on a daily basis. This leader will assist in developing processes to create streamlined communication and relationships with all third-party payers for all UM Nurses as well as Care Management staff.
This position has the authority to make operational and human resource decisions relevant to his or her assigned area as long as decisions are consistent with Harris Health policies, standards, and other approved guidelines.
Minimum Qualifications
Degrees:
- Graduated from an accredited school of Nursing with a Bachelors in Nursing.
- Master's Degree in nursing, business, health administration, public health, social work, or healthcare-related field.
Licenses & Certifications:
- Registered Nurse: Licensed to practice nursing in the State of Texas.
- Case Management Certification (ACM or CCM) within two years of hire.
- Basic Life Support: American Heart Association (AHA) or Red Cross approved program.
Work Experience:
- 7 Years of Experience: Strong clinical background in a variety of acute healthcare settings including Case Management, Quality Management, or Coding as well as at least 3 years of Utilization Management experience.
Management Experience:
- 2 Years of Experience: Supervisory or charge nurse role.
Communication Skills:
- Above Average Verbal Communication (Heavy Public Contact)
- Exceptional Verbal (Public Speaking)
- Writing/ Correspondence
- Writing/ Reports
Language:
- Bilingual Skills (Preferred)
Proficiencies:
- MS Word
- PC
- MS Excel
- MS PowerPoint
Job Attributes
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Analytical
- Design
- Mathematics
- Medical Terms
- Other: Utilization review tools: MCG and or Change healthcare (Interqual)
Work Schedule:
- Flexible
- Weekends
- Telecommute
- Holidays
Other Special Requirements
Equipment Operated: Standard office equipment, computer software, etc.
Benefits & EEOC
Harris Health System's benefits program is designed to provide you with more flexibility and choices in meeting your specific needs. Harris Health System's benefits program allows you to protect your income in case of illness, death and disability, and to help you save for retirement.
It is the policy of Harris Health System to provide equal opportunity for all applicants for employment regardless of political affiliation, race, color, national origin, age, sex, religious creed or disability. Applicants may request any reasonable accommodation(s) to participate in the application process.
Job Category
Management

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About Harris Health System

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Harris Health System is a fully integrated healthcare system that cares for all residents of Harris County, Texas. We are the first accredited healthcare institution in Harris County to be designated by the National Committee for Quality Assurance as a Patient-Centered Medical Home, and are one of the largest systems in the country to achieve the quality standard. Our system includes community health centers, same-day clinics, three multi-specialty clinic locations, a dental center, mobile health units and two full-service hospitals.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1966