Survey Research Project Manager - Remote

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 diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. 

Optum Value and Evidence Solutions (VES) is a leading provider of health economics and outcomes research and consulting to help customers realize the full potential of their brands. As an international organization that counts among its customers most of the top 20 biopharmaceutical companies in the world, Optum VES has a world-class reputation in consulting, econometrics, and outcomes research. We are seeking high-energy, driven team members who thrive in a fast-paced environment.  We offer access to some of the largest secondary data assets available for outcomes research and the resources of our parent company to drive unique data and research opportunities.

We are seeking a skilled Survey Research Project Manager to join our team and support Primary Data Collection studies with pharmaceutical customers. This role involves leading project teams, managing timelines and budgets, developing survey instruments and chart abstraction forms, managing vendors, and managing contracts for studies that are designed to improve patient outcomes. The ideal candidate will be highly collaborative, skilled at building relationships and experienced at succeeding in a matrixed organization. 

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

Primary Responsibilities:

• Plan, organize and manage all aspects of assigned clinical and non-clinical research activities on behalf of Optum Life Sciences
• Lead and manage the efforts and performance of all project team members and vendors to execute all project activities according to project milestones and timelines in a manner consistent with the Optum Life Sciences and project-specific processes
• Assist in ensuring project implementation per the study contract and client expectations
• Develop, maintain and communicate project timelines and status reports with external clients, internal project team members, key functional departments, vendors, and external consultants
• Lead development and ensure quality assurance of study deliverables from project inception to completion, including site feasibility reports, study protocols, data collection instruments (e.g. survey instruments, case report forms, chart abstraction forms), chart abstraction manuals, training materials, Institutional Review Board and Privacy Board submissions, investigator and subject recruitment materials, data analysis, and final reports
• Lead and execute assigned project activities including vendor selection, contracting and management, regulatory submissions, and data management
• Provide input into site recruitment, selection, contracting, and management
• Schedule, attend, and take notes for client meetings. Assist project director with meeting materials and meeting follow-up as needed
• Proactively help the project director to anticipate, recognize, and resolve client needs
• Schedule and take notes for internal team meetings. Co-lead meetings with project director and prepare meeting materials and meeting follow-up as needed
• Track, report, and manage invoicing and revenue for assigned projects. Perform budget and resource forecasting to ensure project goals are achieved according to client and Optum Life Sciences expectations
• Contribute methodological and technical expertise in the design, implementation, analysis and reporting of prospective research studies
• Contribute to proposal teams to develop competitive proposals that can be delivered to meet timeline, quality and financial expectations of Optum Life Sciences and prospective clients
• Act as primary contact for study team members, key functional departments and vendors for project questions. Function as liaison between external clients and Optum Life Sciences. Serve as back up or stand-in for next level of management when required
• Provide project support, performance management, and career development guidance to direct reports (if applicable)
• Identify, lead and contribute to the development of standard operating procedures, training, and infrastructure activities for Optum Life Sciences
• Maintain communication with Business Development to discuss contract amendments and changes to the scope of work for assigned projects
• Anticipate, recognize and resolve issues. Recognize the need to seek assistance or inform senior management of specific issues
• Function appropriately and effectively within the matrix management system to assure project priorities and functional line considerations are aligned

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:

• 4+ years relevant project management experience
• Demonstrated experience in project management tasks (e.g., work plans, financial budgets, timelines, status reports, issue management, resource and personnel management)
• Experience working on a team across multiple functional areas (e.g., work with quality assurance, data management, legal, Institutional Review Boards, Privacy Boards, finance)
• Experience with study database design, implementation, and maintenance
• Solid knowledge of observational research design and methodology. Knowledge of Human Subjects Protection, Good Clinical Practice/ICH Guidelines and other applicable regulatory requirements
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook)
• Demonstrated ability to successfully lead project teams
• Demonstrated success in meeting project time, quality and financial targets in matrix organizations
• Proven excellent communication, relationship building and interpersonal skills
• Proven excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize and multitask
• Proven established ability to work both independently and as part of a cross-functional team
• Ability to travel (little to no travel)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) or related certification
• Experience in clinical or non-clinical research involving primary data collection
• Experience managing 3rd party data collection vendors
• Experience with MS Project and/or Project Management programs (e.g. Workday, Smartsheet)
• Experience with statistical software such as SAS, SPSS

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy

The salary range for this role is $89,800 to $176,700 annually based on full-time employment. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. UnitedHealth Group complies with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your salary, UnitedHealth Group offers 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 UnitedHealth Group, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.

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.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.