Lead Director - Clinical Innovation

The Lead Director, UM Innovation & Strategic Analysis is a critical leadership role responsible for defining and driving the strategic analysis portfolio, enterprise transformation priorities, and Utilization Management (UM) automation strategy within Aetna’s Clinical Solutions business unit. This role serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership by identifying opportunities to improve clinical, operational, and financial performance through data-driven insights, market intelligence, business case development, and technology-enabled innovation.

This leader is responsible for evaluating emerging trends, competitive dynamics, and operational performance to identify opportunities that create enterprise value and strengthen Aetna’s competitive position. Working across clinical, operational, product, and technology organizations, the role drives analysis, portfolio prioritization, and business transformation initiatives with a focus on modernizing Utilization Management through automation, artificial intelligence, and digital innovation. The position is accountable for delivering measurable business outcomes through effective governance, value realization, and execution of high-impact strategic initiatives

You will make an impact by:

• Evaluate Utilization Management performance, market trends, regulatory developments, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities that improve clinical outcomes, drive operational efficiency, reduce administrative burden, and create sustainable business value.
• Lead the development of strategic analyses, business cases, and investment recommendations that shape UM strategy, prioritize transformation initiatives, and influence executive decision-making through data-driven insights and structured problem-solving.
• Drive strategic portfolio planning for UM modernization initiatives, including opportunity assessment, prioritization, resource alignment, funding recommendations, and value realization tracking.
• Partner with Clinical Operations, Product, Technology, and Enterprise Innovation teams to define and execute a multi-year Utilization Management modernization roadmap aligned to business priorities and customer needs.
• Lead the identification, evaluation, and implementation of automation opportunities across UM leveraging AI, Generative AI, predictive analytics, NLP, business rules engines, and decision support technologies.
• Develop and monitor KPIs, dashboards, and performance measurement frameworks to quantify the impact of automation and transformation initiatives on productivity, service levels, quality outcomes, provider and member experience, and operating costs.
• Provide strategic oversight and governance for innovation pilots, proof-of-value assessments, and transformation initiatives to ensure scalability, business alignment, and achievement of targeted outcomes.
• Build influential relationships across the organization and serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on UM strategy, operational performance, automation opportunities, and enterprise transformation priorities.
• Manage and develop a high-performing team through coaching, mentoring, and professional development while fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• 10+ years of experience leading strategic planning, business analysis, consulting, portfolio management, transformation, or innovation initiatives within healthcare, health insurance, or managed care organizations.
• Deep understanding of health plan operations including Utilization Management, Policy Management, Care Management, Quality, Compliance, Regulatory Management, Claims, and Provider Networks.
• Demonstrated experience developing and leading enterprise strategic initiatives from concept through implementation and value realization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including business modeling, financial analysis, data synthesis, and development of executive-level recommendations.
• Proven success in enterprise portfolio management, strategic planning, and prioritization of complex initiatives.
• Experience with data visualization tools and advanced analytics technologies, including SQL, Python, and cloud-based data platforms.
• Strong understanding of automation, AI-enabled workflows, digital transformation, and technology-driven operational improvement.
• Expertise in developing business cases, defining success metrics, and measuring return on investment for strategic initiatives.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to effectively influence senior leaders and key stakeholders., * 5+ years of leadership experience in innovation, advanced analytics, business process optimization, enterprise consulting, strategic planning, financial analysis, risk management, or related disciplines.
• Experience creating new capabilities, products, services, operating models, or automation solutions that deliver measurable business value.
• Experience with Utilization Management modernization, intelligent workflow automation, and operational transformation initiatives.
• Knowledge of Generative AI, machine learning, natural language processing, decision engines, APIs, workflow orchestration platforms, and predictive analytics.
• Demonstrated relationship management skills at the executive level with the ability to influence without direct authority.
• Experience managing enterprise-wide portfolios and cross-functional initiatives with significant complexity and strategic importance.
• Strong conceptual and structured thinking skills with the ability to translate ideas into actionable strategies and operational outcomes.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, shifting priorities, and evolving business needs while maintaining focus on results.
• Health domain certifications such as AHIP certifications (Fundamentals of Healthcare Part A & B, AHM250) preferred.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience

Master’s Degree preferred

Pulled from the full job description

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance, $100,000.00 - $231,540.00

This pay range represents the base hourly rate or base annual full-time salary for all positions in the job grade within which this position falls. The actual base salary offer will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education, geography and other relevant factors. This position is eligible for a CVS Health bonus, commission or short-term incentive program in addition to the base pay range listed above. This position also includes an award target in the company’s equity award program.

Our people fuel our future. Our teams reflect the customers, patients, members and communities we serve and we are committed to fostering a workplace where every colleague feels valued and that they belong.

Great benefits for great people

We take pride in offering a comprehensive and competitive mix of pay and benefits that reflects our commitment to our colleagues and their families. This full-time position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the physical, emotional, and financial well-being of colleagues and their families. The benefits for this position include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, retirement savings options, wellness programs, and other resources, based on eligibility.