Sr Manager, Clinical UM Operations - Automation

The Senior Manager, Clinical Utilization Management (UM) Operations provides strategic and operational leadership for UM activities, with a key focus on advancing UM modernization and transformation. This role partners closely with the Vice President, internal UM leadership, external consultants, and project management resources to shape future-state workflows, support technology-enabled transformation, and drive operational readiness and adoption. The Senior Manager also oversees people leaders responsible for clinicians and coordinators performing medical necessity review, service authorization, care coordination, and related UM functions. The role ensures compliant, high-quality, member-centered operations while driving standardization, efficiency, and sustainable operational improvement. Duties/Responsibilities Partner with UM Directors and the Vice President to advance the design and implementation of future-state UM workflows, processes, and operating practices that support modernization, standardization, and scalability.Collaborate with UM leadership, external consultants, project management, technology, and vendor teams to support execution of UM transformation priorities and translate operational needs into practical solutions.Contribute UM operational expertise to transformation initiatives, helping identify clinical and operational requirements, risks, dependencies, and impacts to frontline teams.Support operational readiness and adoption of new technologies, workflows, and capabilities by partnering with leaders and project teams on stakeholder engagement, training, implementation, and stabilization.Apply experience with AI, automation, and other emerging technologies to help identify and advance opportunities that improve UM operations while ensuring solutions align with clinical workflows, compliance, audit requirements, and user needs.Provide strategic oversight and operational management for all utilization management functions, including prior authorization, concurrent review, and service requestsLead, coach, and develop UM managers overseeing interdisciplinary teams of registered nurses, social workers, clinicians, and coordinatorsEnsure UM operations meet regulatory requirements set forth by CMS, New York State Department of Health (DOH), and other oversight entitiesEstablish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), productivity, and quality metrics to ensure compliance and optimal performancePartner with Clinical Operations, Quality, Compliance, and Provider Relations to ensure alignment and effective communication across departmentsUtilize data analytics and reporting tools to identify trends, drive process improvements, and optimize resource allocationLead readiness efforts for audits, performance improvement plans, and corrective actions related to utilization managementFoster a culture of accountability, professional development, and continuous improvement across all levels of the teamServe as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex or high-impact cases requiring clinical and operational judgmentSupport system implementations and technology enhancements to improve automation, reporting, and member/provider experienceEnsure the department maintains timely and accurate completion of service authorizations and reviews in alignment with turnaround time standardsAdditional duties as assigned MinimumQualifications Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or a related field from an accredited institution or equivalent work experienceNYS RNDemonstrated understanding of UM regulatory requirements, clinical review process, and managed care operationsLeadership experience in managing, coaching and developing multidisciplinary clinical teamsStrong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skillsWork experience demonstrating written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across functionsDemonstrated success driving high performance and quality outcomes in a fast-paced, regulated environment Preferred Qualifications Demonstrated experience delivering AI-enabled platforms, advanced analytics solutions or new software platforms solutions within healthcare operationsExperience managing enterprise software implementations with vendors, systems integrators, and internal IT teamsDemonstrated ability to translate clinical and operational requirements into business processes, workflows, and technology requirements.Strong analytical skills with experience using operational data, KPIs, and performance metrics to identify opportunities and drive improvement.Prior experience leading a team of people leadersWork experience using Milliman Care Guidelines (MCG) criteria and other state-specific authorization requirements.Ability to interpret and operationalize regulatory updates and guidance from DOH and CMSExperience working and/or managing in a virtual environmentUnderstanding of health plans such as Medicare, Medicaid and/or Managed Long-Term Care Plan (MLTCP)Experience working as a case manager for a long-term care programs such as PACE, MAP or MLTCStrong understanding of value-based care principles and their application to MLTC populationsExperience accessing and maintaining patient health information (PHI) electronically in a shared networkStrong computer skills, including, but not limited to word processing, spreadsheets, and databases Hiring Range*: Greater New York City Area (NY, NJ, CT residents): $122,900 - $188,020All Other Locations (within approved locations): $105,100 - $160,480 As a candidate for this position, your salary and related elements of compensation will be contingent upon your work experience, education, licenses and certifications, and any other factors Healthfirst deems pertinent to the hiring decision. In addition to your salary, Healthfirst offers employees a full range of benefits such as, medical, dental and vision coverage, incentive and recognition programs, life insurance, and 401k contributions (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). Healthfirst believes in providing a competitive compensation and benefits package wherever its employees work and live. The hiring range is defined as the lowest and highest salaries that Healthfirst in “good faith” would pay to a new hire, or for a job promotion, or transfer into this role.