Director, Utilization Management

The Director of Utilization Management is a transformational clinical operations leader responsible for delivering strategic and operational oversight for Utilization Management (UM) teams. This high-impact forward-thinking leader drives clinical and operational excellence across all UM functions, including prior authorizations, concurrent reviews, and service requests while ensuring the delivery of medically necessary, cost-effective, and high-quality care in full compliance with CMS, NYSDOH, and contractual requirements.. The Director will bring deep operations leadership experience, executive presence, strong change management capability, and a modernization mindset with the ability to lead transformation initiatives in complex healthcare environments. This dynamic leader will leverage data-driven decision making to drive process improvement through workflow automation, AI-enabled decision support, and streamlined UM operations. that helps shape the future of utilization management. Duties/Responsibilities: Provide strategic direction and leadership to UM leaders and teams executing department functions including prior authorizations, concurrent reviews, and service requests Develop strong operational and leadership capabilities within the organization through performance improvement, career development, and coaching Develop and implement policies and procedures that align with industry standards, payer guidelines, and regulatory requirements Deliver on Healthfirst’s Mission by ensuring optimum quality of member care in a cost-effective manner Ensure UM operations meet regulatory requirements set forth by CMS, New York State Department of Health (DOH), and other oversight entities Develop and monitor appropriate metrics to maintain and improve department performance Collect, analyze, and report on utilization trends, patterns, and impacts to identify areas for improvement Lead initiatives to improve efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality in the UM program, sometimes through the implementation of new technology Serve as the operational subject matter expert on business development efforts related to UM programs, including the launch of new products or regulatory initiatives Collaborate closely with other Operations leaders including but not limited to Care Management, Clinical Eligibility, Behavioral Health, and Appeals and Grievances teams to align utilization decisions Partner with technology and data teams to refine data governance and reporting, inform AI use cases, and performance monitoring frameworks Support organizational change management for UM modernization efforts, fostering engagement, communication, and adoption of new technologies or processes Advocate and actively participate as the clinical voice on various clinical committees and other clinical policy workgroups Additional duties as assigned Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in healthcare, business, or a related field from an accredited institution or equivalent work experience Progressive leadership experience in healthcare management including work experience in a mid-senior management role Work experience and deep familiarity of health plans such as Medicare, Medicaid and/or Managed Long-Term Care Plan (MLTCP). Demonstrated understanding of UM regulatory requirements, clinical review process, and managed care operations Work experience interpreting and operationalizing regulatory updates and guidance from DOH and CMS. Work experience demonstrating written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels and functions. Demonstrated success driving high performance and quality outcomes in a fast-paced, regulated environment. Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in health-related area Proven ability to lead complex teams and manage interdisciplinary care models in a health plan or integrated delivery system Work experience using Milliman Care Guidelines (MCG) criteria and other state-specific authorization requirements. Strategic thinker with strong operational discipline and capacity for executive-level decision-making Experience working as a case manager for a long-term care programs such as PACE, MAP or MLTC. Strong computer skills, including, but not limited to word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Strategic thinker with strong operational discipline and capacity for executive-level decision-making Compliance & Regulatory Responsibilities: Noted Above License/Certification: N/A WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. HF Management Services, LLC complies with all applicable laws and regulations. Applicants and employees are considered for positions and are evaluated without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, disability, genetic information, domestic violence victim status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, military status, veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, height and weight, familial status, marital status, or unemployment status, as well as any other legally protected basis. HF Management Services, LLC shall not discriminate against any disabled employee or applicant in regard to any position for which the employee or applicant is otherwise qualified. If you have a disability under the Americans with Disability Act or a similar law and want a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, please contact us by sending an email to or calling 212-519-1798 . In your email please include a description of the accommodation you are requesting and a description of the position for which you are applying. Only reasonable accommodation requests related to applying for a position within HF Management Services, LLC will be reviewed at the e-mail address and phone number supplied. Thank you for considering a career with HF Management Services, LLC. Know Your Rights All hiring and recruitment at Healthfirst is transacted with a valid “@healthfirst.org” email address only or from a recruitment firm representing our Company. Any recruitment firm representing Healthfirst will readily provide you with the name and contact information of the recruiting professional representing the opportunity you are inquiring about. If you receive a communication from a sender whose domain is not @healthfirst.org, or not one of our recruitment partners, please be aware that those communications are not coming from or authorized by Healthfirst. Healthfirst will never ask you for money during the recruitment or onboarding process. Hiring Range*: Greater New York City Area (NY, NJ, CT residents): $154,600 - $236,555 All Other Locations (within approved locations): $127,500 - $195,075 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.