Manager Operational Training (Instructional Design Manager) - Multiple Locations
π Job Overview
Job Title: Manager Operational Training (Instructional Design Manager)
Company: UnitedHealth Group
Location: Cebu City, Philippines; Davao City, Davao, Philippines; Muntinlupa City, National Capital District, Philippines; Quezon City, National Capital District, Philippines
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Learning & Development Operations / Instructional Design Management
Date Posted: 2026-05-07T07:32:16.565
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
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Lead and develop a team of instructional designers, fostering a high-performance culture focused on delivering exceptional learning solutions.
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Drive the end-to-end execution of complex learning projects, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with business objectives within a matrixed global environment.
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Act as a strategic learning consultant to business leaders, diagnosing performance gaps and architecting scalable, impactful learning strategies rooted in adult learning principles.
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Oversee the application of instructional design methodologies, ensuring quality, consistency, and innovation in all learning deliverables.
π Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Manager Operational Training," is fundamentally an Instructional Design Management position focused on the creation and delivery of learning solutions to support business operations. Key responsibilities include team leadership, project oversight, and strategic consulting, all within the context of learning and development operations. The emphasis on "operational training" suggests a focus on skills and knowledge directly applicable to the day-to-day functioning of various business units within UnitedHealth Group.
π Primary Responsibilities
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Team Leadership & Talent Development:
- Lead, coach, mentor, and conduct performance management for a team of instructional designers.
- Manage hiring, onboarding, and individual development plans to build and retain top talent.
- Ensure capacity planning and resource allocation to meet project demands effectively.
- Foster a collaborative and accountable team environment that prioritizes quality and innovation in learning design.
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Instructional Design & Learning Strategy:
- Provide functional leadership and guidance on established instructional design methodologies such as ADDIE and Agile frameworks.
- Review and approve learning designs, content, and project deliverables to ensure high quality, effectiveness, and adherence to standards.
- Guide strategic decisions regarding learning modality, learner experience design, and scalability of solutions.
- Champion the application of sound learning science and adult learning principles in all program development.
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Stakeholder Consulting & Partnership:
- Serve as a trusted learning consultant to business leaders, understanding their strategic priorities and operational challenges.
- Partner with stakeholders to accurately diagnose performance needs and recommend optimal learning or non-learning interventions.
- Influence decision-making by presenting clear, data-backed recommendations and articulating solution trade-offs.
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Project & Delivery Management:
- Oversee the end-to-end execution of multiple learning projects concurrently, ensuring delivery on time, within scope, and to budget.
- Proactively manage project plans, identify and mitigate risks, track dependencies, and manage scope changes.
- Act as the primary client contact for learning initiatives, ensuring seamless deployment and stakeholder satisfaction.
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Operational Compliance & Alignment:
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Ensure all training programs and development activities comply with company policies, procedures, and employment terms.
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Adapt to changing business environments by embracing flexibility in work arrangements, team assignments, and project scopes as directed.
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π Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities emphasize a blend of people management, strategic learning design, and project execution. For operations professionals, this translates to managing the "operationalization" of learning β ensuring training programs are not only designed effectively but also delivered efficiently and meet tangible business needs. The consultative aspect is crucial, requiring the ability to translate business problems into learning solutions.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree in any relevant field (e.g., Education, Instructional Design, Business Administration, Psychology, Communications).
Experience:
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Minimum of 3 years of experience in a leadership role managing global instructional design teams.
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Minimum of 3 years of experience leading and managing end-to-end instructional design projects.
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Proven track record in people management, directly leading instructional design or broader learning and development teams.
Required Skills:
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Instructional Design Expertise: Deep understanding and application of adult learning principles, learning science, and instructional design models (e.g., ADDIE, Agile).
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People Leadership & Performance Management: Proven ability to lead, coach, develop, and manage the performance of a distributed team.
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Stakeholder Management & Consulting: Exceptional skills in building relationships, diagnosing needs, influencing stakeholders, and acting as a trusted advisor.
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Project & Delivery Management: Robust experience in planning, executing, and delivering learning projects on time and within scope, managing risks and scope changes.
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Learning Technologies: Proficiency with authoring tools (e.g., Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate) and Learning Management Systems (LMS) platforms.
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Communication & Presentation: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
Preferred Skills:
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Experience in the healthcare industry or a related regulated sector.
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Familiarity with various learning modalities beyond traditional e-learning (e.g., simulations, VR/AR, blended learning).
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Knowledge of performance consulting frameworks and methodologies.
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Experience with capacity management and resource forecasting for learning teams.
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Advanced degree in a relevant field.
π Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a strong need for both technical instructional design skills and robust leadership/consulting capabilities. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they have applied adult learning principles to solve business problems and how they have successfully managed teams and projects in complex, global environments. The mention of "operational training" implies a need to connect learning outcomes directly to business operations and performance metrics.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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Case Studies of Impactful Learning Solutions: Showcase 2-3 distinct projects demonstrating your team's ability to design and deliver learning that achieved measurable business outcomes. Focus on projects that addressed operational challenges or improved operational efficiency.
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Team Leadership Examples: Include evidence of how you have successfully led, coached, and developed instructional design teams. This could be through team performance metrics, examples of career development initiatives, or testimonials.
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Project Management Artifacts (Anonymized): Provide examples of project plans, risk assessments, or scope management documents that illustrate your approach to managing complex learning projects. Highlight how you ensured on-time, on-scope delivery.
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Consultative Engagement Examples: Demonstrate your ability to partner with stakeholders by presenting a case where you diagnosed performance needs and recommended a learning solution, detailing the process and outcome.
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Learning Technology Integration: Showcase examples of how your team has effectively utilized authoring tools and LMS platforms to create engaging and scalable learning experiences.
Process Documentation:
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Methodology Showcase: Clearly articulate the instructional design methodologies (e.g., ADDIE, SAM, Agile) your team employs, detailing the phases, key deliverables, and how you adapt them to project needs and timelines.
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Quality Assurance Framework: Outline your team's process for ensuring the quality, accuracy, and effectiveness of learning content, including review cycles, feedback mechanisms, and sign-off procedures.
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Performance Needs Analysis Process: Describe the systematic approach your team uses to diagnose performance gaps and determine if learning is the appropriate solution, including stakeholder engagement and data gathering techniques.
π Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of skills. Candidates should highlight projects that directly contributed to operational improvements or efficiency gains. The ability to showcase leadership in managing learning projects and teams, along with a clear understanding of instructional design methodologies and quality assurance, will be key. Demonstrating how learning solutions were integrated with business operations and technology platforms is also important.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
Benefits:
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Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
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Retirement Savings Plan: Company-matched contributions to a retirement fund.
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Paid Time Off: Generous vacation leave, sick leave, and company holidays.
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Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training programs, certifications, and career advancement within UnitedHealth Group.
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal and work-related challenges.
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Performance Bonuses: Potential for performance-based bonuses tied to individual and company achievements.
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Global Mobility Opportunities: Potential for international assignments or collaborations within the UnitedHealth Group network.
Working Hours:
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Standard full-time workweek, typically 40 hours per week.
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Flexibility may be available depending on project needs and team collaboration schedules, with potential for occasional adjustments to accommodate global team interactions.
π Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on market data for similar roles in the Philippines. UnitedHealth Group, as a large multinational, typically offers robust benefits packages that go beyond statutory requirements, focusing on employee well-being, professional growth, and long-term financial security. The emphasis on "operational training" might imply that specific performance bonuses could be tied to the measurable impact of training programs on operational KPIs.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Healthcare Technology and Services. UnitedHealth Group operates at the intersection of health insurance and healthcare delivery, leveraging technology and data to improve health outcomes and optimize the healthcare system. This industry context means a strong emphasis on compliance, data privacy, and measurable impact on patient and member well-being.
Company Size: UnitedHealth Group is a massive global enterprise, employing hundreds of thousands of individuals worldwide. This scale offers stability, extensive resources, and diverse career paths, but also means navigating a large corporate structure and adhering to standardized processes.
Founded: UnitedHealth Group was founded in 1977. Its long history signifies established processes, a solid market position, and a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape. This longevity suggests a culture that values stability and long-term strategic planning, which influences the approach to learning and development.
Team Structure:
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The Instructional Design Manager will likely lead a team within a broader "Design Services" or "Learning & Development" department. This team will comprise instructional designers with various specializations and experience levels.
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The reporting structure will typically involve reporting to a Director or Senior Director of Learning & Development or Design Services. Collaboration will be extensive with business unit leaders, subject matter experts (SMEs), HR partners, and other L&D functions.
Methodology:
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Learning solutions are developed through a data-driven approach, starting with needs analysis and performance consulting to ensure alignment with business objectives.
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Workflow planning and optimization are critical, particularly for operational training, to ensure efficiency in both the learning design process and the application of learned skills. Methodologies like ADDIE and Agile are employed to structure these workflows.
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Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated through the use of authoring tools, LMS capabilities, and potentially other learning technologies to scale solutions and track learner progress and impact.
Company Website: https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/
π Enhancement Note: UnitedHealth Group's scale and industry necessitate a structured, process-oriented approach to learning. The "operational training" aspect implies a direct link between learning initiatives and the efficient functioning of various business units. Candidates should be comfortable working within a large, complex, and regulated environment where data integrity, compliance, and measurable impact are paramount.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level management position within the Learning & Development function, specifically focused on instructional design operations. It requires a blend of expert-level instructional design knowledge, proven people management skills, and strategic business consulting capabilities. The scope involves leading a team, managing significant projects, and influencing senior stakeholders, positioning it as a key operational leadership role within the L&D domain.
Reporting Structure: The Manager Operational Training will typically report to a Director or Senior Director of Design Services or Learning & Development. They will lead a team of Instructional Designers and collaborate closely with various business unit leaders, HR business partners, and other functional leaders across UnitedHealth Group's diverse operations. This structure allows for both specialized expertise and broad organizational influence.
Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, directly influencing the operational efficiency, compliance, and performance of UnitedHealth Group's workforce. By ensuring employees are well-trained on critical processes, systems, and compliance requirements, this manager contributes to:
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Improved operational workflows and reduced errors.
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Enhanced employee productivity and effectiveness.
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Stronger compliance adherence in a regulated industry.
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Successful adoption of new systems and processes.
Growth Opportunities:
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Leadership Advancement: Progression to Senior Manager, Director of Design Services, or Director of Learning & Development, overseeing larger teams and broader learning portfolios.
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Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas such as learning technology, healthcare compliance training, or performance consulting.
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Cross-Functional Moves: Opportunities to transition into related roles within HR, Talent Management, or operational leadership positions across UnitedHealth Group's diverse business segments.
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Global Opportunities: Potential to lead global learning initiatives or manage distributed teams across different regions.
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Continuous Learning: Access to extensive internal and external training, certifications, and conferences focused on adult learning, leadership, and industry trends.
π Enhancement Note: This role is a critical stepping stone for operations professionals looking to move into management and strategic influence within L&D. The growth path emphasizes leadership scalability and the ability to impact business operations through effective talent development. Success in this role can lead to significant career advancement within a large, stable organization like UnitedHealth Group.
π Work Environment
Office Type: This position is designated as On-site, requiring the selected candidate to work from one of the specified office locations in the Philippines (Cebu City, Davao City, Muntinlupa City, or Quezon City). The environment will be a typical corporate office setting within a large organization.
Office Location(s):
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Cebu City, Central Visayas, Philippines
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Davao City, Davao Region, Philippines
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Muntinlupa City, National Capital District, Philippines
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Quezon City, National Capital District, Philippines
These locations offer accessibility within major metropolitan areas, likely with standard office amenities and infrastructure.
Workspace Context:
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The workspace will be designed to foster collaboration, with shared office spaces, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated team areas. It will support a hybrid model where team members might collaborate in person on certain days.
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Access to standard office technology, including computers, reliable internet, and necessary software for instructional design and project management, will be provided. The company will likely have a robust IT infrastructure.
Work Schedule:
- The typical work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, due to the global nature of UnitedHealth Group and the potential for international project collaboration, some flexibility may be required to align with different time zones for meetings and project updates. This might occasionally involve early morning or late afternoon calls.
π Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement means candidates should be prepared for a traditional office environment. The Philippines locations suggest a large operational hub for the company, implying a dynamic and potentially fast-paced work setting focused on supporting global business operations. Collaboration and flexibility in scheduling will be key to success in managing international projects.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
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Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
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Hiring Manager Interview: This will likely involve a detailed discussion with the hiring manager (Director/Senior Director) focusing on leadership experience, instructional design philosophy, project management approach, and team management strategies. Be prepared to discuss your operational training approach.
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Panel Interview / Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio review or a case study demonstrating their ability to lead a team, manage a project, and consult with stakeholders. This is a critical stage to showcase practical experience and strategic thinking.
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Cross-Functional Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with key business leaders or peers from other departments to assess consulting skills, collaboration style, and ability to understand and address business needs.
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Final Interview: May involve senior leadership for a final assessment of strategic alignment and potential.
Portfolio Review Tips:
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Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to tell a story. Start with a compelling executive summary highlighting your leadership philosophy and key achievements.
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Focus on Operational Results: For each case study, clearly articulate the business problem, the learning solution designed, your role in leading the team and project, and most importantly, the measurable results achieved, especially regarding operational efficiency or performance improvement. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for clear storytelling.
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Showcase Leadership: Include examples of how you've developed your team, managed performance, and fostered a positive and productive learning environment.
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Demonstrate Process Understanding: Be ready to discuss the methodologies and tools you've used, explaining why certain approaches were chosen and how they contributed to project success.
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Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects related to operational training, process improvement, or system implementation if possible, aligning with the "Manager Operational Training" title.
Challenge Preparation:
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Case Study: You may be given a scenario requiring you to outline a learning strategy for a specific operational challenge. Focus on needs analysis, solution design (including modality and technology), project planning, and how you would measure impact.
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Team Management Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle common team management issues, such as performance underachievement, conflict resolution, or motivating a distributed team.
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Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating how you would approach a new stakeholder, diagnose their needs, and present a learning solution, including how you would handle pushback or difficult conversations.
π Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, testing both hard skills in instructional design and soft skills in leadership and consulting. A well-prepared portfolio that directly addresses the "operational training" aspect and showcases measurable impact will be a significant advantage. Demonstrating an understanding of how learning drives business operations is key.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
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Authoring Tools: Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Articulate 360 (Storyline, Rise), Adobe Captivate, or similar. The ability to guide a team in using these tools effectively is essential.
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Learning Management Systems (LMS): Experience with enterprise-level LMS platforms (e.g., Workday Learning, Cornerstone OnDemand, SAP SuccessFactors) for deployment, tracking, and reporting of learning programs.
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Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira, or Trello for project planning, task management, and collaboration.
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Collaboration Platforms: Expertise in using tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Zoom for team communication, virtual meetings, and collaborative work.
Analytics & Reporting:
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LMS Reporting: Ability to extract and analyze data from LMS platforms to track learner progress, completion rates, and engagement.
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Data Analysis Tools: Basic to intermediate skills in using spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel) for data manipulation and analysis of learning metrics.
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Business Intelligence Tools (Optional but beneficial): Familiarity with tools like Tableau or Power BI for creating dashboards and visualizing learning impact data.
CRM & Automation:
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While not a direct CRM role, understanding how learning impacts CRM usage or customer-facing operations can be beneficial.
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Workflow Automation: Awareness of how learning automation within LMS or other platforms can streamline processes.
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Integration Concepts: Understanding how learning platforms might integrate with HRIS or other enterprise systems.
π Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong command of standard instructional design and learning management technologies. The emphasis on "operational training" suggests that familiarity with systems that support core business operations (e.g., CRM, ERP, specific healthcare platforms) and how training integrates with them would be a significant advantage. The ability to manage and leverage these tools through a team is paramount.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
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Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data and analytics to inform learning strategies, measure impact, and drive continuous improvement in operational training programs.
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Customer Focus: A commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of internal business leaders and employees (the "learners") to ensure training is relevant, effective, and directly supports operational goals.
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Collaboration & Partnership: Valuing strong working relationships across departments, fostering an environment where learning is seen as a shared responsibility and integrated into daily operations.
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Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging the exploration of new learning technologies and methodologies to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of training delivery and impact.
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Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for the quality and impact of learning solutions, ensuring projects are delivered on time and meet established objectives.
Collaboration Style:
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Proactive Engagement: Actively seeking out opportunities to partner with business leaders and SMEs to understand evolving operational needs and challenges.
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Transparent Communication: Maintaining open and honest communication channels with team members, stakeholders, and leadership, providing regular updates on project status, risks, and successes.
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Feedback-Driven Culture: Encouraging a culture where constructive feedback is regularly exchanged among team members and with stakeholders to refine learning designs and processes.
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Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where team members share best practices, insights, and lessons learned to collectively elevate the team's capabilities and foster professional growth.
π Enhancement Note: UnitedHealth Group's culture likely emphasizes a professional, results-oriented environment where collaboration and data are key drivers. For this role, integrating learning into the fabric of operations is crucial, meaning the team's values will align with supporting business objectives through effective, data-backed training.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
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Managing Distributed Global Teams: Effectively leading and motivating instructional designers located in different geographical regions and time zones, ensuring consistent quality and engagement.
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Translating Complex Business Needs: Accurately diagnosing performance needs within diverse operational areas of a large healthcare organization and translating them into effective learning solutions.
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Measuring Training ROI: Demonstrating the tangible business impact and return on investment of operational training programs in a complex healthcare environment, linking learning outcomes to key operational KPIs.
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Keeping Pace with Evolving Technologies: Staying current with advancements in instructional design tools, learning technologies, and delivery methods to ensure training remains engaging and effective.
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Balancing Stakeholder Demands: Managing competing priorities and expectations from various business leaders and stakeholders while ensuring the quality and integrity of learning solutions.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
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Leadership Development Programs: Access to UHG's extensive leadership training and development programs focused on strategic management, change leadership, and talent development.
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Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending relevant L&D, instructional design, and healthcare industry conferences, and pursuing professional certifications.
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Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within UHG or to mentor junior team members, fostering leadership growth.
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Cross-Functional Projects: Involvement in projects that span different business units or operational areas, broadening understanding of the organization and its challenges.
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Emerging Technology Exploration: Opportunities to research and pilot new learning technologies and methodologies relevant to operational training.
π Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle significant challenges in learning operations within a leading healthcare company. The growth path is well-defined, offering substantial development in leadership, strategy, and specialized L&D expertise, particularly in the context of operational effectiveness.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
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"Describe your philosophy on leading instructional design teams, particularly in a global, remote/hybrid setting. How do you foster accountability and quality?"
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"Walk me through a complex operational training project you led from conception to completion. What were the key challenges, your role, and the measurable business impact achieved?"
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"How do you approach diagnosing performance needs with stakeholders? Provide an example of when learning was NOT the solution, and what you recommended instead."
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"Explain your process for ensuring the quality and consistency of learning deliverables across a team of designers."
Company & Culture Questions:
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"What do you know about UnitedHealth Group's mission and the healthcare industry's impact on operational training needs?"
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"How would you align your team's learning solutions with UHG's values of 'Caring. Connecting. Growing together.'?"
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"Describe your experience working in large, matrixed organizations. How do you navigate complex stakeholder relationships?"
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
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Opening: Start with a concise overview of your leadership philosophy and your team's overall impact.
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Case Studies: For each case study, use the STAR method. Clearly define the operational problem, your team's solution, your leadership actions, and the quantifiable results (e.g., reduced errors, improved efficiency, increased compliance rates).
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Visuals: Use anonymized screenshots of learning materials, project plans, or dashboards to illustrate your points effectively.
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Process Explanation: Be prepared to discuss the methodologies you used (ADDIE, Agile, etc.) and why they were appropriate.
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Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about challenges, trade-offs, and how you measured success. Be ready to discuss how your work directly supported business operations.
π Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of both instructional design best practices and business operations. Candidates need to articulate how they lead teams, manage projects, consult with stakeholders, and ultimately drive measurable results that impact the business, especially in the context of operational efficiency and healthcare.
π Application Steps
To apply for this operations position:
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Submit your application through the UnitedHealth Group careers portal via the provided link.
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Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with instructional design, people management, project leadership, stakeholder consulting, and any specific experience in operational training or the healthcare industry. Use keywords from the job description.
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Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your strongest work, focusing on case studies that demonstrate your team's impact on operational efficiency, process improvement, or performance. Ensure it's well-organized and easy to navigate.
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Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on delivering a clear, concise, and compelling narrative that showcases your leadership, strategic thinking, and results. Practice answering potential interview questions.
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Research UnitedHealth Group: Familiarize yourself with UHG's mission, values, business segments, and recent initiatives. Understand how operational training contributes to their overall strategy and the healthcare landscape.
β οΈ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
Application Requirements
Requires a college degree and over 3 years of experience leading global instructional design teams and projects. Must have proven people management skills and proficiency with authoring tools and LMS platforms.