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Optum Closing Offices, Including In Manahawkin: See Where

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 13:04 GMT by Patch
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Optum’s New Jersey Office Closures Leave Manahawkin Community in Limbo

Optum, a major subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, has announced the shutdown of several of its New Jersey facilities, including a long‑standing office in the coastal borough of Manahawkin. The decision, part of a wider corporate restructuring, has sent shockwaves through the local workforce and raised questions about the future of the town’s economy.

The closure announcement, released by Optum on Monday, revealed that the company would shutter four New Jersey locations by the end of September. The Manahawkin site, located on Main Street near the waterfront, was one of the largest in the state, housing roughly 140 employees who had been with the company for an average of eight years. Optum said the closures were driven by an ongoing effort to streamline operations and cut costs following a recent divestiture of its data‑center services.

“We are restructuring our business to better align with our long‑term strategy,” Optum spokesperson Laura Martinez said in a statement. “While this decision is difficult, it is necessary to maintain the company’s competitiveness and protect the overall health of our organization.”

The company’s internal memo explained that the New Jersey offices had become redundant as many functions were consolidated into regional hubs in New York and Pennsylvania. The decision was made after a comprehensive analysis of cost structures, employee overlap, and strategic priorities. Optum assured employees that severance packages would be offered, along with outplacement support and access to career counseling.

The impact on Manahawkin has been immediate and profound. The borough’s mayor, Linda Henson, called the announcement “a blow to our community’s economic stability.” The local Chamber of Commerce, which had lobbied for business incentives in an effort to keep the Optum office operational, issued a statement condemning the abruptness of the decision. “We have seen the positive ripple effect Optum has had on our small town—from job creation to community engagement programs. Losing this anchor will be a significant setback,” the Chamber said.

Employees affected by the closure have expressed a mixture of frustration and uncertainty. “We’ve all been here for years,” said longtime Optum engineer Jason Lee. “It’s not just a job; it’s a part of our identity.” Other workers highlighted the logistical challenges of relocating to distant hubs, including increased commute times and the loss of community ties.

In response, Optum has pledged to provide relocation assistance for employees who choose to move to other offices, but the company has made it clear that the decision is not reversible. The company’s website included a dedicated portal where employees could find FAQs, resources for navigating the transition, and a direct line to HR.

The broader community has rallied in support of the affected workers. Several local businesses, including the Manahawkin Café and the Oceanview Bookshop, announced temporary job openings for displaced Optum staff. “We’re willing to give these people a chance,” said Café owner Maria Gonzalez. “It’s a way for us to support our neighbors and keep the economic engine running.”

Optum’s decision follows a trend of healthcare and technology firms consolidating operations across the country. The company’s parent, UnitedHealth Group, has announced plans to invest heavily in its data‑analytics arm, but has also signaled a shift toward more centralized, high‑efficiency facilities. Analysts note that while these moves can improve profitability, they often have uneven social consequences for local communities.

Local residents have voiced concerns about potential long‑term effects. “This is not just about jobs; it’s about the vitality of our town,” said longtime Manahawkin resident Ruth Jenkins. “We’ve seen how businesses that thrive here help create a vibrant, sustainable community.”

Despite the grim tone of the closure, some community members remain hopeful. The Manahawkin Tourism Board is actively courting new investors, offering tax incentives for businesses that can create comparable employment opportunities. Mayor Henson is also working with state officials to explore avenues for repurposing the vacant office building, potentially as a hub for small‑business incubation or a community center.

The closure of Optum’s Manahawkin office has sparked broader conversations about the sustainability of corporate practices in small communities. As the town and its residents grapple with the immediate fallout, many are calling for a more transparent dialogue between corporations and the communities they serve.

In the weeks ahead, the Manahawkin community will monitor the unfolding situation closely. While the loss of Optum’s presence will likely have lasting repercussions, the town’s resilience and commitment to supporting displaced workers and attracting new opportunities may help it weather the storm. The decision by Optum has not only reshaped the employment landscape but has also highlighted the delicate balance between corporate strategy and community well‑being.