Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

As a Director, Network Contracting, you will support Optum pharmacies (Genoa, Home Delivery, Specialty, Infusion) pharmaceutical sourcing needs by engaging with our pharmaceutical wholesaler and GPO partners. Being naturally curious and data driven will ensure success as you identify, build and implement solutions to improve pharmacy profitability through pricing accuracy and contract optimization. The right candidate has a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical wholesaler distribution and sourcing industries – inventory management, contracting, contract administration, GPO’s and generic drug sourcing. You must be highly adept at navigating a large matrixed organization to collaborate with multiple groups to gain approval prior to implementing savings.

This role requires an advanced proficiency using MS Excel for analyses, the ability to convey complex or technical information in a manner that others can understand, and someone who is adaptable, able to work independently, and be comfortable dealing with ambiguity. Solid executive presentation and communication skills are required. The right person will be able to interpret industry actions or changes back to the business to drive meaningful improvements to ensure Optum continues to lead the industry.

You’ll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Build and foster relationships with wholesalers, GPO’s, internal stakeholders and business partners

• Lead large, complex projects with wholesaler and GPO partners to reduce cost and drive operational efficiencies across all Optum pharmacies

• Realize and implement cost reduction strategies

• Drug shortage identification, communication, prevention and mitigation

• Ensure pricing accuracy through wholesaler channels then reconcile value through credit & rebills

• Development of long-term strategies and novel sourcing models

• Translate highly complex concepts in ways that can be understood by a variety of audiences

• Manage and negotiate contracts while ensuring appropriate internal stakeholder support the T&C’s

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in healthcare

• Experience in structuring pharmaceutical wholesaler deals or pharmaceutical contracts

• Experience expanding data set interpretation to evaluate large scale impacts across Optum and our industry counterparts

• Experience partnering in a cross functional matrixed environment

• Experience working independently, and be comfortable dealing with ambiguity

• Experience creating and delivering presentations, conveying complex or technical information in a manner that others can understand

• Intermediate or better proficiency working with other programs in MS Office Suite (i.e. Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)

• Advanced proficiency working in MS Excel (must be able to create and work with Pivot Tables)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Six Sigma and/or Project Management PMP

• Experience working at a pharmaceutical wholesaler crafting deals with their customer and/or GPO’s

• Experience with multi-billion-dollar contracts

• Experience negotiating complex and detailed deals

• Experience in GPO price auditing and/or contract chargebacks for pharmaceuticals

• PowerBI, SQL or other database querying languages

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy

California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, Washington, D.C. Residents Only: The salary range for this role is $122,100 to $234,700 annually. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. UnitedHealth Group complies with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your salary, UnitedHealth Group offers benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with UnitedHealth Group, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.

Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone–of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income–deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes — an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.