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.

About the role:

Senior Director, Pharmacy Sourcing Strategy is responsible for product identification and product access activities related to Optum sourcing strategy for pharmaceutical / drugs. Internally partner with Optum Specialty Distribution and Nuvaila and externally partner with Pharmaceutical Manufacturers across Specialty, Biosimilar and Generic product categories to develop and execute a multi-channel product selection and execution strategy that drives growth for the pharmacy care services business.

Primary Responsibilities

• Identify product targets for Optum alternative sourcing that fit our strategic vision and drive value across all Optum pharmacies
• Lead development of direct sourcing relationships of the most competitive product acquisition arrangements with various Global and US pharmaceutical manufacturers
• Ensure OptumRx is maintains the most competitive cost position in the industry by leading product sourcing and negotiation initiatives
• Work under the direction of VP Sourcing & Trade Relations to meet aggressive timelines and growth targets.

Additional Responsibilities

• Establish and leverage high level trade relationships with suppliers and other partners
• Oversee all contracting activities with manufacturers ensuring the most competitive pricing, terms, and related and related margin drivers
• Develop in collaboration with ORx Pharmacies and Optum Business Entities a strategic sourcing plan to position Optum pharmacies as leaders in their respective segments
• Work closely with the VP & Finance to deliver regular Buy side & Financial reporting highlighting ORx’s Sourcing & Trade Relations performance over regular intervals
• Work closely with Finance, Treasury, Compliance, INR, legal and other constituents to ensure to coordinate sourcing activity and ensure ORx Sourcing remains compliant, competitive, and proactive
• Work to ensure all sourcing activity is compliant with OptumRx policies and guidelines in all aspects of its operations
• Drive to develop a value generation mindset within the team to ensure the team is focused on margin growth activities, not just day to day tactical execution
• Work cross functionally to develop a performance and data driven execution mindset with colleagues across Pharmacy Services, Finance, and Sourcing
• Ensure collection, and dissemination of relevant metrics to quantify and benchmark the team’s performance
• Participate in the development of operational budgets in support of the Sourcing organization

Required qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency in contract negotiations and collaborative partnerships with pharmaceutical manufacturers and/or distributors
• Bachelors’ degree or equivalent work experience
• Extensive experience in a comparable role with one or more innovative and successful healthcare product-oriented companies
• Experience with strategic sourcing and cost reduction initiatives; PBM, Distribution, or pharmacy supply chain experience
• Background partnering with business stakeholders, leveraging standardized business processes, data & analytics with a focus on continuous improvement
• Experience developing networks, collaborating and influencing cross functionally
• Experience leading and developing a geographically dispersed, high performing team
• Operational, and financial acumen, discipline, and rigor
• Ability to operate with flexibility in a changing business and govt regulated environment
• Ability to travel as needed 20-25%

Preferred qualifications

• Experience in buy-side analysis, modeling, supplier risk management, and service level requirements across the pharmaceutical segment
• Master’s degree or equivalent work experience

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.

Please note you must currently be eligible to work and remain indefinitely without any restrictions in the country to which you are making an application. Proof will be required to support your application.



Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: Optum is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age, race, and membership of the Traveller community, or any other characteristic protected by law. Optum is a drug-free workplace. © 2024 Optum Services (Ireland) Limited. All rights reserved.