At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform procurement strategies while managing high-value supplier negotiations.
- Company: Join Optum, a leader in integrated healthcare software and services.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving change in a pivotal transformation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on UK healthcare through strategic procurement leadership.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in technology procurement and complex negotiations.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Are you a strategic procurement leader with a strong track record in technology and commercial negotiations? Do you enjoy building functions, shaping strategy and driving value across complex supplier landscapes? If so, we’d love you to read on.
About the Team: Our procurement team is undergoing an exciting transformation as we strengthen and scale our capability to support the business. Procurement plays a critical role in supporting Optum UK’s commercial outcomes, supplier strategy, and operational efficiency. This is a unique opportunity to join at a pivotal moment as we re-establish a best-in-class procurement function aligned to our growing, technology-led business. This role is hybrid working; you will work predominantly from home and once a week in our Fulford Grange office (LS19 6BA).
About the Role: As Procurement Director, you will take ownership of rebuilding and leading our procurement function, shaping strategy, governance and supplier management practices across the organisation. You will play a key role in supporting the business through a period of transition, leading high-value supplier negotiations and ensuring robust procurement processes are in place to support growth, cost optimisation and risk management. You will partner with senior stakeholders across Technology, Finance, Legal and Operations to deliver commercial value and drive long-term supplier performance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Define and implement a procurement strategy aligned to business priorities, growth plans and cost optimisation objectives
- Lead and develop a high-performing procurement team
- Lead complex, high-value negotiations with key technology and SaaS vendors (e.g. cloud providers, software suppliers)
- Establish and embed procurement governance, policies and best practice across the business
- Drive supplier relationship management, performance monitoring and risk mitigation
- Identify and deliver cost-saving opportunities across technology and operational spend
- Partner senior stakeholders across the organisation to influence commercial outcomes and decision-making
- Lead supplier transition activity and support business readiness across evolving commercial agreements and supplier arrangements.
Who You Are:
You are a commercially astute procurement leader with strong experience operating within a technology-led or complex organisation. You bring a strategic mindset but are equally comfortable rolling up your sleeves in a hands-on environment. You thrive in transformation settings and enjoy building capability, driving change and delivering measurable value. Your ability to influence at senior level and navigate complex supplier landscapes will be key to your success in this role.
Key Skills, Experience & Qualifications:
- Strong experience managing technology procurement, including SaaS, cloud and IT services
- Proven track record of leading complex commercial negotiations and delivering cost savings
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience influencing senior leaders
- Experience building or transforming procurement functions and operating models
- Sound understanding of contract management, supplier risk and governance frameworks
Ready to Join Us? At Optum, we are a UK leader in integrated healthcare software and services, supporting healthcare professionals across primary and community care, pharmacy, secondary care and specialist services. Our technology enables better, faster and more efficient patient care across the UK healthcare system. Apply today to take the next step in your career and make a tangible impact in UK healthcare.
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.
Director of Procurement in Bradford employer: OptumUK
Optum UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where strategic procurement leaders can thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth and transformation, our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while collaborating with a high-performing team dedicated to driving value in the healthcare sector. Join us at our Fulford Grange office and be part of a mission that not only enhances your career but also makes a meaningful impact on patient care across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Procurement in Bradford
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the procurement field! Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help land that dream job.
✨Showcase Your Achievements
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your past successes in procurement. Share specific examples of how you’ve led negotiations or transformed procurement functions. We want to see the value you can bring to the table!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on the company and its procurement strategies before the interview. Understand their challenges and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. We’re looking for candidates who can hit the ground running, so show us you’re ready to tackle their unique landscape.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Procurement in Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Director of Procurement role. Highlight your strategic procurement leadership and any relevant technology negotiations you've led. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about procurement and how your experience fits with our transformation journey. Be sure to mention specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive change.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:In your application, emphasise your experience in managing senior stakeholders and influencing decision-making. We’re looking for someone who can navigate complex supplier landscapes, so share examples that illustrate your success in this area.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out on the chance to join our dynamic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at OptumUK
✨Know Your Procurement Strategy
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of procurement strategies, especially in technology. Be ready to discuss how you would align procurement with business priorities and growth plans, as this will show your strategic mindset.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of complex negotiations you've led, particularly with technology vendors. Highlight specific outcomes, such as cost savings or improved supplier relationships, to demonstrate your ability to drive value through effective negotiation.
✨Understand Stakeholder Management
Familiarise yourself with the key stakeholders you’ll be working with, like those in Technology, Finance, and Legal. Think about how you can influence their decisions and support their objectives, as strong stakeholder management is crucial for this role.
✨Emphasise Transformation Experience
Since the procurement team is undergoing transformation, be prepared to discuss your experience in building or transforming procurement functions. Share specific examples of how you've driven change and delivered measurable value in previous roles.
