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 model, competitive salary, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving change in the healthcare sector.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on UK healthcare through strategic procurement leadership.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in technology procurement and complex negotiations required.
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 Leeds employer: OptumUK
Optum is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of innovation and collaboration, particularly within our dynamic procurement team. With a hybrid working model that allows for flexibility and a supportive environment, employees are empowered to drive meaningful change in the healthcare sector while enjoying opportunities for professional growth and development. Join us at our Fulford Grange office and be part of a transformative journey that not only enhances your career but also contributes to improving patient care across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Procurement in Leeds
✨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 those numbers and results that demonstrate your impact!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on the company and its procurement strategies before the interview. Understand their challenges and think about how you can add value. We recommend preparing some insightful questions to ask them too – it shows you’re genuinely interested and engaged!
✨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 take the initiative to engage with us directly. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Procurement in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Procurement Director. Highlight your experience in technology procurement and any successful negotiations you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
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 you can drive value in our organisation. Be sure to mention specific examples that showcase your strategic mindset.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Procurement Director, you'll be leading a team and influencing senior stakeholders. Make sure to highlight your leadership experience and any transformations you've driven in previous roles. We love seeing how you've made an impact!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
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 negotiations.
✨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 this will be crucial for your success in the 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.
