At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform procurement strategies to drive value and efficiency.
- Company: Join Optum, a leader in integrated healthcare software and services.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive benefits, including health plans and support for your well-being.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and transformation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in UK healthcare while shaping procurement excellence.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in technology procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ 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.
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.
Benefits: Our mission of helping people live healthier lives extends to our team members. Learn more about our range of benefits designed to help you live well.
- Life: Resources and support to focus on what matters most to you, in every facet of your life.
- Emotional: Education, tools and resources to help you reduce and manage stress, build resilience and more.
- Physical: Health plans and other coverage to support wellness for you and your loved ones.
- Financial: Benefits for today and to help you plan for the future, including your retirement.
Procurement Director employer: UnitedHealth Group
UnitedHealth Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and flexible work environment in the Greater London area that prioritises improving health outcomes and addressing disparities within diverse communities. Employees benefit from a strong emphasis on professional growth, with opportunities to develop leadership skills and engage in meaningful work that directly impacts people's lives. The collaborative culture fosters innovation and inclusivity, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about making a difference in healthcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Director
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like UnitedHealth Group.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to UnitedHealth Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to UnitedHealth Group. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like UnitedHealth Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at UnitedHealth Group
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at UnitedHealth Group!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at UnitedHealth Group. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into UnitedHealth Group's culture.
