Director of Procurement - #2082485

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.