Associate Director, Network Contracting

OverviewOptum is a global organisation 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.Join us to start Caring.Connecting.Growing together.OptumRx is looking for a curious and self-motivated individual to identify and develop strategies that leverage the full breadth of Optum assets to solve healthcare\'s biggest challenges in the area of pharmacy services.This role will be responsible for understanding the needs of industry partners and developing business solutions using the data and capabilities of Optum.We are looking for people that can collaborate with business partners, anticipate future industry needs, and have strong financial acumen.This is a unique opportunity to work in the US Healthcare market from Ireland.Careers with Optum offer hybrid work arrangements and individuals who live in the Republic of Ireland will have the opportunity to regularly work from home (remote).Here at Optum we use the office space to promote community, enhance collaboration and foster innovation.Primary ResponsibilitiesProven ability to establish and maintain strong business relationships with external stakeholders/vendorsExperience working with external collaborators such as clients, pharmacies, trade associations, professional or medical organizations to develop mutually beneficial outcomes to support health equity product launches, commercialization, and annual re-contracting objectives.Experience of the redlining process as well as communications and negotiation of contractual terms and conditions in tandem with internal stakeholders (Optum Rx leadership, finance, underwriting, legal, clinical, contracting)Lead and manage the end-to-end RFP process for network contracting, coordinating across multiple departments to secure timely, high-quality responses under strict deadlines.Drive process improvement and transformation initiatives by leading change projects focused on optimizing the RFP process for greater efficiency, consistency, and cross-functional alignment.Demonstrate understanding of complex contract language to assess financial, non-financial and operational impact and in partnership with legal team evaluate and present the legal implications of contract changesEvaluates and negotiates contracts in compliance with all key stakeholders needs and processesManage regular reports and updates for the leadership team reflecting business performance and prioritiesAct as a strategic thought leader to solve unique and complex problems with broad impact on the businessDemonstrated ability to model financial outcomes and alternative scenarios which inform decision making and financial resultsMonitor and/or oversee provider financial performance to identify opportunities to improve performance and/or provider relationshipDemonstrate ability to develop and present a comprehensive view of the competitor landscape within the market (e.g., rates; market share; products; provider networks; market intelligence; GeoAccess)Present and discuss industry and market trends with internal and/or external groups (e.g., professional associations; pharmacies) in order to facilitate market strategy development and implementationHave a curious mindset, be adept at seeking information from relevant sources (e.g., publications; government agencies; providers; provider trade associations) to understand and communicate market intelligence informationJob Scope and GuidelinesExtensive engagement with both internal and external senior leadership to resolve highly complex or unusual business problems that affect major functions or disciplinesDrives programs that impact financial results through negotiationYou'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree (or higher) in Financial, legal or Analytical qualification OR equivalent experienceExtensive proven experience with large scale contract negotiations, strategy development and contract redlining experienceProven experience in an enterprise level contracting role with the ability to work collaboratively, with multiple teams or departments for business growth or profitability goalsExperience interacting with executive leadership and proven stakeholder management experienceSoft SkillsAbility conveying complex or technical information in a manner that others can understandAbility to think innovatively and resourcefully about contracting strategiesAbility to work proactively to identify challenges and problems.Takes initiative to identify solutionsWritten and verbal communication skillsProven self-starter and teammate with strong interpersonal skillsAbility to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, complex work environmentProblem solving skillsSense of ownership and sense of urgencyContinuous learning and skills developmentPlease 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.All telecommuters will be required to adhere to the UnitedHealth Group\'s Telecommuter Policy.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.We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes.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.© **** Optum Services (Ireland) Limited.All rights reserved.#RPO #BBMEMEA#J-*****-Ljbffr