Procurement Director

UnitedHealth Group; Sunderland; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

UnitedHealth Group is seeking a strategic Procurement Director in the UK to rebuild and lead the procurement function, shaping governance, supplier management and value delivery. You will partner with Technology, Finance, Legal and Operations to drive commercial outcomes and long-term supplier performance.

This hybrid role offers a heavy transformation agenda, with high-value negotiations, cost optimisation and risk management at scale, and a mandate to build capability across the organisation

Qualifications

• Experience managing technology procurement including SaaS, cloud and IT services.
• Proven track record leading complex commercial negotiations and delivering cost savings.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with senior leaders.
• Experience building or transforming procurement functions and operating models.
• Solid understanding of contract management, supplier risk and governance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement a procurement strategy aligned to business priorities and cost optimisation.
• Lead and develop a high-performing procurement team.
• Lead complex, high-value negotiations with technology and SaaS vendors.
• Establish and embed procurement governance, policies and best practice.
• Drive supplier relationship management, performance monitoring and risk mitigation.
• Identify and deliver cost-saving opportunities across technology and operational spend.
• Partner senior stakeholders to influence commercial outcomes and decision-making.
• Lead supplier transition activity and support business readiness across evolving agreements.

Skills

Technology procurement

Complex negotiations

Stakeholder management

Procurement function transformation

Contract management & governance

Job description

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 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?

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.

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. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.