SYSTEMWIDE PHARMACY SPECIALTY OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

University of California Office of the President; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 245,000 - 265,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California Office of the President seeks a senior professional to manage system-wide contracting and drug utilization for the Specialty Pharmacy program. You will collaborate with clinical leaders across UC medical centers to develop contracts, monitor performance, and ensure compliant, cost‑effective drug use.

Responsibilities include leading contracting efforts, analytics for cost reduction, and coordinating with payers and manufacturers to improve access to high‑cost

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience in financial management, payer relations, or contracting, with at least one year in specialty pharmacy.
• Strong knowledge of administration and management principles—including budgeting, finance, personnel, and contracts—and proven planning, time‑management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently, adapt to changing environments, and implement new systems and procedures.
• Strong critical‑thinking and decision‑making skills, especially under pressure.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work with diverse staff, physicians, and patients.
• Proficiency with computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendars, e‑mail, and database software.
• Demonstrated professionalism, accuracy, integrity, and resourcefulness.
• English language proficiency sufficient for all essential duties.

Responsibilities

• Contracting (30%) – Identify and facilitate the creation of new contracts that provide UC medical centers with financially sustainable access to specialty medications.
• Data Analytics (30%) – Develop and track KPIs for specialty medication use across UC medical centers and produce systemwide cost‑reduction reports.
• Project Management (20%) – Improve efficiency of electronic specialty pharmacy data platforms and provide monthly maintenance support.
• Collaboration – Work with payers and manufacturers to develop financing models to enhance value for UC patients.

Skills

Contracting

Payer relations

Financial management

Budgeting

Project management

Data analytics

Communication skills

Independent work

Time management

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

PharmD degree

Tools

Spreadsheets

Word processing

Calendars

Email

Database software

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Executive Director, Pharmacy Initiatives, this role manages system‑wide contracting and drug utilization for the Specialty Pharmacy section of the University of California Health (UCH). The incumbent collaborates with clinical pharmacy leaders across UC medical centers to develop new contracts, improve cost‑effective drug utilization, and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contracting (30%) – Identify and facilitate the creation of new contracts that provide UC medical centers with financially sustainable access to specialty medications. Coordinate documentation of financial outcomes and collaborate with payers and manufacturers to develop purchasing and reimbursement models that enhance the value of high‑cost drugs.
• Data Analytics (30%) – Develop and track key performance indicators for specialty medication use across UC medical centers. Work with clinical managers to collect reportable data for accreditation bodies and develop systemwide reports on cost‑reduction performance.
• Project Management (20%) – Improve efficiency of electronic specialty pharmacy data platforms and provide monthly maintenance support.
• Collaboration – Work with payers and manufacturers to develop unique financing models to enhance the value of high‑cost medications for UC patients.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 5–10 years of experience in financial management, payer relations, or contracting, with at least one year in specialty pharmacy.
• Strong knowledge of administration and management principles—including budgeting, finance, personnel, and contracts—and proven planning, time‑management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently, adapt to changing environments, and implement new systems and procedures.
• Strong critical‑thinking and decision‑making skills, especially under pressure.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work with diverse staff, physicians, and patients.
• Proficiency with computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendars, e‑mail, and database software.
• Demonstrated professionalism, accuracy, integrity, and resourcefulness.
• English language proficiency sufficient for all essential duties.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• In‑depth knowledge of laws and regulations governing specialty pharmacy services within a large tertiary teaching medical center.
• Knowledge of functional aspects, professional relationships, and procedures used in a large teaching medical center’s Pharmacy Division.
• Pharm D degree and completion of a pharmacy residency.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least 10 years of relevant experience, or equivalent education and training.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Travel Requirements: 10% of the time attending specialty meetings on behalf of the UC System.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary Grade: 29 – $245,000 to $265,000 annually (commensurate with experience). Salary offers are based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, and other standard UC benefits. For detailed information, refer to UC benefits resources.

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected status under state or federal law.