Director, Pharmacy Contract Strategy & Negotiations

About the role

Optum, part of UnitedHealth Group, is hiring a Director for its pharmacy contracting team in Dublin. You will lead strategic initiatives to analyse historical pharmacy agreements and renegotiate new contracts with internal and external payors, ensuring competitive pricing, compliance and sustainable partnerships that improve patient affordability and access. The role needs a deep understanding of pharmacy economics, reimbursement structures and market dynamics.

Key responsibilities

• Analyse complex contract language to assess the financial, operational and legal impact of proposed payor and pharmacy contract changes
• Evaluate contracts in line with reimbursement structures and process controls
• Lead negotiations with payors to secure terms aligned with organisational and regulatory goals
• Monitor competitors, reimbursement trends and regulatory changes to inform contracting strategy
• Use advanced financial and pricing models to evaluate proposals and forecast cost and network performance impact
• Work with finance, legal and operations teams and external payors, and oversee pharmacy performance metrics
• Mentor and guide a team responsible for contract execution and relationship management

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
• Extensive experience in pharmacy or healthcare contracting, with proven success leading complex negotiations
• Solid financial acumen, including interpreting and applying pricing models
• Experience engaging with senior leadership and external stakeholders
• Proven experience leading teams with direct reporting responsibility
• Eligibility to work in Ireland without restriction; proof required

Preferred qualifications

• Experience in Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) or pharmaceutical contracting
• Familiarity with large-scale, multi-billion-dollar agreements
• Experience developing pricing strategies and supporting rate-setting with financial modelling

What we offer

• Flexible work arrangements
• For people living and working in Ireland, the option to split monthly hours between the Dublin or Letterkenny office and a home-based office in a hybrid model