Manager, Sourcing & Procurement - MN or Telecommute

We'll put you in the driver's seat on vital projects that have strategic importance to our mission of helping people lead healthier lives. Yes, we share a mission that inspires. We need your organizational talents and business discipline to help fuel ours. It's the opportunity to do your life's best work.(sm)

This position offers an exciting opportunity within UnitedHealth Group's Enterprise Sourcing & Procurement group for an experienced strategic sourcing professional. The role will support a collaborative, constituent-based approach to advancing the integrity, quality, competitiveness and agility of UnitedHealth Group.

The Manager, Sourcing & Procurement will develop and execute services-related supplier solutions for unique and challenging customer needs across UnitedHealth Group entities. We are looking for a proven professional who can solve complex problems and successfully deliver on initiatives that will often have broad and meaningful impact on the business. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Developing, implementing and executing strategic sourcing practices, processes and techniques across multiple business segments


• Developing, executing and maintaining consistent sourcing strategies, working toward a consolidated strategic supply base


• Identifying opportunities, making recommendations and obtaining agreement for re-sourcing and re-negotiation of on-going supplier relationships and executing on the same


• Driving strategic sourcing efficiency through identification and implementation of best practices


• Developing negotiation strategies and leading complex negotiations and direct supplier sourcing


• Negotiating and drafting commercial contracts with an accountability to terms, risk mitigation/compliance and internal protocols


• Identifying, developing and leading projects related to cost reduction/containment and delivering cost savings and service improvements


• Documenting cost reduction achievements across business segments


• Meeting project timelines at the customer and corporate levels


• Leveraging Ariba platform (Procure-to-Pay, Sourcing and Contracting) to drive process efficiencies and reduce costs


• Future opportunities may include managing a team of sourcing consultants/analysts

The ideal candidate will be an experienced purchasing professional with a heavy strategic sourcing background in non-IT service categories, who is a proven self-starter, able to maintain a high level of client focus and adapt to a rapidly changing environment. The ideal candidate will possess excellent technical sourcing skills, including internal and external negotiation, contracting, and securing savings for the organization.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of education and applicable work experience


• 4+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing and developing business strategies to support strategic sourcing activity, with 3 or more of those years involving strategic sourcing and contracting in non-IT service categories


• 3+ years of experience constructing, drafting and negotiating complex statements of work and commercial contracts


• Strong change management and influencing skills in order to gain buy-in and support of customers and leadership


• 3+ years of experience developing and leading RFx projects, including use of eRFx tools


• Excellent organizational, project management and communication (written and verbal) skills


• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, but execute plans when directed


• Team player who takes action/initiative to get things done without being told


• Experience working with cross-functional teams


• Ability to interface with multiple levels of management, including senior management and executive leadership at both procurement and business unit levels


• Strong analytical skills (effectively supports decisions on factual data and analysis) and problem solving skills


• Technically adept at MS Excel, Word, Outlook, and Power Point


• Potential for limited domestic travel in support of projects

Preferred Qualifications: 

• MBA


• CPSM, CPM or equivalent certification


• Experience in evaluation, management and selection of medical supplies & equipment suppliers (e.g. implants, devices, vaccines, and related supply chain used in the delivery of diagnostic, treatment, surgery, wellness, or personal care services, etc.)


• Experience with e-sourcing, e-contracting and e-procurement tools, preferably Ariba 


• Knowledge of HIPAA and related requirements


• Experience in health insurance or managed care industries

UnitedHealth Group is working to create the health care system of tomorrow. Already Fortune 14, we are totally focused on innovation and change. We work a little harder. We aim a little higher. We expect more from ourselves and each other. And at the end of the day, we're doing a lot of good. Through our family of businesses and a lot of inspired individuals, we're building a high-performance health care system that works better for more people in more ways than ever. Now we're looking to reinforce our team with people who are decisive, brilliant - and built for speed. Come to UnitedHealth Group, and share your ideas and your passion for doing more. We have roles that will fit your skills and knowledge. We have diverse opportunities that will fit your dreams.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment. In addition, employees in certain positions are subject to random drug testing.

Job Keywords: Manager, Sourcing & Procurement, Sourcing Manager, Minnesota, MN, telecommute