Associate Director, Network Contracting

About the role

This position sits within OptumRx, part of a global healthcare organization focused on improving health outcomes through technology, care access, pharmacy benefits, data, and support resources. The role is centered on pharmacy network contracting strategy, with an emphasis on using enterprise capabilities to solve complex healthcare challenges in the pharmacy services space. It is a strong fit for someone who is proactive, analytically minded, and comfortable partnering across business functions to design solutions for industry needs.

This opportunity supports work in the US healthcare market while being based in Ireland. Employees who live and work in the Republic of Ireland may split their monthly hours between the Dublin office and home-based telecommuting in a hybrid setup.

Core responsibilities

You will lead pharmacy network strategy and contracting efforts across commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid business lines. The role includes optimizing network design, reimbursement structures, and provider participation to support the right balance of cost, access, and quality. You will also assess network adequacy, disruption exposure, and geographic reach to guide strategic choices and expansion plans.

A major part of the role is negotiation and execution of complex contracts with national chains, regional pharmacies, PSAOs, and independent providers. Agreements may include ingredient cost reimbursement models such as AWP, NADAC, and WAC-based structures, as well as dispensing fees, performance-based reimbursement, participation terms, audit rights, and termination provisions. You will also manage renewals, amendments, and strategic exits while reducing financial, operational, and reputational risk.

The position involves improving financial outcomes through rate optimization and reimbursement innovation, in partnership with finance and actuarial teams. You will track contract economics, ingredient cost trends, and total cost of care impact, while identifying margin improvement opportunities without sacrificing market competitiveness or access.

Regulatory oversight is another key area. You will ensure contracting approaches align with CMS Medicare Part D rules, Medicaid managed care standards, and state-specific commercial and exchange requirements such as AWP, NADAC, and Any Willing Provider rules. You will work with legal and compliance teams to adapt to regulatory changes and support audits, inquiries, and reporting obligations.

In addition, you will collaborate with clinical, operations, legal, compliance, finance, and product teams to align contracting strategy with broader business goals. The role also includes supporting RFP responses, sales efforts, and client retention discussions, plus bringing network strategy insights into operational execution.

You will monitor market trends such as chain consolidation, store closures, specialty pharmacy evolution, and vertical integration among manufacturers and pharmacies. Competitive benchmarking and partner analysis for major chains and independent networks will be part of the ongoing work.

Leadership is an important element of the role. You will coach and develop a team of contracting professionals, set expectations, strengthen negotiation and financial capability across the group, and promote disciplined documentation and governance practices. The role also includes client and stakeholder engagement, including performance reviews, issue resolution, executive updates on network performance and cost trends, and support for account teams on client-specific initiatives.

Required qualifications

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Healthcare Administration, or a closely related discipline. The role calls for substantial experience in pharmacy contracting, a PBM environment, healthcare payer operations, or a similar field. Prior people leadership experience is required, along with a track record of negotiating complex provider or vendor agreements and strong financial analysis skills for interpreting pricing models and cost drivers.

Preferred background

Advanced credentials such as an MBA, MHA, PharmD, or another higher degree are preferred. Strong familiarity with PBM reimbursement approaches, including AWP, NADAC, MAC, and specialty pricing, is an advantage. Experience with Medicare Part D, Medicaid managed care, and commercial regulatory settings is also valued, along with knowledge of major pharmacy chains, independent network structures, and client-facing RFP or strategy work.

Eligibility and compliance

To be considered, you must already be eligible to work and remain in the country of application indefinitely without any restrictions. Proof of this eligibility will be required during the hiring process.

Additional information

The employer describes a culture built around diversity, inclusion, comprehensive benefits, career growth, and opportunities to make a meaningful impact on health equity. The organization is committed to helping people live healthier lives and improving how the health system works for everyone. It also states that it is an equal opportunity employer and maintains a drug-free workplace.

Protected characteristics mentioned in the policy include gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age, race, and membership of the Traveller community, along with any other protected characteristic under law.

Reference tag: #BBMEMEA