Sr. Contract Analyst - Remote

Requisition Number: 2368083
Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
Expanding access to affordable, high-quality health care starts here. This is where some of the most innovative ideas in health care are created every day. This is where bold people with big ideas are writing the next chapter in health care.
The Sr. Contract Analyst, Industry Relations role supports OptumRx by developing, reviewing, and negotiating pharmaceutical manufacturer contracts, agreements and amendments across multiple lines of business. This role is responsible for owning contracts end-to-end, from redlining through execution, and plays a key role in ensuring contracts align with business, financial, compliance, and legal objectives.
This is a high-impact individual contributor role requiring the ability to quickly learn complex processes, manage multiple sophisticated contracts, and operate with a high degree of independence.
You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office a minimum of four days per week.
Primary Responsibilities:

• Draft, review, redline, and negotiate complex manufacturer contracts, amendments, and proposals
• Own the full contract lifecycle from intake through execution (not a routing/administrative role)
• Lead contract negotiations directly with pharmaceutical manufacturers, including live discussions
• Negotiate terms and conditions of contracts to align with business and financial objectives
• Assess risk in business opportunities and contract terms, escalating concerns as appropriate
• Partner closely with legal, finance, and business stakeholders to ensure accurate and compliant contract language
• Manage multiple complex contracts simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment
• Apply systems, tools, and emerging technologies (e.g., AI) to administer and improve the contracting process
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners
• Represent company interests in negotiations and navigate challenging discussions as needed
• Maintain professionalism and composure in high-pressure or complex situations

Additional Responsibilities include:

• Gain proficiency in internal contracting processes and systems to independently manage assigned contracts within established timelines
• Proactively identify inefficiencies in workflows and recommend specific process improvements that enhance accuracy, speed, or scalability
• Translate business requirements into clear, actionable contract language that aligns with legal and operational standards
• Analyze and respond to non-standard contract requests by proposing solutions and documenting rationale for decisions
• Independently manage workload and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines, escalating risks, delays, or complex issues in a timely manner
• Contribute to team initiatives by supporting process updates, projects, documentation, and adoption of best practices across the team

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
Required Qualifications:

• 2+ years of contract analysis, drafting, and negotiation experience, including hands-on redlining
• Experience negotiating contract terms with external stakeholders
• Experience communicating contract terms, updates, and risks to internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated solid analytical and critical thinking skills
• Demonstrated ability to interpret complex legal and business language
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Healthcare or pharmaceutical contracting experience
• Experience working with pharmaceutical manufacturers, PBM, or pharmacy-related contracts
• Exposure to or interest in AI tools (e.g., Copilot) for workflow optimization

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy
Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $72,800 - $130,000 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.
Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.
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.
UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.