Strategic Sourcing Category Manager

At Houston Methodist, the Senior (Sr.) Contract Administrator position is responsible for managing the contract category or negotiating strategy and monitors contract compliance through the life of the contract. This position is responsible for managing end-to-end strategic sourcing including request for proposal (RFP), negotiations with vendor. The Sr. Contract Administrator position may also identify strategic sourcing opportunities as assigned. This position is responsible for supplier relationships across area of responsibility as assigned and works closely with both internal and external stakeholders including hospital administration, clinical teams, Legal, Value Analysis, Group Purchasing Organizations (GPO), and suppliers. The Sr. Contract Administrator position serves as mentor and participates in the training and onboarding of new team members.

FLSA STATUS
Exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business or related field
• Master’s degree in Supply Chain or Business or related field preferred

EXPERIENCE

• Seven years of experience in contracting and supply chain; for internal employees six years of experience in contracting and supply chain

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required Preferred

• CCMA - Certified Contract Management Associate (NCMA)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Ability to build relationships, negotiate, influence, and create win-win situations with multiple stakeholders
• Possess ability to work with complex contracting concepts and language to draft, execute, and manage complex legal documents. Ability to manage large volumes of contracts in different stages of completion
• Ability to conduct contract due diligence before recommendation to execute, such as assessment of clinical needs, financial impact, and terms and conditions
• Ability to perform in a self-directed, fast-paced environment with time sensitive projects with changing deadlines and priorities
• Ability to initiate and facilitate problem-solving processes when issue or concerns are identified
• Demonstrate analytical, communication and presentation skills
• Knowledge of healthcare supplies including medical/surgical supplies and equipment
• A high level of interpersonal skills is required to develop relationships with hospital staff and vendors, gain the cooperation of others, communication effectively regarding complex information, and negotiate terms and conditions
• Demonstrated competency in Microsoft Office products including outlook, excel, PowerPoint, and word along with other supply chain and data mining tools. Advanced spreadsheet skills including pivot tables, v-look ups, and managing large data sets

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conducts strategy meetings with hospital teams and key vendors to identify opportunities, shortfalls, and clinical and operational requirements. Facilitates pricing discussions and obtains senior management and supplier input on timelines and deliverables. Represents Supply Chain in all category specific service line council meetings.
• Partners with key stakeholders, such as internal Supply Chain Management (SCM) and End-user Partners and external Vendor Partners, to analyze opportunities for standardization, cost savings and improved product selection.
• Serves as a mentor and resource for team members. Assists with training and development.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Leads end-to-end strategic sourcing for complex, high-spend, and/or physician preference categories including RFPs, negotiations, contracts and supplier relationships across area of responsibility as assigned.
• Independently performs service line specific clinical, administrative, market and operational research to support proposal and contract development.
• Independently creates, negotiates, and incorporates contract amendments, renegotiating the contract if required to accommodate scope changes.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assesses risk and provide recommendations that protect the organization’s interests.
• Verifies all contracts are properly executed and maintained in contract databases.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Independently negotiates complex contracts in conjunction with hospital departments ensuring all hospital policies and best practices are incorporated including legal, regulatory, Information Technology (IT), and Human Resources (HR) onsite supplier language and requirements. Represents Supply Chain in all Supplier negotiations.
• Negotiates contract pricing, terms and conditions in addition to monitoring price compliance.
• Ensures contractual performance measures are met by all vendors.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Executes new contracts in line with the hospital’s strategic goals and vision to continuously drive value, visibility, and transparency across the entire Houston Methodist system. Supports and fosters an environment of continuous.
• Assumes responsibility for own professional development. Completes the My Development Plan (MDP).

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: No
• Business professional: Yes
• Other (department approved): No

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area Yes

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business or related field
• Master’s degree in Supply Chain or Business or related field preferred

EXPERIENCE

• Seven years of experience in contracting and supply chain; for internal employees six years of experience in contracting and supply chain

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required Preferred

• CCMA - Certified Contract Management Associate (NCMA)