Category Manager

Job Description Join us as our Manager, Healthcare Category Management-a pivotal leader driving strategic sourcing and vendor governance for essential categories. In this dynamic role, you will lead and inspire a talented team to secure high-value goods and services, shape cost-saving strategies, and manage vendor risk with diligent oversight. Collaborate with cross-functional partners, including vendors and contract teams, to negotiate deals that support our business goals. Play a key part in supporting every department with vendor selection, ensuring our contracts consistently align with organizational needs. This is your chance to make a real impact and advance your career in a fast-paced healthcare environment! What You'll Do Manage staff responsible for the development and execution of sourcing strategies in one or more categories. Direct and train staff in conducting sourcing events, including development of project work plan, category profile, category strategy, minimum requirements and evaluation criteria, solicitation Guide staff in the development and implementation assorted bid documents and requests (i.e. RFP, RFI, RFQ); and manage status reporting and performance metrics of sourcing and category management activities. Understand, analyze and forecast complex market and industry dynamics and share subject matter expertise and industry knowledge within the established portfolio of products and services Partner with stakeholders to develop business and sourcing strategy and source products and services using proven tools, processes, and analytics to drive and achieve business results. Coordinate the evaluation and analyses of sourcing results from a total cost of ownership perspective, and provide optimization recommendations Participate in cross-functional teams responsible for complex vendor negotiations, including those that require specialized subject matter expertise, nonstandard risk mitigation solutions, and coordination of multiple arrangements. Review and lead supplier category management and performance within an assigned category Proactively establish and foster successful, positive working relationships with vendor personnel. Drive vendor engagement through formal and informal transactions. Engage stakeholders to implement and execute category management plan. Develop new procedures, training, initiatives, specifications and recommendations for process or policy changes and improvements, as appropriate. What You Bring Bachelor's degree or advanced degree (where required) 8+ years of experience in related field. In lieu of degree, 10+ years of experience in related field. Bonus Points Demonstrated success in developing and executing sourcing strategies across complex, multi-category healthcare environments including healthcare analytics, utilization management, care management, payment integrity, and pharmacy. Experience with a variety of contract types (SaaS, Services, etc.) and pricing models. Expertise in contract negotiation and drafting, with a strong track record of securing favorable terms and mitigating risk. Proven ability to build strong cross-functional relationships, influence senior stakeholders, and lead enterprise-wide initiatives. Experienced in fostering a collaborative culture and providing coaching and mentorship to support professional growth and long-term career development. Track record of leading vendor selection processes and overseeing the evaluation and onboarding of strategic partners in the healthcare sector. Ability to identify cost-saving opportunities and implement value-based sourcing initiatives to maximize organizational efficiency. Skilled at managing multiple priorities and adapting to changing business needs in a fast-paced healthcare payer environment. Strong understanding of compliance, risk management, and regulatory frameworks within sourcing and category management. Exceptional communication, leadership, and change management skills, with a focus on driving strategic transformation. Committed to continuous improvement by staying current with industry trends, regulations, and best practices in healthcare sourcing and procurement. What You'll Get The opportunity to work at the cutting edge of health care delivery with a team that's deeply invested in the community. Work-life balance, flexibility, and the autonomy to do great work. Medical, dental, and vision coverage along with numerous health and wellness programs. Parental leave and support plus adoption and surrogacy assistance. Career development programs and tuition reimbursement for continued education. 401k match including an annual company contribution Salary Range At Blue Cross NC, we take great pride in a fair and equitable compensation package that reflects market-price and our starting salaries are typically planned near the middle of the range listed. Compensation decisions are driven by factors including experience and training, specialized skill sets, licensure and certifications and other business and organizational needs. Our base salary is part of a robust Total Rewards package that includes an Annual Incentive Bonus*, 401(k) with employer match, Paid Time Off (PTO), and competitive health benefits and wellness programs. *Based on annual corporate goal achievement and individual performance. $118,691.00 - $189,906.00 Skills Category Management, Contract Administration, Contract Negotiations, Procurement, Procurement Analytics, Procurement Policies, Sourcing Projects, Sourcing Strategies, Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Management, Supplier Relationship Management, Supply Chain, Vendor Management #J-18808-Ljbffr