Supply Chain Category Manager

Position Title:
Supply Chain Category Manager

Department:
Supply Chain

Job Description:

General Description: The Supply Chain Category Mgr is an individual contributor responsible for developing and executing enterprise-wide sourcing and category strategies that optimize value, lower total cost of ownership, and ensure supply assurance across assigned categories. This role focuses on optimizing value, reducing total cost of ownership (TCO), and ensuring supply continuity within the assigned categories. Acting as a strategic partner, the Category Manager leads complex negotiations and aligns sourcing decisions with clinical, financial, and operational goals. Additionally, this role serves as a subject matter expert and mentor to Contract Specialists, fostering professional development and operational excellence without direct people-management duties.

Essential Responsibilities:

Responsibilities listed in this section are core to the position. Inability to perform these responsibilities, with or without an accommodation, may result in disqualification from the position.

• Lead the end-to-end strategic sourcing process for assigned categories, including opportunity assessment, RFP/RFI development, supplier selection, negotiations, award, and implementation.
• Develop and execute category strategies that balance cost, quality, supply continuity, and innovation.
• Maintain a proactive contract and bid calendar to support sourcing priorities and annual savings targets.
• Partner with clinical leaders, finance, operations, legal, ETS, and value analysis teams to define category goals supporting organizational priorities and patient safety.
• Lead or support value analysis activities by preparing financial insights, facilitating discussions, and documenting decisions and next steps.
• Manage the full contract lifecycle, including negotiations, renewals, compliance monitoring, performance evaluation, and risk mitigation.
• Build strategic supplier relationships focused on performance excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee supplier scorecards and performance feedback loops to drive measurable outcomes.
• Utilize advanced analytics, benchmarking tools, spend data, and market intelligence to inform sourcing strategies and identify value opportunities.
• Monitor market trends, supplier capabilities, and product innovations to ensure the contract portfolio remains current and competitive.
• Deliver measurable cost savings and value realization while supporting quality, patient safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Provide mentorship, coaching, and subject-matter guidance to Contract Specialists to support effective contract execution, sourcing best practices, and opportunity identification; this role does not include direct people management responsibilities.
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, executive leadership, and suppliers regarding strategy, progress, risks, and outcomes.
• Lead other sourcing initiatives as directed by Leadership.

General Responsibilities:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree required.

Experience: 5 years of experience in supply chain management or supply chain project management required.

License(s)/Certification(s)/Registration(s): None.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience using metrics, analytics, and performance indicators to drive sourcing, contracting, and category decisions, and partnering with external suppliers to achieve measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of healthcare supply chain, strategic sourcing, contracting, and value analysis functions.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance organizational, clinical, and operational priorities with financial and strategic considerations.
• Strong attention to detail and advanced analytical and critical-thinking skills.
• Demonstrated planning and project management skills with the ability to independently manage multiple complex sourcing initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong, effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to influence individuals and cross-functional groups toward desired outcomes by setting high performance expectations and delivering high-quality results (without direct authority).
• Ability to maintain integrity and trust among leadership, peers, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to provide mentorship, coaching, and subject-matter guidance to peers or Contract Specialists without direct people management responsibility.
• Must be a strategic thinker, self-motivated, and capable of independently identifying opportunities, solving problems, and driving initiatives to completion.
• Proven ability to solve complex problems effectively and manage multiple high-priority deliverables in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to proactively prioritize work, manage competing demands, and effectively utilize time and resources.
• Ability to fostersupplier relationships that drive long-term value, performance improvement, and strategic partnership.
• Proven skills in communicating with all levels of organizational leadership, including presenting data-driven recommendations and sourcing strategies.
• Strong facilitation, interpersonal, and communication skills with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, guide discussions, and influence outcomes across the organization.
• Able to rapidly summarize complex information and translate data into clear, concise insights for decision-makers.
• Proficient with the use of Microsoft Office tools and supply chain analytics, spend analysis, and business intelligence tools.

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OU Health is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including PTO, 401(k), medical and dental plans, and many more. We know that a total benefits and compensation package, designed to meet your specific needs both inside and outside of the work environment, create peace of mind for you and your family.