Contract Specialist

Job Summary Responsible for developing, negotiating, and maintaining system-wide contracts for supplies, capital equipment and services. Interacts with customers and stakeholders to identify categories of spend that are optimal for strategic sourcing. Conducts organizational contract development activities including competitive bidding, benchmarking, and market analysis. Enforces organizational principles of integrity and compliance, stays abreast of industry trends, new products, and vendors entering the marketplace. Develops and provides savings analysis methodology for savings tracking. This position reports to the Director of Sourcing and Contracting. Job Description Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance, healthcare, business administration or related field. Licenses/Certifications: Certified Materials & Resource Professional (CMRP) preferred. Minimum two (2) years experience in contracting, business analysis or strategic sourcing. Experience in the Request for Purchase (RFP) and Request for quotation (RFQ) processes. Demonstrated understanding and working knowledge in contracting and negotiations, including Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) contract accession and implementation. Knowledge of purchasing systems, policies and practices. Knowledge of Materials Management information systems or Enterprise Resource Planning Systems. Effective negotiation skills. Detail orientated and strong organizational skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Solid critical thinking, analytical and problem solving skills. Advanced presentation and interpersonal skills with a customer service focus. Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and other data mining tools. Ability to work independently and complete multiple assignments by assigned deadlines. Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, and external agencies to maximize performance, problem solving, and results. Demonstrated ability to work in a high‑energy environment with time‑sensitive projects and processes. Principal Accountabilities Develop, negotiate, write and maintain system-wide contracts within areas of responsibility and facilitate legal review per organization’s policies. Develop requests for proposals; oversee implementation and administration of supplier contracts and agreements for commodity items such as non‑medical supplies. Ensure final contract documents are consistent with agreements reached at negotiations. Oversee the evaluation of contract performance to determine necessity for amendments or extensions of contracts and compliance to contractual obligations. Manage suppliers relationships to ensure performance to commitments. Perform routine contract review with vendor and end‑user departments accountable for contract. Communicate with internal stakeholders regarding their needs while soliciting feedback and participation. Meet with customers routinely to proactively identify and leverage sourcing and contract value opportunities. Establish and monitor price activation timeline with vendor/distributor. Analyze opportunities for standardization and cost savings. Analyze cross‑references, summarize opportunities and present options and recommendations to senior management, department heads, etc. Develop methodology, calculate and document projected savings by project site. Participate in multidisciplinary Process Improvement teams as a consultant to streamline processes related to Supply Chain contracting. Maintain accurate contract information in Item Master. Perform appropriate clinical, administrative and operational research to support proposals and contract development. Serve as primary organizational contact during contract negotiations and for all contract activities. Engage relevant stakeholders in negotiation decisions involving legal or regulatory requirements, contract standards and cost targets. Activate GPO contracts as needed, and monitor price activation timeline with vendors/distributors. Ensure safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adhere to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity and quality of service. Promote individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; support department‑based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serve as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff. Demonstrate commitment to caring for every member of our community by creating compassionate and personalized experiences. Model Memorial Hermann’s service standards by providing safe, caring, personalized and efficient experiences to patients and colleagues. Other duties as assigned. #J-18808-Ljbffr