Category Manager – PPI

Job Summary:
The Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing category-specific sourcing strategies that drive cost reduction, contract compliance, and supply utilization optimization across the health system. Acting as both a strategic advisor and project manager, the Category Manager leads cross-functional initiatives to standardize products, consolidate spend, and advance clinically integrated supply chain practices. This role applies advanced data analytics and market intelligence to inform sourcing decisions, manages the full contract lifecycle within assigned categories, and serves as a primary liaison between clinical stakeholders, procurement leadership, and supplier partners. The Category Manager is expected to operate with a Total Cost of Ownership mindset, leveraging GPO agreements, competitive bidding events, and supplier relationship frameworks to deliver measurable, sustainable value.

Job Description:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

Education
Required – Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.
Preferred – Master's degree (MBA, MHA, or equivalent). Relevant professional certification strongly
preferred: Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).

Work Experience:
Required – Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in supply chain management, strategic sourcing, contract management, or procurement in a healthcare setting. Demonstrated experience managing assigned spend categories and leading cross-functional product conversion or standardization initiatives.
Preferred – 7 years of healthcare supply chain experience with direct category ownership; familiarity with GPO contract structures (e.g., Vizient, Premier, HealthTrust Performance Group).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
• Deep understanding of healthcare supply chain operations, GPO contract structures, and vendor management practices.
• Proficiency in data analysis, spend analytics, financial modeling, and interpreting utilization and pricing reports; ability to translate raw data into actionable category strategies.
• AI fluency: ability to leverage AI-driven spend analytics tools, predictive demand platforms, and procurement technology to identify consolidation opportunities and reduce savings leakage.
• Expertise in strategic sourcing methodologies including RFP/RFI development, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) modeling, supplier scorecards, and competitive bid evaluation.
• Strong supplier relationship management skills, including negotiation, contract compliance monitoring, Key Performance Indicator (KPI) development, and Quarterly Business Review (QBR) facilitation.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, contract management platforms, and MMIS; familiarity with eProcurement tools (e.g., Workday, Lawson, Oracle, SAP, or Infor).
• Understanding of healthcare regulatory and compliance requirements applicable to procurement, including Stark Law, Anti-Kickback statutes, HIPAA, and applicable accreditation standards.
• Skilled in cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement, including clinicians, physicians, legal, finance, and operations leadership.
• Ability to influence without direct authority and drive consensus across diverse and senior stakeholders.
• Ability to present complex sourcing strategies, market analyses, and financial impacts clearly to executive leadership.
• Strong organizational and project management skills; ability to manage multiple concurrent category initiatives with minimal supervision.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate professionally across all levels of the organization throughout the patient care process.
• Ability to travel throughout and between facilities and work a flexible schedule as needed.

Job Duties
• Develop, own, and execute category-specific sourcing strategies aligned with organizational cost reduction, quality, and clinical integration objectives.
• Lead competitive bidding events (RFP, RFI, RFQ) and apply Total Cost of Ownership models to evaluate supplier proposals and drive optimal sourcing decisions.
• Manage the full contract lifecycle for assigned categories: negotiate terms, monitor compliance, track expirations, and coordinate renewal disposition with appropriate stakeholders.
• Leverage spend analytics platforms and AI-enabled tools to identify consolidation opportunities, monitor contract compliance, prevent savings leakage, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Support clinical and operational leadership with product utilization data, market benchmarking, pricing analysis, and quality evidence to enable cost effective procurement decisions.
• Consult with end users and clinical stakeholders throughout the organization to identify, analyze, and implement non-salary expense cost reduction opportunities.
• Drive product standardization and formulary management initiatives; serve as an internal advocate for evidence-based product selection and system-wide compliance.
• Coordinate new product introduction requests, product conversions, and change management activities on behalf of clinical and operational end users.
• Build and maintain robust supplier relationships through structured programs including defined KPIs, performance scorecards, and regular QBRs.
• Manage communications and clinical literature research to support product evaluation, value analysis committee (VAC) submissions, and target actions.
• Develop quantitative and qualitative analyses, business cases, and methodologies to support cost reduction efforts and strategic sourcing recommendations.
• Remain knowledgeable on current federal, state, and local laws, accreditation standards, and regulatory agency requirements applicable to assigned categories; ensure full compliance.
• Perform other related duties as required.