Manager – Category Contracts – Remote

This job manages a broad based group of contract categories/functional areas and/or commodities areas.

Develops business plans for assigned areas and maintains a robust project pipeline.

Assists with formulation and achievement of business plans and financial targets.

Creates sourcing and contract strategies for assigned categories.

Develops and presents business cases to senior leadership throughout the organization.

Manages contract assignments and contract renewal calendar within assigned categories.

Develops high level strategic relationships with client leaders and strategic supplier partners.

Oversees high dollar and strategic bids across a various commodities.

Negotiates contracts and supports related operational activities.

Manages, provides guidance and coaching to Category Managers and Contract Managers and/or other key department resources, as required.

Responsible for the development, tracking and reporting on personal and team goals and key performance metrics. This will likely require some office work days in the future so only Pittsburgh area candidates or those willing to relocate will be considered.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform management responsibilities including, but not limited to: involved in hiring and termination decisions, coaching and development, rewards and recognition, performance management and staff productivity. 

• Plan, organize, staff, direct and control the day-to-day operations of the department; develop and implement policies and programs as necessary; may have budgetary responsibility and authority. 

• Provide guidance and coaching to Category Managers and Contract Managers and/or other key department resources, as required. 

• Develop, track and report on personal and team goals and key performance metrics.

• Manage contract assignments and contract renewal calendar within assigned categories.

• Assist Category and Contract Managers with contract negotiation disputes and points of contention for resolution.

• Create strategic business plans and for various contract categories.

Plans will include current and future market environment, market conditions, organizations strategic plan, timeframes, and strategy. 

• Oversee commodity areas and manage department personal to ensure successful execution of the strategic plan.

• Assist in project management and serve as contractual expert on specific projects, as appropriate.

• Oversee and assist support staff to assigned projects when appropriate to ensure timely/cost effective completion of contractual requirements. 

• Participate in the formulation, development and revision to policies, procedures and strategies related to strategic sourcing as appropriate.

• Monitor contract performance to determine necessity for amendments, extensions and compliance by both the Business Partner and Clients.

• Serve as primary liaison with contracting principals to ensure compliance with specifications and works to resolve issues related to contract performance.

• Perform tactical sourcing and contracting activities to fulfill internal business needs for high-dollar value goods and services.

• Gather/analyze business requirements and identify and pre-qualify potential sources of supplies and services.

• Prepare and sends bid solicitations – Requests for Information (RFI), Requests for Quotations (RFQs), and Requests for Proposals (RFPs).

• Evaluate quotes/proposals and communicates award recommendations based upon pre-defined selection criteria (e.g., benefits/cost savings, quality/service, supplier diversity spend targets, etc.).

• Leverage defined negotiation strategies and establish contractual agreements with selected suppliers.

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with local, regional internal business customers to support development of category-specific strategies and delivery of category sourcing playbooks.

• Evaluate category costs and risks, conduct supply market and competitive positioning analysis, and drive category performance improvement opportunities for achieving spend compliance and diversity spend goals.

• Other duties as assigned or requested.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum

• Bachelors Degree in Business Administration or related field

• 7 years in strategic sourcing, purchasing and/or contracting field

• Experience leading commodity teams, sourcing, bidding, negotiating, detailed data analysis and awarding of major commodity contracts for a wide array of clinical and non-clinical products and/or services

• Experience in contractual language, performance measures, detailed financial data analysis and/or claims arbitration.

• Experience in data management and analysis

• Experience in internet sourcing and e-sourcing techniques

• Valid drivers license

Preferred

• CPM or CPSM Certification

KEY SKILLS

• Proficient presenting in front of all audiences

• Complete understanding of Group Purchasing Organizations (GPO) contracting methods

• Ability to develop and articulate contract recommendations to all stakeholders

• Uses knowledge of industry and market trends to develop long-term business strategies

• Demonstrates the ability to effectively persuade others to listen, commit, and act on a new approach

• Self-confident with an ability to accept and respond to challenges in a positive manner

• Strong and effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Effectively presents complex topics in a concise manner to audiences at all levels and in various sizes

• Must have an understanding of business issues, metrics, organizational linkages and customer values

• Successful experience in achieving results through people in a complex environment

Disclaimer: The job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this job title.

It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.

Compliance Requirement : This job adheres to the ethical and legal standards and behavioral expectations as set forth in the code of business conduct and company policies.

As a component of job responsibilities, employees may have access to covered information, cardholder data, or other confidential customer information that must be protected at all times.

In connection with this, all employees must comply with both the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) as described in the Notice of Privacy Practices and Privacy Policies and Procedures as well as all data security guidelines established within the Company’s Handbook of Privacy Policies and Practices and Information Security Policy. 

Furthermore, it is every employee’s responsibility to comply with the company’s Code of Business Conduct.

This includes but is not limited to adherence to applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations as well as company policies and training requirements.

Highmark Health and its affiliates prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation/gender identity or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Highmark Health and its affiliates take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation/gender identity, protected veteran status or disability.

Highmark Health and its affiliates prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation/gender identity or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Highmark Health and its affiliates take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation/gender identity, protected veteran status or disability.