Manager, Category Strategy & Sourcing

Major Responsibilities Develops and executes category strategies using spend analysis, market intelligence, and risk assessments to optimize cost, quality, and service. Serves as subject matter expert for assigned categories, driving standardization, supplier performance, innovation, and value creation. Leads and coaches a team of sourcing professionals, building technical expertise, leadership capability, and business acumen. Manages end to end sourcing processes, including supplier identification, negotiations, contracting, and policy compliant execution. Drives cost optimization initiatives through utilization analysis, pricing strategies, standardization, and value-based purchasing. Builds and maintains strong stakeholder relationships with clinical, operational, financial leaders, and key suppliers to align sourcing decisions. Supports supplier relationship and performance management, including evaluations, issue resolution, and continuous improvement efforts. Uses data and analytics to track performance, prepare reports, and communicate sourcing outcomes, risks, and recommendations to leadership. Identifies and mitigates sourcing risks, supporting resiliency planning, regulatory compliance, and contingency strategies. Executes multiyear category plans and budgets, ensuring sourcing activities align with enterprise goals, quality standards, and ethical requirements. Minimum Job Requirements Education Bachelor’s Degree required; 5 years of direct relevant work experience in healthcare supply chain will be considered in lieu of a degree Certification / Registration / License N/A Experience Requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in sourcing, contracting, procurement, materials management, logistics, and finance in a healthcare setting. Non-healthcare industry experience will be considered in lieu of direct healthcare experience. Knowledge / Skills / Abilities Mastery of sourcing tactics with knowledge in system-wide sourcing and purchasing strategies, processes, and programs which support a service focused, cost effective, and centralized model. Demonstrated successful contract negotiation skills and ability to establish and administer complex contracts for products and services. Sound knowledge of inventory management and related accounting processes. Interchange and internet-based procurement transaction processes knowledge with exposure to broader issues such as Continuous Replenishment Processes or Vendor Managed Inventories. Skills developing strategic and tactical plans to meet business objectives in a large healthcare system. Knowledge of contract law and related legal and financial policies. Excellent communication skills necessary to communicate effectively with senior administrators, department leaders, physicians, vendors, and clinical staff to support Advocate Health’s acquisition goals. Knowledge of healthcare accreditation standards (i.e. DNV, JCAHO), Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and National Fire Protection Organization requirements. Excellent analytical, quantitative and qualitative skills. Ability to identify and solve problems creatively, to work within deadlines with a high attention to detail and to work independently in a fast paced, dynamic environment. Experience in working with and implementing large-scale automated systems. Excellent analytical, quantitative and qualitative skills. Ability to identify and solve problems creatively, to work within deadlines with a high attention to detail and to work independently in a fast paced, dynamic environment. Experience in working with and implementing large-scale automated systems. Physical Requirements and Working Conditions This position requires limited regional and national travel, therefore, will be exposed to weather and road conditions. Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job. Exposed to a normal office environment. Preferred Job Requirements Preferred Education Master’s Degree preferred. Preferred …

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