Strategic Category Manager

At Houston Methodist, the Strategic Sourcing Category Manager position is responsible for leading the development and execution of sourcing strategies across assigned categories. This position manages the full sourcing lifecycle-from opportunity identification and cost optimization to supplier selection and contract execution-while ensuring quality, compliance, and service continuity. The Strategic Sourcing Category Manager position works closely with key stakeholders, including clinicians, finance, legal, and procurement, to align sourcing initiatives with organizational goals. This position also oversees contract lifecycle management, ensuring timely renewals, performance tracking, and ongoing compliance.

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Business, or related field

EXPERIENCE

• Seven years in strategic sourcing or supply chain management, preferably in a healthcare setting, OR five years' experience in specific category management
• Familiarity with ERP and contract management systems

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Preferred

• CPCM - Certified Professional Contract Manager (NCMA)

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Deep understanding of healthcare supply chain operations, GPO contracts, and vendor management. Experience writing and generating RFPs and RFQs to suppliers
• Familiarity with contract structures, pricing models (e.g., capitated, tiered, bundled), and reimbursement implications. Strong organizational, risk management, and negotiation skills
• Understanding of healthcare regulations and compliance requirements (e.g., Stark, Anti-Kickback, HIPAA as applicable)
• Strong negotiation and vendor relationship management skills
• Skilled in cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement, including clinicians, legal, finance, and operations
• Proficient in data analysis, financial modeling, and interpreting spend reports
• Ability to think strategically while managing tactical execution
• Ability to influence without direct authority and drive consensus across diverse stakeholders
• Ability to present complex sourcing strategies and financial impacts clearly to executive leadership
• Ability to lead and mentor junior team members, including contract administrators or analysts

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides guidance to Contract Administrators, ensuring quality and timely contract review, issue escalation, and policy adherence.
• Builds and maintains effective relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers to ensure alignment, clear communication, and efficient execution of sourcing initiatives.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Communicates sourcing strategies, contract performance, and cost-saving initiatives to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Ensures sourcing plans are aligned with clinical and operational needs while driving compliance with preferred contracts and utilization thresholds.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Designs and executes category-specific sourcing strategies focused on cost reduction, quality improvement, and patient/staff safety.
• Monitors supplier performance, contract compliance, KPIs, and renewal timelines to ensure uninterrupted service and alignment with expectations.
• Partners with legal and compliance teams to ensure contracts meet regulatory and internal standards, including HIPAA, Stark, and Anti-Kickback regulations.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Utilizes resources with cost-effectiveness and value creation in mind while independently managing time and prioritizing tasks.
• Conducts total cost of ownership (TCO) evaluations to support value-based sourcing and procurement decisions.
• Collaborates with Finance to track and report key performance metrics, including savings realized, rebate capture, and contract leakage.
• Leads and supports savings initiatives that drive cost reduction, process efficiency, and long-term financial sustainability.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Partners with suppliers and internal stakeholders to pilot and implement new technologies or service models that drive quality and efficiency.
• Continuously monitors industry trends, emerging suppliers, and market disruptors to inform sourcing strategy and innovation, while proactively sourcing solutions that support service line growth and strategic expansion aligned with organizational development goals.
• Seeks opportunities to identify self-development needs and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an ongoing basis.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: No
• Business professional: Yes
• Other (department approved): No

ON-CALLNote that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* Yes

TRAVELTravel specifications may vary by department

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area Yes

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Business, or related field

EXPERIENCE

• Seven years in strategic sourcing or supply chain management, preferably in a healthcare setting, OR five years' experience in specific category management
• Familiarity with ERP and contract management systems

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Preferred

• CPCM - Certified Professional Contract Manager (NCMA)

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist is one of the nation's leading health systems and academic medical centers. The health system consists of eight hospitals: Houston Methodist Hospital, its flagship academic hospital in the Texas Medical Center, seven community hospitals and one long-term acute care hospital throughout the Greater Houston metropolitan area. Houston Methodist also includes a research institute; a comprehensive residency program; international patient services; freestanding comprehensive care clinics, emergency care and imaging centers; and outpatient facilities. Come lead with us!

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.