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 works closely with key stakeholders, including clinicians, finance, legal, and procurement, to align sourcing initiatives with organizational goals.

The position also oversees contract lifecycle management, ensuring timely renewals, performance tracking, and ongoing compliance.

Exempt

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

• 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

• Preferred: CPCM - Certified Professional Contract Manager (NCMA)

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…