Assistant Vice President, Group Purchasing

Overview

Ardent Health is a leading provider of healthcare in communities across the country. With a focus on consumer-friendly processes and investments in innovative services and technologies, Ardent is passionate about making healthcare better and easier to access. We are driven by our purpose of caring for people: our patients, our communities and one another.

Located in Brentwood, Tennessee, Ardent has earned a reputation as one of the industry’s strongest and most innovative healthcare systems. Our facilities and clinics are consistently recognized among healthcare’s best employers. We recognize each hospital and clinic is as unique as the community it serves. We strive to maintain strong community ties through advisory boards, contributions, charitable care, education and outreach.

Ardent includes:

• 30 hospitals
• 280 sites of care
• 4,281 beds
• 24,000+ team members
• 8,200+ nurses
• 1,800+ aligned providers
• 5.8M annual provider encounters
• 421 medical residents

Ardent makes considerable investments in people, technology, facilities, and communities, producing high quality care and extraordinary results. From newly constructed facilities and expanded services, to lifesaving technology and outstanding opportunities for employees, Ardent is committed to providing its hospitals and clinics the tools needed to succeed.

The Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Group Purchasing (GPO) is responsible for leading the strategy, operations, and performance of the organization’s sourcing, contracting, and supplier‑relationship functions. This role ensures that the GPO delivers measurable value through cost reduction, contract optimization, standardization, and strategic partnerships. The AVP oversees contract lifecycle management, drives member engagement, and ensures alignment between purchasing strategies and organizational goals.

• Develops and executes the GPO’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with enterprise financial, operational, and clinical objectives.
• Identifies opportunities for cost savings, process improvement, and contract standardization across member organizations.
• Leads cross‑functional initiatives that strengthen supply chain resilience, vendor performance, and category management strategies.
• Builds and maintains high‑value relationships with suppliers, distributors, and strategic partners.
• Monitors supplier performance, service levels, and contract adherence, resolving escalations as needed.
• Leads negotiations for enterprise‑wide agreements and strategic sourcing initiatives.
• Serves as the primary executive liaison for member organizations, ensuring their needs, priorities, and performance goals are met.
• Provides guidance on contract utilization, savings opportunities, and best practices.
• Facilitates member advisory councils, work groups, and communication forums.
• Drives measurable financial outcomes, including cost savings, rebates, incentives, and contract compliance.
• Oversees reporting, analytics, and performance dashboards to track GPO value delivery.
• Manages the GPO budget, staffing, and operational processes to ensure efficiency and scalability.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Healthcare Administration, or related field of study.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in supply chain, strategic sourcing, contracting, or GPO operations.
• Demonstrated success in leading teams and managing complex supplier negotiations.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and financial acumen.
• Ability to build executive‑level relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of contract structures, pricing methodologies, and supplier performance management.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and change‑management skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute operationally.
• Achievement of annual cost‑savings and value‑delivery targets.
• High member satisfaction and contract utilization rates.
• Strong supplier performance and contract compliance.
• Effective leadership of team and operational processes.
• Demonstrated innovation in sourcing strategies and GPO offerings.

• Master’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Healthcare Administration, or related field.
• Experience in healthcare, large‑scale procurement environments.