Contract Specialist

At Memorial Hermann, we pursue a common goal of delivering high quality, efficient care while creating exceptional experiences for every member of our community. When we say every member of our community, that includes our employees. We know that when our employees feel cared for, heard and valued, they are inspired to create moments that exceed expectations, while prioritizing safety, compassion, personalization and efficiency. If you want to advance your career and contribute to our vision of creating healthier communities, now and for generations to come, we want you to be a part of our team.

Job Summary

Responsible for developing, negotiating, and maintaining system-wide contracts for supplies, capital equipment and services. Interacts with customers and stakeholders in identifying categories of spend that are optimal for strategic sourcing. Conducts organizational contract development activities including competitive bidding, benchmarking, and market analysis. Enforces organizational principles of integrity and compliance. Stays abreast of industry trends, new products, and vendors entering the market place. Develops and provides savings analysis methodology for savings tracking. This position reports to the Director of Sourcing and Contracting.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications

Education:  Bachelors degree in finance, healthcare, business administration or related field

Licenses/Certifications:  Certified Materials & Resource Professional (CMRP) preferred

Experience / Knowledge / Skills:

• Minimum two (2) years experience in contracting, business analysis or strategic sourcing

• Experience in the Request for Purchase (RFP) and Request for quotation (RFQ) processes

• Demonstrated understanding and working knowledge in contracting and negotiations, including Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) contract accession and implementation

• Knowledge of purchasing systems, policies and practices

• Knowledge of Materials Management information systems or Enterprise Resource Planning  Systems

• Effective negotiation skills

• Detail oriented and strong organizational skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Solid critical thinking, analytical and problem solving skills

• Advanced presentation and interpersonal skills with a customer service focus

• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, Power Point, and other data mining tools

• Ability to work independently and complete multiple assignments by assigned deadlines

• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, and external agencies to maximize performance, problem solving, and results

• Demonstrated ability to work in a high-energy environment with time sensitive projects and processes​.

Principal Accountabilities

• Develops, negotiates, writes and maintains system-wide contracts within areas of responsibility and facilitate legal review per organization’s policies.

• Develops requests for proposals; oversees implementation and administration of supplier contracts and agreements for commodity items such as non-medical supplies.

• Ensures final contract documents are consistent with agreements reached at negotiations.

• Oversees the evaluation of contract performance to determine necessity for amendments or extensions of contracts and compliance to contractual obligations.

• Manages suppliers relationships to ensure performance to commitments.

• Performs routine contract review with vendor and end-user departments accountable for contract.

• Communicates with internal stakeholders regarding their needs while soliciting feedback and participation.

• Meets with customers routinely to proactively identify and leverage sourcing and contract value opportunities.  

• Establishes and monitors price activation timeline with vendor/distributor.

• Analyzes opportunities for standardization and cost savings.

• Analyzes cross-references, summarizes opportunities and presents options and recommendations to senior management, department heads, etc.

• Develops methodology, calculates and documents projected savings by project site.

• Participates in multidisciplinary Process Improvement teams as a consultant to streamline processes related to Supply Chain contracting.

• Maintains accurate contract information in Item Master.

• Performs appropriate clinical, administrative and operational research to support proposals and contract development.

• Serves as primary organizational contact during contract negotiations and for all contract activities.

• Engages relevant stakeholders in negotiation decisions involving legal or regulatory requirements, contract standards and cost targets.

• Activates GPO contracts as needed, and monitors price activation timeline with vendors/distributors.

• Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity and quality of service.

• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff.

• Demonstrates commitment to caring for every member of our community by creating compassionate and personalized experiences. Models Memorial Hermann’s service standards by providing safe, caring, personalized and efficient experiences to patients and colleagues.

• Other duties as assigned.