Category Director, IT Strategic Sourcing

Category Director, IT Strategic Sourcing at Community Health Systems

The Director, Supply Chain Contracting Division at Community Health Systems leads the development, negotiation, and execution of contracts to support cost optimization, risk mitigation, and operational efficiency across the organization. This pivotal role manages sourcing strategies for assigned categories, collaborates with internal stakeholders and vendors, and ensures compliance with regulatory and organizational standards. The Category Director, IT Strategic Sourcing oversees supplier performance, supports contract-related training for staff, and implements initiatives to drive significant financial and operational value.

Essential Functions

• Manages the sourcing process for assigned category portfolios, including market research, bids, RFIs, strategy development, RFPs, contract negotiations, and contract launches.
• Evaluates suppliers to understand competitive landscapes and identify opportunities for cost savings, better utilization, and improved supplier resiliency.
• Monitors supplier performance, conducts quarterly business reviews, and ensures vendor compliance with contracts, addressing issues as needed.
• Drafts, reviews, and negotiates contracts and amendments, collaborating with legal, finance, and other internal teams to ensure favorable terms and compliance.
• Develops and implements category strategies that leverage organizational scale, mitigate risk, and align with market trends and emerging technologies.
• Manages the communication and engagement of internal stakeholders, including presenting strategic plans and facilitating consensus among subject matter experts (SMEs).
• Leads the development and training of Strategic Sourcing Category Managers, enhancing skillsets in sourcing activities, vendor relations, negotiation, and contract management.
• Tracks and analyzes performance metrics for category portfolios, identifying opportunities to improve processes and achieve financial targets.
• Supports enterprise-wide cost optimization initiatives by collaborating with Senior Directors and Vice Presidents on sourcing and utilization strategies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Economics, or a related field required.
• 7-9 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, supply chain contracting, or category management required.
• 4-6 years of experience in project management, value analysis, purchased services contracting, and healthcare contracting required.
• IT and/or Facilities and Infrastructure contracting experience preferred.
• Corporate experience in a multi-hospital setting, MMIS experience with Oracle, and experience with GHX and Healthcare Group Purchasing Organization preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Deep understanding of sourcing processes, category management, and supplier performance management.
• Strong negotiation skills to secure favorable contract terms and build effective vendor relationships.
• Analytical and strategic thinking skills for identifying cost-saving opportunities and improving utilization.
• Leadership skills to mentor staff and drive collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
• Effective communication and presentation skills to engage stakeholders and build consensus.

Key skills/competency

• Strategic Sourcing
• Category Management
• Contract Negotiation
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Cost Optimization
• Risk Mitigation
• Supply Chain Management
• Healthcare Contracting
• IT Sourcing
• Project Management