Procurement Category Manager

Procurement Category Manager 

Ballwin, MO

The Procurement Category Manager leads all procurement functions for operations business units within a regional focus.  This role reports to the Senior Director for Procurement, Facility Management and Biomedical Services and is the procurement business partner to the operations leadership teams.  Vital to this role is aligning on the business unit’s strategic plans through regular engagement with leadership at all levels.  The main goal of this role is to deliver cost savings & avoidance opportunities and ensure maximum rebate terms and compliance.  

You will manage all procurement-related aspects of the business model by managing strategic sourcing events, monitoring contracts and agreements with vendors, and the strategic integration of newly acquired practices. You will also interact with three main business platforms and have analytical & tactical support to achieve your targets.  This is a fast-paced environment in an organization that continues to experience rapid growth. You will also lead a team of skilled Procurement Specialists, each having a specific regional focus and stakeholder engagement.  Important to this role is your leadership within your team, advancing their personal and professional goals along the way!

Primary Functions

• Procurement Business Partner to operations leadership across Optometry and Ophthalmology business units within an assigned region
• Lead a team of Procurement Specialists, responsible for coaching, teaching and mentoring a team of professionals across the various operational regions
• Manage the strategic integration of newly acquired business units; lead detailed analysis synergy analysis across the entire vendor profile, to include pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and medical supplies
• Lead quarterly business reviews with senior leadership; provide detailed KPI scorecards and provide strategic recommendations
• Monitoring vendor compliance to pricing and rebate models
• Lead strategic continuous improvement projects to deliver cost savings & avoidance
• Execute strategic sourcing events that align to the operational business model and strategic objectives

Skills, Qualifications and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Logistics, or related field
• Master’s degree and professional certifications a plus
• 4-6 years of experience in Procurement environment in both strategic and tactical roles
• Computer proficiency (Excel, Word, etc.) and experience with ERP systems
• A proven track record in the Strategic Sourcing and cost savings initiatives, leading to sustainable reductions in cost of goods without compromising quality of products and services
• Strong leadership attributes, relationship builder with suppliers and internal stakeholders, ability to influence stakeholders to meet objectives
• Experience in negotiating and managing contracts, sourcing, establishing vendor relationships, and ensuring compliance
• Demonstrated ability to lead Tactical Procurement Operations with efficiency and integrity