Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

• Negotiates System agreements in accordance with UMMS and accepted purchasing practices and standards.
• Researches and selects products according to quality, price, serviceability and standardization opportunities.
• Sources new suppliers and determines their acceptability to provide products and services to support the needs of internal customers.
• Conducts financial reviews, product analysis and specifications of potential suppliers to determine their solvency and ability to meet the procurement needs of the Medical System.
• Independently contacts vendors to purchase materials, supplies and equipment, and resolve complex supply-related problems. Meets with sales representatives to evaluate product/service pricing, quality and dependability. Develops contingency plans to limit UMMS exposure/risk. Establishes and maintains positive and effective relationships with vendors and sales representatives.
• Ensures the cost-effective and timely delivery of products and services; contacts vendors and hospital personnel to follow-up and assure that actions are completed as previously agreed upon. Communicates with Medical System staff to determine the quality, effectiveness and durability of purchased product performance and overall service.
• Responsible for working on and assisting in achieving annual savings targets set by the Medical System for Supply Chain Management and Strategic Sourcing.
• Possesses knowledge of all aspects of buying, contracting, sound business and financial judgement, and strong working relationships with key personnel and vendors.
• Mentors Buyers through cross training and sharing of information that will expand their knowledge and effectiveness as requested.
• Coordinates and develops complex proposal packages for review and analyze requests for: proposals, bids, information or quotations for UMMS products, services or equipment in accordance with standard purchasing practices, UMMS policy and procedures and The Joint Commission and HIPAA standards.
• Negotiates and awards (product, service & equipment) contracts to vendors utilizing sound business practices: pricing, availability, delivery, clinical acceptability, final terms and conditions, and various other critical factors.
• Works in conjunction with the requesting department of the products, service or equipment, obtains approval of funds working with Sr. Management, Finance and various committees such as Capital Management and the Clinical Quality Value Analysis (CQVA) Program..
• Monitors contract utilization to ensure pricing is being accessed correctly.
• Communicates often and effectively to all customers and key stakeholders.
• Develops and implements pro-active short and long-term strategies and contingency plans for large and complex purchases/projects independently with limited management direction.
• Working as part of a team, reviews customer prepared documents and specifications for comment and inclusion into the proposal process.
• Coordinates all phases of the Request for Bid. Engages all key stakeholders and other appropriate clinical and administrative staff, as well as directs all vendor communication interactions during the bid process.
• Compiles quarterly analysis to ensure contract compliance.
• Identifies and facilitates opportunities for contract standardization, consolidation and cost savings/cost avoidance's.
• Negotiates, interprets and drafts contracts in accordance with agreed upon terms and conditions that meet the standards of sound business practices of the Medical System.
• When appropriate, recommends changes in or additions to existing Supply Chain Management and Strategic Sourcing policies and procedures.
• Serves on various committees (Capital Management & Clinical Quality Value Analysis Oversight and Subcommittees) and numerous task forces throughout UMMS to ensure all decisions are in compliance with Supply Chain Management and Strategic Sourcing, Procurement and Contracting requirements, policies and procedures.
• Update Senior Contract Managers, administrative staff, clinical staff and other pertinent parties with significant progress on corporate initiatives.
• Promotes teamwork and professionalism, both inter and intra-departmentally.