OU Health

Supply Chain Category Manager

OU Health • $80K — $110K *
Oklahoma City, OK 73160In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
2 months ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree required.
  • 5+ years in supply chain management or project management.
  • Strong business acumen to balance clinical and operational priorities.
  • Advanced analytical and critical-thinking skills.
  • Proven ability to manage complex sourcing initiatives without direct authority.
  • Demonstrated effectiveness in building strategic relationships with stakeholders.
  • Experience in healthcare supply chain, strategic sourcing, and value analysis.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the strategic sourcing process for assigned categories from assessment to implementation.
  • Develop category strategies prioritizing cost, quality, and innovation.
  • Maintain a calendar to support sourcing priorities and savings targets.
  • Partner with clinical, finance, and operational leaders to align category goals.
  • Manage the full contract lifecycle with a focus on compliance and risk.
  • Build supplier relationships focused on performance and continuous improvement.
  • Utilize analytics and market intelligence to inform sourcing and identify value opportunities.

Benefits

  • Professional development opportunities available.
  • Mentorship and coaching provided without direct people management responsibilities.
  • Environment fostering innovative sourcing strategies and supplier relationships.
  • Access to advanced analytics and benchmarking tools for decision-making.
  • Focus on saving costs while ensuring patient safety and quality.
Full Job Description
Position Title:
Supply Chain Category Manager

Department:
Supply Chain

Job Description:

General Description: The Supply Chain Category Mgr is an individual contributor responsible for developing and executing enterprise-wide sourcing and category strategies that optimize value, lower total cost of ownership, and ensure supply assurance across assigned categories. This role focuses on optimizing value, reducing total cost of ownership (TCO), and ensuring supply continuity within the assigned categories. Acting as a strategic partner, the Category Manager leads complex negotiations and aligns sourcing decisions with clinical, financial, and operational goals. Additionally, this role serves as a subject matter expert and mentor to Contract Specialists, fostering professional development and operational excellence without direct people-management duties.

Essential Responsibilities:

Responsibilities listed in this section are core to the position. Inability to perform these responsibilities, with or without an accommodation, may result in disqualification from the position.
  • Lead the end-to-end strategic sourcing process for assigned categories, including opportunity assessment, RFP/RFI development, supplier selection, negotiations, award, and implementation.
  • Develop and execute category strategies that balance cost, quality, supply continuity, and innovation.
  • Maintain a proactive contract and bid calendar to support sourcing priorities and annual savings targets.
  • Partner with clinical leaders, finance, operations, legal, ETS, and value analysis teams to define category goals supporting organizational priorities and patient safety.
  • Lead or support value analysis activities by preparing financial insights, facilitating discussions, and documenting decisions and next steps.
  • Manage the full contract lifecycle, including negotiations, renewals, compliance monitoring, performance evaluation, and risk mitigation.
  • Build strategic supplier relationships focused on performance excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
  • Oversee supplier scorecards and performance feedback loops to drive measurable outcomes.
  • Utilize advanced analytics, benchmarking tools, spend data, and market intelligence to inform sourcing strategies and identify value opportunities.
  • Monitor market trends, supplier capabilities, and product innovations to ensure the contract portfolio remains current and competitive.
  • Deliver measurable cost savings and value realization while supporting quality, patient safety, and regulatory compliance.
  • Provide mentorship, coaching, and subject-matter guidance to Contract Specialists to support effective contract execution, sourcing best practices, and opportunity identification; this role does not include direct people management responsibilities.
  • Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, executive leadership, and suppliers regarding strategy, progress, risks, and outcomes.
  • Lead other sourcing initiatives as directed by Leadership.


General Responsibilities:
  • Performs other duties as assigned.


Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree required.

Experience: 5 years of experience in supply chain management or supply chain project management required.

License(s)/Certification(s)/Registration(s): None.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Experience using metrics, analytics, and performance indicators to drive sourcing, contracting, and category decisions, and partnering with external suppliers to achieve measurable outcomes.
  • Demonstrated working knowledge of healthcare supply chain, strategic sourcing, contracting, and value analysis functions.
  • Strong business acumen with the ability to balance organizational, clinical, and operational priorities with financial and strategic considerations.
  • Strong attention to detail and advanced analytical and critical-thinking skills.
  • Demonstrated planning and project management skills with the ability to independently manage multiple complex sourcing initiatives.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong, effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
  • Ability to influence individuals and cross-functional groups toward desired outcomes by setting high performance expectations and delivering high-quality results (without direct authority).
  • Ability to maintain integrity and trust among leadership, peers, and stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability to provide mentorship, coaching, and subject-matter guidance to peers or Contract Specialists without direct people management responsibility.
  • Must be a strategic thinker, self-motivated, and capable of independently identifying opportunities, solving problems, and driving initiatives to completion.
  • Proven ability to solve complex problems effectively and manage multiple high-priority deliverables in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to proactively prioritize work, manage competing demands, and effectively utilize time and resources.
  • Ability to fostersupplier relationships that drive long-term value, performance improvement, and strategic partnership.
  • Proven skills in communicating with all levels of organizational leadership, including presenting data-driven recommendations and sourcing strategies.
  • Strong facilitation, interpersonal, and communication skills with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, guide discussions, and influence outcomes across the organization.
  • Able to rapidly summarize complex information and translate data into clear, concise insights for decision-makers.
  • Proficient with the use of Microsoft Office tools and supply chain analytics, spend analysis, and business intelligence tools.


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About OU Health

OU Health Careers

There has never been a better time to join the dedicated team at OU Health, a leader in medical excellence and innovation. As the premier healthcare provider in the region, OU Health offers unparalleled job opportunities and a commitment to career growth and professional development.

Work You’ll Do

Join OU Health’s esteemed team to assist in transforming healthcare delivery and enhancing patient outcomes through cutting-edge innovation and exceptional care. This is an opportunity to be part of a culture that values diversity, leadership, and professional growth. Engage in meaningful work that makes a difference, with a team that leads with empathy and expertise at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and service. Collaborate with a network of skilled professionals dedicated to pioneering advancements in medicine and improving community health.

Explore OU Health’s Employment Opportunities

OU Health is building a robust team to support and lead in its expansive healthcare network. The team is actively hiring for various positions that promise a dynamic work environment and substantial professional growth.

Innovate and Lead

At OU Health, innovation isn’t just a buzzword—it's the backbone of how the team approaches healthcare challenges. With a focus on continuous improvement and technology-driven solutions, employees are empowered to bring transformative ideas to life.

Develop Your Career

OU Health is committed to fostering the development of its team members through comprehensive training programs, leadership development opportunities, and continuous learning. Whether it’s advancing clinical skills or exploring administrative roles, OU Health supports ambitious professionals eager to advance their careers.

Benefits and Culture

Choosing a position at OU Health means more than just a job; it’s a step towards a rewarding career with competitive benefits, a supportive network, and a commitment to work-life balance. The company culture is built on collaboration, respect, and a shared vision of delivering exceptional healthcare.

Join the Team

Discover how your skills and passion for healthcare can contribute to the community. Explore job openings, read about the team’s experiences, and find a position that matches your career aspirations. OU Health is looking for passionate, curious, and driven team players.

Stay Connected

Stay informed about the latest in healthcare careers, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights—all from the professionals at OU Health.

Prepare for Your Interview

Tailor your resume to highlight your most relevant experiences and prepare to discuss how your background aligns with the values and needs of OU Health. Personalize your interview approach to showcase your readiness to contribute to a team that’s at the forefront of healthcare innovation.

Networking and Professional Development

Engage with a network of healthcare professionals and gain access to exclusive employment opportunities and career-building events. OU Health encourages continuous professional engagement and networking to help its team thrive in their careers.

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Learn more about OU Health
Size
10,001 employees
Industry
Hospitals & Medical Centers
* Ladders Estimates

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