Category Specialist, Lexington, Kentucky

Posting Details

None

Sitting at desk for extended periods of time.

8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday are standard hours
Work beyond standard hours are required for an exempt position.

The Category Specialist is responsible for developing, executing, and sustaining his/her respective categories of purchased goods and/or services.

Responsibilities include:
• independently managing multiple related spend categories
• supplier performance management
• customer relationship development
• determination of customer needs,
• demand management
• forecasting for goods and services.

The person holding this position will have a varied and demonstrate proficiency in coordinating the sourcing, bidding, procurement, and implementation of a diverse variety of goods, services, equipment, and services.

This position would also:
• monitor contract compliance for the university and manage the development and implementation of negotiation strategies
• create and review supplier contracts to ensure appropriate business terms are addressed
• facilitate legal and risk management review to ensure standard terms and conditions are inserted where appropriate
• lead sourcing events, including develop and manage IFB/ RFP process through award and/or lead supplier negotiations.

The Category Specialist is responsible for managing competitive solicitations, contract creation, contract execution, and renewals.

Fostering collaboration and providing customer service are key components of this position.

The individual will also:
• prepare business cases by conducting detailed and comprehensive data and spend analysis, identifying and quantifying potential savings opportunities, utilizing sourcing best practices, and participate in execution planning.
• track trends in the marketplace
• actively monitor price indices applicable to category areas
• identify new sources of supply
• engage with new suppliers
• work collaboratively with suppliers, and customer stakeholders to identify and execute continuous cost and performance improvement
• other duties as assigned

Important Note: This position is relevant to operations of UK HealthCare ( UKHC) and follows requirements for UKHC administrative regulation A09-055 for Plan B staffing during University emergencies. Employees are considered designated employees unless specifically exempted. Employee shall be notified of their status at the time of hire and during annual evaluations and will be required to sign Attachment A as requirement for the administrative regulation A09-055.

Strong analytical skills required, Strong written and verbal communication skills. High proficiency with Microsoft Office software required such as PowerPoint, Excel, Word, etc… Healthcare experience preferred.

The University of Kentucky is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring all our students, faculty, and staff work in an environment of openness and acceptance. We strive to foster a community where people of all - identities, and perspectives can feel secure and welcome. We also value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national check and/or drug screen.