Contract Specialist II - Sourcing and Value Analysis in Webster, Texas at University of Texas Medical Branch

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Health Care Administration, Supply Chain, or a relevant field and two (2) years of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience relevant to the role may be considered for this position.

Required:

Must obtain C.P.S.M., C.P.P.B, C.P.P.O, CTCM, or an equivalent nationally recognized certification of professional credentials as deemed acceptable to UTMB within 18 months of appointment in title.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in using supply chain contract management software, Jaggaer and PeopleSoft.
• Experience with public procurement, preferably with the State of Texas entities.
• Knowledge of healthcare procurement.
• Utilization of AI tools, including but not limited to Microsoft Copilot.

Job Summary:

Contract Specialist II works under the direction of the Contracting Manager and collaborates closely with internal departments and external vendors to execute contract management, sourcing, and procurement of goods and services. This position is responsible for supporting institution-wide supply chain contracting initiatives, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts; managing contract renewals and modifications; ensuring compliance with applicable laws and UTMB policies; and maintaining accurate contract records in procurement systems.

Job Duties:

• Manage a portfolio of contracts throughout the contract lifecycle process.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage contracts for various products and services to ensure compliance and secure the best value for the organization.
• Collaborate and coordinate with supply chain, legal, finance, and institutional stakeholders to evaluate sourcing opportunities, support vendor selection, and optimize contract terms.
• Work in collaboration with the Contract Administrator and Value Analysis teams on the execution of contracting and sourcing strategy.
• Provide support for internal and external customers on contract details and compliance.
• Utilize data analytics and business intelligence to generate actionable insights on sourcing, supplier value, and contract performance for reporting to leadership.
• Demonstrate exceptional communication skills, relaying complex contract information to various internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate contract and operational risks, escalating issues when necessary to leadership or legal.
• Provide effective record-keeping, ensuring that all contract documents are readily accessible and categorized appropriately within the data management systems.
• Foster positive vendor relationships and support the resolution of contractual issues, ensuring that UTMB's business needs are met.
• Monitor contract compliance in accordance with State, UT System, and UTMB contractual requirements.
• Assist in collecting information and preparing documents for review related to internal and external audit requests.

Marginal or Periodic Functions:

• Prepare information and participate in quarterly business reviews.
• Data review for state reporting.
• Participate in process improvement projects.
• Participate in cost savings and procurement optimization.
• Engage with UT System and UT Alliance partners on contracting projects.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in the administration of bids and contracts.
• Exercise considerable judgment in scheduling and coordinating work.
• Collaboration with all levels of internal and external stakeholders to affect the final determination of problems of a recurring but non-routine nature.
• Demonstrate intermediate use of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Knowledge in the review and understanding of legal contracts, terms, and conditions.
• Ability to work well in a team environment, both with internal, cross-functional, and cross-institutional teams.
• Ability to understand the intended audience and knowledge of subject matter.
• Ability to actively listen and handle difficult or delicate situations with diplomacy and tact.
• Commitment to excellence and customer service demonstrated through flexibility, teamwork, professionalism, and a high level of problem-solving skills.
• Ability to be responsible, flexible, accountable, and detail-oriented with the ability to multitask, adapt, and prioritize meeting deadlines.
• Strong negotiation skills.

Salary Range:

Actual salary commensurate with experience.

Work Schedule:

Partial Remote, onsite a minimum of two days a week. Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, and as needed on occasion.

Equal Employment Opportunity

UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.