Contract Specialist I

The Contract Specialist I is responsible for developing, negotiating, and maintaining system-wide contracts for supplies, commodities and/or related services for assigned areas. Responsibilities also include

• Monitoring expiration dates and working with the appropriate team or staff to ensure extension or new agreement are in place prior to expiration of agreement.
• Developing and maintaining relationships with both the suppliers and with internal Fairview customers, i.e. department managers
• Completing appropriate vendor/supplier performance reviews
• Completion of cost comparisons, and providing summary analysis for standardization/conversion opportunities and annual budgeting process.
• Providing savings analysis methodology for purposes of financial impact tracking.

The Contract Specialist I is knowledgeable regarding the supplies and/or services utilized in assigned areas; provides reliable information regarding supply or service capabilities outlined in contracts; and assists in product sourcing and has an expert-level knowledge of the trends, capabilities and opportunities associated with the supplies or services on contract.

1. Develop, negotiate, and maintain system-wide contracts within areas of responsibility

• Annual contract portfolio is between $40 and $60 Million
• Understands users requirements
• Facilitates legal review as appropriate
• Develops strategy and coaches negotiation team prior to negotiation
• Conducts negotiation
• Writes contract

2. Manage supplier relationships to ensure performance to commitments and Fairview standards

• Establish parameters with department heads for managing contract terms, timelines, deliverables
• Facilitate routine contract review with vendor and end-user department accountable for contract
• Evaluates vendor performance
• Establishes and monitors price activation timeline with vendor/distributor

3. Contracting/analytical lead for system-wide Supply Chain project team(s) to promote standardization and cost reduction in areas of responsibility to achieve cost savings goals

• Analyzes opportunities for standardization, cost savings
• Develops cross-reference processes and tools with multiple vendors
• Analyzes cross-references, summarizes opportunities and presents options and recommendations to senior management, department heads, etc.
• Prepares project final financial analysis to prepare for conversion
• Develops methodology, calculates and documents projected savings by project by site for Savings and Tracking tool.
• Provides assistance/clarification on validation of savings

4. Leads or participates on multidisciplinary Process Improvement teams as Contracting expert to streamline processes related to Supply Chain contracting.

5. Maintain accurate contract information in People Soft and Premiers Supply Chain Advisor.

6. Updates Purchasing Controller Coordinator on Contract price changes, additions as needed.

• Bachelors degree in business or related field.
• Four or more years of relevant work experience in materials or a purchasing function in area of specialty. Candidate must have comprehensive knowledge of products used in area of specialty.
• Valid drivers license

Preferred:

• Continuing education credits in the materials management industry or healthcare.
• NAPM or AHA certificates in contracting and contract management
• Ten or more years progressive experience with Vendor & product knowledge in Nursing Services, OR, Pharmacy, or Labs/Radiology,
• Relevant computers skills, interpersonal skills, leadership skills.