Department Name: 3DP00:Purchasing
Job Summary: 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 background 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. Skills /Knowledge/Abilities: 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.
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Required Education: BA
Required Related Experience: 5 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification : None
University Community of Inclusion: 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 backgrounds, 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 background check and/or drug screen. About University of Kentucky
Adjacent to downtown Lexington, UK is nestled in the scenic heart of the beautiful Bluegrass Region of Kentucky. UK's campus covers more than 814 acres, with more than 30,700 students and 13,500 full-time employees, including nearly 2,400 full-time faculty and librarians.
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