Director of Materials

The Director of Materials Management is responsible for the strategic leadership and daily operations of the hospital’s supply chain, including procurement, inventory control, distribution, and logistics. This critical role ensures the timely availability of high-quality medical supplies and equipment while controlling costs, maintaining regulatory compliance, and supporting excellent patient care.

The Director will optimize supply chain efficiency in a resource-constrained setting, build strong vendor relationships, and collaborate closely with clinical and financial leadership to balance cost containment with clinical needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Supply Chain & Procurement

• Lead all purchasing, contracting, and sourcing activities for medical/surgical supplies, equipment, and services.
• Negotiate contracts and pricing with vendors, GPOs (Group Purchasing Organizations), and distributors to achieve best-value outcomes.
• Manage the hospital’s prime vendor program and ensure optimal utilization of national and regional contracts.

Inventory Management & Distribution

• Oversee centralized inventory control, par-level management, and just-in-time delivery systems.
• Implement and maintain effective inventory tracking using the hospital’s Materials Management System.
• Minimize stockouts, reduce expired or obsolete inventory, and maintain appropriate inventory turns for a small hospital.

Cost Management & Financial Accountability

• Develop and manage the annual Materials Management operating and capital budgets.
• Track and report key supply chain metrics including supply expense as a percentage of net patient revenue, cost per adjusted patient day, and contract compliance.
• Identify and execute cost-saving initiatives and value-analysis programs in partnership with clinical departments.

Compliance & Regulatory

• Ensure all procurement and inventory practices comply with CMS, TJC, FDA, DEA, and other regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation for recalls, product traceability, and hazardous materials handling.
• Oversee the receiving, storage, and distribution processes to maintain product integrity and infection prevention standards.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Directly supervise Materials Management staff.
• Provide coaching, performance management, and professional development for the team.
• Partner closely with Nursing, Pharmacy, Clinical Engineering, Surgery, and other departments to understand supply needs and resolve issues quickly.
• Serve as a key member of appropriate committees.

Strategic Initiatives

• Evaluate and recommend technology solutions to improve supply chain visibility and automation.
• Lead supply chain preparedness for disasters, surges, and emergency events typical in the Grants area.
• Support standardization initiatives to reduce SKU proliferation while meeting clinician requirements.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Healthcare Administration, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Work experience may be substituted for education.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in hospital materials management or supply chain.
• At least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Strong working knowledge of hospital supply chain operations, GPOs, and healthcare regulations.

Preferred:

• Certified Materials & Resource Professional (CMRP) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).
• Experience with common hospital MMIS/ERP systems.
• Lean/Six Sigma training or experience in process improvement.

Key Competencies

• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, small-team environment with limited resources
• Collaborative leadership style with a focus on service to clinical teams
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively to urgent clinical needs