Sr. Contract Specialist

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Job Summary

The Contracts Specialist, reporting to the Supply Chain Contracts Manager, responsible for managing the organization’s medical and surgical supply portfolio and contracts for medical and other capital equipment, purchased services or other indirect spend commitments. With minimal supervision, acts as the subject matter expert for all contract-related activities. This role acts as a strategic partner in the identification and development of sourcing strategies with department representatives that deliver value for the organization, including cost savings, product standardization, quality maintenance and improvement and enhanced supplier performance; and acts as liaison with the Supply Chain Operations, Value Analysis and Procurement teams to execute on developed sourcing strategies and coordinate remediation of supply availability disruptions.  The Senior Contracts Specialist will also maintain the contract database for central Supply Chain contracts and provide support to the clinical and non-clinical areas on executing product implementation, standardization and utilization initiatives to help drive organization-wide product and service support and change. The primary goal is to maintain high-quality services and products while optimizing financial resources. Individual will lead according to Grady Health System’s Values: Be Patient Centered, Be Safe, Serve Others with Excellence, Do Right, Do Good.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages the entire spend under management and develops current and future needs of relevant Physicians, Stakeholders/Service Lines. Conduct a business and customer needs assessment in partnership with Value Analysis, and develop initiative project plan including, financial analysis of cost savings, standardization opportunities, and ability to monitor realized savings, to formulate strategies and recommendations about product reliability, and purchases. 

• Develops relationships with managers, business units, digital services (IT), supply chain and suppliers to support objectives, influence key stakeholders and jointly develop strategic sourcing strategies.

• Leads with the development of all contracts, including but not limited to amendments, terminations, purchase agreements, management agreements, statements of work (SOWs), and requests for proposal (RFP). Manages the contract development and negotiation process for sourcing initiatives. Enters/maintains current information in the internal contract repository and the system contract database.

• Manages contract review process to ensure delivery against objectives and contractual budgets; develops regular reports on contract milestones and performance; and informs internal customers, suppliers and management of activities and progress, through both verbal and written communications. With minimal supervision acts as the principle contract negotiator for all assigned contracts.

• Assists in the development of audit strategies to ensure all contracts remain in compliance. Continuously participates in process improvement initiatives and acts as a champion for change.

• Gains knowledge on compliance and regulation changes affecting health care and works in a coordinated way with the legal and compliance departments to develop the appropriate strategies and methodologies to maintain compliance for all contracts.

• Creates a customer-focused, service-based approach to working with stakeholders and suppliers, which emphasizes the creation and cultivation of cross-organizational relationships. Accountable as a role model for customer service excellence.

• Serve as lead negotiator, generating bids, requests for information and perform as lead representative on contractual issues at service line meetings.  Negotiate and intermediate with team and key stakeholders to achieve business objectives. Build, strengthen, and maintain relationships through regular contact with Physicians, key customers and stakeholders, vendors and suppliers, using formal and informal opportunities.

• Function as a focal point for product strategy, planning, developing, and executing complex contractual goals that meet the needs of clinical and operational leaders & Value Analysis. Is the intermediary between clinical and business leaders in order to develop solicitations, while implementing complex and unique acquisition techniques and participation in product conversions.

• Negotiate with vendors to ensure that goods and services purchased are priced competitively and that all contracts or pricing agreements meet Grady Health guidelines and are loaded into the contract/item master repository in a timely manner. Document and communicate the savings success and engage end users in needed process change and/or product conversion.

• Demonstrate active engagement with System Director of Value Analysis on both clinical cost savings initiatives and product conversions. Utilize Physician input, benchmark and outcome data and other industry trends to identify direct or indirect fiscal impact, such as cost savings opportunities and/or long-term user and patient satisfaction.

• Communicate contract and purchasing strategies to Value Analysis, Physicians, Service Lines and Buyers. Provide meaningful advice, on-going support, and coach in a constructive manner to increase individual and team effectiveness. Stretch others to look beyond symptoms to identify root cause and reach problem resolution in timely manner. 

• Communicate regularly in formal and informal settings about quality, outcomes, and continuous improvement, to address problems promptly. May obtain input from others to conduct extensive analysis of situations or data to resolve complex issues.

• Analyze recommendations to formulate contracting strategies considering Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) programs versus local, maximize utilization, pricing arrangements, and matters requiring unique acquisition techniques. 

• Managing contract lifecycle and ensuring that contracts are provided to MMIS and loaded in a timely manner in order to maintain an accurate item and contract master which is crucial for efficient procurement and inventory management process.

• In connection with service agreements, will collaborate with clinical and or business owner to define performance metrics and generate reports evaluating the effectiveness of contracted services rendered to the treatment and the services extended to the hospital's patients. Their responsibilities include vigilant supervision and oversight of the contracted services to ensure their safe and efficient delivery.

• Implement key performance indicators and monitor and provide monthly reports on spend opportunities, product standardization, realized savings, vendor performance to Value Analysis, Physicians, Service Line Leadership and System facility leaders.

• Continually develop self and others to enhance customer service, personal accountability, productivity, and breadth and depth of knowledge to deliver quality service and customer delight. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

7 years of experience in related field

Additional experience in healthcare Materials Management.

EDUCATION:

BA Finance/Accounting/Business Administration Management

CERTIFICATION:

CMRP

CPCM

PMP

Lean Six Sigma

Core Competencies

1. Patient-Centered Care – Demonstrates a commitment to delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality care that prioritizes the well-being and satisfaction of patients and their families.

2. Integrity & Accountability – Acts ethically, maintains confidentiality, and accepts responsibility for actions, decisions, and outcomes.

3. Collaboration & Teamwork – Builds positive relationships, works effectively across departments, and supports colleagues to achieve shared goals.

4. Communication – Communicates clearly, respectfully, and effectively with patients, families, colleagues, and leadership.

5. Respect & Inclusion – Creates an inclusive environment by valuing diversity, treating others with dignity, and ensuring equitable care and opportunities for all.

6. Quality & Safety – Adheres to best practices, regulatory standards, and policies to ensure safe, reliable, and high-quality outcomes.

7. Adaptability & Resilience – Responds effectively to change, remains flexible in dynamic situations, and demonstrates resilience under pressure.

8. Continuous Improvement – Seeks opportunities to improve processes, skills, and outcomes through innovation, learning, and feedback.

9. Leadership & Professionalism – Inspires, guides, and develops individuals and teams while modeling professionalism, fairness, and transparency.

10. Employee Experience Focus – Champions a supportive and engaging employee journey that enables staff to thrive and, in turn, deliver exceptional patient care.

Grady Total Rewards

At Grady, we believe in supporting the health, well-being, and growth of every team member. Our Total Rewards package is designed to provide competitive pay and comprehensive benefits that make a difference in your life and career, including:

• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.

• Financial Security: Retirement savings plans with employer contributions, life insurance, and disability coverage.

• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off, holidays, and family leave benefits.

• Career Growth: Tuition reimbursement, professional development programs, and opportunities for advancement.

• Employee Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness initiatives, and discounts on services.

Grady’s Total Rewards are designed to ensure our employees feel valued, supported, and empowered, both at work and beyond.