Category Manager

Summary:

In this role, you will lead the development and execution of category and sourcing strategies while working directly with our one of our largest clients to deliver measurable financial, operational, and organizational value. You will manage a complex strategic category portfolio and partner closely with Kaiser Permanente stakeholders, including supply chain leaders, clinicians, physicians, and functional business leaders. You will apply deep market knowledge, advanced analytics, and strong stakeholder engagement to guide sourcing initiatives from strategy through implementation and drive high levels of client satisfaction.

Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing initiatives across indirect spend categories, including category strategy development, RFI/RFP execution, supplier evaluation, and contract implementation.
• Manage a complex category portfolio by identifying cost drivers, analyzing Kaiser Permanente utilization, and developing sourcing strategies aligned with client priorities.
• Provide strategic guidance to multidisciplinary Kaiser Permanente teams to support informed sourcing and contracting decisions.
• Facilitate stakeholder committees to define requirements, evaluate proposals, and recommend contract awards.
• Develop and negotiate business, financial, and legal terms with suppliers in partnership with internal sourcing and legal teams.
• Evaluate spend data, market dynamics, and supplier proposals to identify savings, standardization, quality, and operational improvement opportunities.
• Present sourcing strategies, outcomes, and performance results to executive-level Kaiser Permanente stakeholders.
• Partner with internal Vizient teams to achieve operational and financial goals for assigned category portfolios.
• Anticipate and respond to external factors such as market conditions, supply risk, and regulatory changes impacting sourcing strategies.
• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with Kaiser Permanente stakeholders and key suppliers to support long-term value delivery.

Qualifications:

• Relevant degree preferred.
• 7 or more years of relevant experience required.
• Demonstrated experience leading Indirect Spend category management or strategic sourcing initiatives, preferably within large, complex healthcare organizations.
• Experience supporting healthcare, highly regulated, or large enterprise environments preferred.
• Proven ability to manage executive-level stakeholder relationships and facilitate consensus-driven decision-making.
• Strong analytical skills with experience leveraging spend, market, and supplier data to inform sourcing strategies.
• Experience leading RFPs, supplier negotiations, and contract implementations across indirect spend categories.
• Strong written, verbal, and executive-level communication skills.