Senior Contracting Specialist

Everyone who works with Mercy Health is united under one purpose: to help our patients be well in mind, body and spirit. This drive, along with our history of faith, is a powerful combination. It gives us a shared calling to work toward every day. Join our exceptional team and help us continue to provide the highest quality of health care possible to our communities.

Primary Function/General Purpose Of Position

Senior Contracting Specialist is critical to a seamless integration of client and vendor agreements who helps procure and manage services from external vendors or consultants in values up to $2,000,000 without limitations to scope of service or geography. Will assist with the onboarding and training of Contract Specialists. Responsible for conducting market research, developing requests for proposals, negotiating contracts, and acquiring the necessary approvals to execute purchased service agreements. Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to identify and implement cost savings opportunities and improve service quality. Work with the Director of Purchased Services to define processes and training requirements for junior or less experienced Purchased Services employees. Must have strong analytical, communication, and project management skills, as well as in-depth knowledge of various service categories and contract terms. Will exercise discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance.

Essential Job Functions

• Maintains and updates contracting workflow and data. Informs stakeholders of changes and responds to questions and concerns
• Maintains Purchased Services contracting system and manages and distributes contract reports to internal Supply Chain teams and external customers to ensure continuity of service and process transparency to external stakeholders and customers
• Provides direct customer support for Purchased Services contracting processes, concepts, vendor PO issues in value primarily not exceeding $2,500,000, and supplier questions
• Assists with Supplier Onboarding process providing direct support to suppliers and ensures Purchased Services supplier data standards are maintained for various reporting needs
• Managing the procurement of services from external vendors or consultants for agreement values primarily up to $2,500,000
• Negotiating and drafting contract terms and conditions that balance risk and customer objectives
• Ensuring compliance with all related policies and procedures as directed by stakeholders and customers and developing process documents and best practice procedures
• Developing and maintaining supplier relationships, resolving issues, and assisting Tactical Contracting Specialists for larger or more complex issues
• Coordinating with internal stakeholders and external partners to identify cost savings opportunities, improve service delivery or implement new best practices
• Creating, preparing and reviewing requests for proposals and bids for expiring agreements or requested services from internal stakeholders within a defined scope of service or geographic boundary
• Handling breach of contracts and contract amendments
• Provides administrative and project management support for Purchased Services Program Managers and Purchased Services leadership
  
  

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Licensing/Certification

None

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, analytics, or related field or combination of education and relevant experience (required)

Work Experience

2 years’ experience in supplier or services contracting working directly with stakeholders, vendors and legal department (required)

1 Year Experience In Purchased Services Contracting (required)

Previous experience in contract negotiations for contract values exceeding $1,000,000 (required)

2 year experience in a customer facing / problem solving position (required)

Previous experience working in a direct healthcare environment experience (preferred)

2 years’ experience in healthcare supply chain operations or healthcare service line operations (preferred)

Patient Population

Not applicable to this position

Working Conditions

Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.

General office environment.

May have periods of constant interruptions.

Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office -- with a specific emphasis on Excel, specifically but not limited to formulas and data analysis, and experience in working with large-scale automated systems.
• Strong understanding of services’ contract language (terms, renewal, assignment, etc.), legal implications, and approval processes.
• Technical skill to learn and use new software applications.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with department leaders, customers, and suppliers.
• Analytical skills to examine data and draw logical conclusions demonstrating the ability to apply high levels of critical thinking and understanding.
• Demonstrated capability to drive continual process improvement with understanding of data standards outcomes resulting from processes.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Understanding of procurement processes, contract documents, and legal specifications.
• Expert level understanding of and ability to use contract management software
• Excellent understanding of corporate structure and business operations.
  
  

As a Mercy Health associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being—personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
• Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders
• Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support
  
  

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com