Sourcing, Product & Project Specialist

Kaiser Permanente Northwest


At Kaiser Permanente Northwest, the work you do every day supports the health of our members. That’s because each of us-from our business professionals and IT team members to our RNs and physicians on the front line of care-shares a commitment to providing the best possible care experience. Widely regarded as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, the Pacific Northwest blends urban bustle with open space in a way that is sure to enhance your own state of well-being. Looking to build a rewarding career in an environment that supports your success? Join us and put your beliefs into practice.

Job Number: 011519
Salary Range: $26.17 - $34.54


To support the mission of the Northwest Region through the sourcing and procurement of quality equipment, services, and supplies. To support the customers in a way that reduces cost and/or improves their ability to serve our members. This position is responsible for implementing national contracts. Will identify opportunities for savings and support the customer base in sourcing requests to national and regional product standards. Will assist with the development of a purchasing strategy consistent with the overall sourcing strategy to ensure KPNW receives best value for dollars spent on products and services. Assist with the five-step contract process (opportunity analysis, assessment, sourcing strategy, supplier selection and implementation) and develop summaries/reports to standardization. The position does minimal contracting targeted at smaller dollar value spend; the focus is on sourcing, standardization, implementation, contract compliance, conversions, and trend analysis. Works as self-directed member of the Strategic Sourcing team.

Responsibilities:

  • Supports customer base in sourcing all requests to most appropriate national standard, pricing agreement or regional contract
  • Contribute to the effectiveness of operations in the Northwest Region through standardization of products, services and equipment.
  • Builds and sustains customer service relationships with key clients across the region; gains thorough understanding of business requirements and needs to advocate for key clients and works with them to take costs out of the supply chain.
  • Builds and manages business relationships with key suppliers that create opportunities for both companies: maximize value added services to KPNW.
  • Has knowledge and understanding of contracts to enable and meet terms and conditions
  • Develops and performs project activity related to cost savings targets and initiatives.
  • Takes the lead role in the development and maintenance of a purchasing strategy consistent with overall national sourcing strategy to insure best value for dollar spent
  • Provides summaries/reports and trend analysis based on contract or product utilization to support national or regional product standardization efforts.
  • Analyzes utilization patterns across the region e.g. spend by physician/surgeon, top ten procedures spend, opportunities to move from inventory to consignment or other innovations, practices in other regions, opportunities to move from OEM to private label, etc.

Requirements:

  • Three years experience in procurement and sourcing
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
  • Proficient in a variety of software applications with the ability to produce complex spreadsheets
  • Customer focused, forward thinking
  • Able to interact equally well with all levels of an organization from front-line staff to high-level managers and physicians
  • Preferred Qualifications:
  • Five years experience in a combination of purchasing, contracting, materials management or other related areas
  • Experience as a Buyer with contracting responsibilities
  • Experience in a health care environment
  • Bachelor’s degree in business administration, logistics or materials management, finance or other related field
  • Business and contract law
  • Professional certification e.g. CPM or APICS
  • Commodity specific product knowledge
  • Outstanding verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
  • Electronic database

To apply, please login and complete the online application. Search by job number 011519.