Job TitleCategory SpecialistRequisition NumberRE51650Working TitleHealthcare Category SpecialistDepartment Name3DP00:PurchasingWork LocationLexington, KYGrade Level46Salary Range$52,021-85,800/yearType of PositionStaffPosition Time Status Full-TimeRequired Education
BA
Click here for more information about equivalencies:https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalenciesRequired Related Experience
5 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification
None.
Physical Requirements
Sitting at desk for extended periods of time.
Shift
8:00 am to 5:00 pm; Monday through Friday are standard hours; and work beyond standard hours are required for an exempt position.
Job Summary
This is a great opportunity to join the University of Kentucky Procurement team as a Healthcare Category Specialist responsible for developing, executing, and sustaining assigned categories of related purchased goods and/or services. The person holding this position will have a varied background and demonstrate proficiency in coordinating the sourcing, bidding, procurement, and implementation of a variety of goods, equipment, and services. The Category Specialist is responsible for managing competitive solicitations, contract creation, contract execution, and renewals. Fostering campus collaboration and providing customer service are key components of this position.
Responsibilities include:
- Multiple related spend categories
- Supplier performance management
- Customer relationship development
- Determination of customer needs
- Demand management
- Forecasting for goods and services
- Monitoring contract compliance for the University and manage the development and implementation of negotiation strategies
- Create and review supplier contracts to ensure appropriate business terms are addressed
- Facilitate legal and risk management review to ensure standard terms and conditions are inserted where appropriate
- Lead sourcing events, including the development and management of the IFB/RFP process through award and/or lead supplier negotiations
- Prepare business cases by conducting detailed and comprehensive data and spend analysis, identifying and quantifying potential savings opportunities, utilizing sourcing best practices, and participate in execution planning
- Track trends in the marketplace and actively monitor price indices applicable to category areas
- Identify new sources of supply and engage with new suppliers
- Work collaboratively with suppliers, and customer stakeholders to identify and execute continuous cost and performance improvement
- Other duties as assigned
Important Note: This position is relevant to operations of UK HealthCare (UKHC) and follows requirements for UKHC administrative regulation A09-055 for Plan B staffing during University emergencies. Employees are considered designated employees unless specifically exempted. Employee shall be notified of their status at the time of hire and during annual evaluations and will be required to sign Attachment A as requirement for the administrative regulation A09-055.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills required. High proficiency with Microsoft Office software required such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc. Healthcare experience preferred.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? NoPreferred Education/ExperienceDeadline to Apply09/30/2025Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
