HCSS Contracting Specialist (Partial Remote)

About the role

This position supports institution-wide supply chain contracting initiatives, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts; managing contract renewals and modifications; ensuring compliance with applicable laws and UTMB policies; and maintaining accurate contract records in procurement systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of contracts throughout the contract lifecycle process.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage contracts for various products and services to ensure compliance and secure the best value for the organization.
• Collaborate and coordinate with supply chain, legal, finance, and institutional stakeholders to evaluate sourcing opportunities, support vendor selection, and optimize contract terms.
• Work in collaboration with the Contract Administrator and Value Analysis teams on the execution of contracting and sourcing strategy.
• Provide support for internal and external customers on contract details and compliance.
• Utilize data analytics and business intelligence to generate actionable insights on sourcing, supplier value, and contract performance for reporting to leadership.
• Communicate complex contract information to various internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate contract and operational risks, escalating issues when necessary to leadership or legal.
• Provide effective record keeping, ensuring that all contract documents are readily accessible and categorized appropriately within the data management systems.
• Foster positive vendor relationships and support the resolution of contractual issues, ensuring that UTMB’s business needs are met.
• Maintain contract compliance in accordance with State, UT System, and UTMB contractual requirements.
• Absorb information and prepare documents for review related to internal and external audit requests.

Requirements

• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in the administration of bids and contracts.
• Exercise considerable judgment in scheduling and coordinating work.
• Collaboration with all levels of internal and external stakeholders to affect the final determination of problems of recurring but non-routine nature.
• Intermediate use of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Knowledge of healthcare procurement.
• Utilization of AI tools, including but not limited to Microsoft Copilot.

Skills

• Knowledge in the review and understanding of legal contracts, terms, and conditions.
• Ability to work well in a team environment, both with internal, cross-functional, and cross-institutional teams.
• Ability to understand the intended audience and knowledge of subject matter.
• Ability to actively listen and handle difficult or delicate situations with diplomacy and tact.
• Commitment to excellence and customer service demonstrated through flexibility, teamwork, professionalism, and a high level of problem-solving skills.
• Ability to be responsible, flexible, accountable, and detail-oriented with the ability to multitask, adapt, and prioritize meeting deadlines.
• Strong negotiation skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Health Care Administration, Supply Chain, or relevant field plus two (2) years of relevant experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience relevant to the role may be considered for this position.