VP/Director Procurement

Job Description

A prominent university-based medical school in Texas is seeking an experienced VP/Director of Procurement to lead, optimize, and restructure its procurement operations. This critical leadership role will play a pivotal part in the organization’s efforts to scale operations and support growth, including the planned development of a new hospital. The ideal candidate will bring significant healthcare procurement expertise, particularly within the State of Texas, and a deep understanding of state-specific procurement regulations and requirements. This engagement is expected to last a minimum of six months, with potential to extend into a multi-year agreement. The selected professional will partner with internal teams to ensure compliance, drive strategic initiatives, and prepare the organization for future procurement needs.

Key Responsibilities:

Procurement Assessment and Optimization: Evaluate current procurement procedures, practices, and infrastructure to identify opportunities for improvement, scalability, and alignment with organizational goals.

Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement forward-looking procurement strategies that support the expansion of healthcare services and operational efficiency.

Compliance: Ensure procurement activities align with State of Texas procurement requirements, including all applicable regulations, statutes, and reporting protocols.

Healthcare Procurement Expertise: Oversee procurement processes with a focus on medical equipment, supplies, and services, leveraging knowledge of healthcare-specific vendor networks and contracts.

Stakeholder Collaboration: Engage with leadership, clinical teams, and external vendors to ensure alignment with procurement processes, cost containment goals, and timelines.

Mentorship and Capacity Building: Train and mentor internal procurement staff, enhancing their expertise and preparing them to manage future growth.

Vendor and Contract Management: Streamline vendor relationships, negotiate favorable contracts, and oversee vendor performance for quality standards and compliance.

Risk Mitigation: Identify risks related to procurement processes and develop contingency plans to ensure continuity of operations during the organization’s expansion.

Leadership Transition: Assess organizational needs and provide recommendations for interim succession planning, if necessary.

Reporting and Data Analysis: Create robust reporting structures to track procurement metrics, budgets, spend analysis, and vendor performance.

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or a related field required.

Master’s Degree or equivalent professional certifications (e.g., Certified Professional in Supply Management [CPSM], Certified Public Procurement Officer [CPPO]) preferred.

Experience:

Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in procurement, including significant work in healthcare-focused procurement strategies.

Proven expertise navigating and ensuring compliance with procurement requirements specific to the State of Texas.

Experience managing procurement for academic medical centers is highly preferred.

Demonstrated success in building scalable procurement models during periods of organizational growth.

Skills & Competencies:

Comprehensive knowledge of healthcare procurement workflows, vendor networks, and contract strategies.

Proficiency in State of Texas procurement policies, guidelines, and procedures.

Strong negotiation, interpersonal, and communication skills for internal collaboration and vendor engagement.

Strategic thinker capable of balancing short-term objectives with long-term organizational needs.

Ability to adapt to dynamic, complex environments and implement change.

Key Attributes for Success:

High level of discretion, professionalism, and leadership in handling critical organizational matters.

Collaborative approach to working with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

Strong analytical mindset and keen attention to detail.

Preferred Location and Travel: While remote work is supported, the ideal candidate will have flexibility to travel to Texas as needed for on-site activities and leadership engagements.

Fully remote