Covenant Health

Director Strategic Sourcing & Contract Management

Full Time, 80 hours per pay period, Day Shift

Covenant Health Overview:

Covenant Health is the region’s top-performing healthcare network with 10 hospitals, outpatient and specialty services, and Covenant Medical Group, our area’s fastest-growing physician practice division. Headquartered in Knoxville, Covenant Health is a community-owned integrated healthcare delivery system and the area’s largest employer. Our more than 11,000 employees, volunteers, and 1,500 affiliated physicians are dedicated to improving the quality of life for the more than two million patients and families we serve every year. Covenant Health is the only healthcare system in East Tennessee to be named a Forbes “Best Employer” seven times. 

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Vice President of Supply Chain and Resource Management, performs all functions necessary to plan, implement, lead, maintain and manage the contracting and sourcing activities across all entities of Covenant Health. Includes strategy development around key sourcing initiatives such as physician-preference item management, supply network collaboratives, Group Purchasing Organizations (GPO), and self-contracting opportunities.

Responsible for strategic direction and operational management of key databases such as the Materials Management Information System (MMIS), the contract management system, and the Surgical Services Information System (SSIS). Plans, organizes and leads the System’s value analysis function as well as standardization efforts for supplies, implants, and contracted services. Assists in the System’s standardization efforts by developing and implementing system standards and policies.  This position directs the corporate-level Value Analysis meetings and ensures all opportunities and outcomes are documented and tracked.  This will also include working with the Covenant entities on individual value analysis projects to ensure they are supported, successful and in compliance with the corporate program.  Will provide data and contractual information collectively to the entities, including director and administrative-level executives.  

Serves as the primary leader and advisor to hospital departments and administrative leadership in matters related to contracting, sourcing operations, and value analysis. Collaborates with other Supply Chain directors and managers to ensure products and contracts are properly analyzed, evaluated and implemented. Is accountable for contract performance and compliance across all entities of Covenant Health. This position is also accountable for system-wide contracts for supply and service needs and maintaining the integrity of contractual incentives and obligations.

Directs the analysis and negotiations of all contracts and committed agreements across the System with a focus on maintaining a single contracting methodology. Develops, recommends, and implements contracting policy and directs the activities of contract management staff. Ensures all contracts are executed in accordance with Covenant Health contract policies. Reports key information regarding physician and corporate contracts to chief financial officers and corporate finance to ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines including Stark and Office of Inspector General (OIG). 

Recruiter: Kathleen Rice || kkarnes@covhlth.com || 865-374-5386

• Accountable to the Vice President of Supply Chain Management, as well as administrative and executive leaders to ensure an efficient, highly effective and outcomes-driven sourcing and value analysis operation.
• Develops, communicates and implements System contracting, sourcing and value analysis policies and processes as directed by the Vice President of Supply Chain Management in conjunction with hospital and executive leadership.
• Researches, develops and implements strategy related to sourcing operations, preference item management, contracting philosophy, and GPO or Network collaboratives.
• Accountable to direct the analysis and negotiation process for all System contracts and agreements. Includes the establishment of favorable terms and prices for products and services.
• Uses available benchmarking information and data to track contract terms, product quality and pricing for Covenant Health
• Responsible for maintaining a single contracting methodology across the Health System.
• Directs and integrates the contracts and contract management activities of all entities in accordance with Covenant Health’s contract policies.
• Develops and implements system wide contract standards for contract language to assure contracts meet applicable regulations such as HIPAA, Integrity and Compliance and Covenant Health’s business rules.
• Responsible for providing accurate and timely reporting of financial performance of the strategic sourcing activity to adminstrative and executive leaders as related to contracting, standardization and value analysis efforts.
• Accountable for the design, planning and implementation of policies and processes that enable a highly funtioning value analysis and standardization activity.
• Directs the System’s standardization and value analysis initiatives by determining opportunities, organizing teams, coordinating evaluations and implementing conversions in a timely manner.
• Includes coordinating and facilitating multi disciplinary teams to solicit, evaluate, and contract for service related vendors.
• Accountable for maintaining all assigned databases and records in accordance to established policies, guidelines, and leadership expectations. Designs, leads and directs the contract and database management processes for the Health System.
• Responsible for the oversight of the maintenance of database integrity initiatives for standardization and contract management. Ensures accuracy and data integrity of the contract management database, MMIS, and SSIS systems.
• Coordinates with the IT department to define and implement integrated system solutions for contracting and reporting activities, vendor catalog downloads, corporate and entity reporting, contract compliance monitoring, and data management, etc.
• Responsible for staff selection, training, evaluation, performance improvement, and termination when needed.
• Develops and implements criteria for measurement of department and employee performance. Over sees the Sourcing operations staff to ensure efficient processes are established while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.
• Develops and manages operating and capital budgets for the Strategic Sourcing activity as well as others as assigned by management.
• Participates in the System’s supply chain council to collaborate on developing strategic initiatives and improving health system operational processes.
• Participates in teams and serves on committees as requested, which may include travel to network and GPO work group sessions.
• Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.

Minimum Education:                       

Bachelor’s Degree in Business or related field is required.  Master’s Degree in Business or related filed desired.

Minimum Experience:                     

Seven to ten (7-10) yrs supply chain experience. Healthcare industry experience preferred. Must possess strong customer service, analytical, and problem solving skills. Must have strong oral/written communication skills

Must demonstrate and maintain a professional appearance and demeanor. Must have advanced knowledge of software systems including Excel, Outlook, Word, etc. Knowledge in accounting and/or finance is preferred.

Licensure Requirement:                  

None.