Director of Spend Optimization & Custom Contracts

Vizient; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 102,000 - 179,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Vizient is seeking a Director-level Sourcing leader to drive custom member contracting strategy and value delivery across the sourcing lifecycle. You will guide negotiations, build compliant programs, and coach executives to maximize member savings and business impact.

The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration with Legal, Analytics, Sales, and Operations, while leveraging AI-enabled tools for analysis and process improvement. Hybrid work, Chicago or Irving preferred.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree preferred. Business, Supply Chain, Legal Studies, Healthcare Administration, or related field preferred.
• 7+ years of relevant experience in strategic sourcing, contracting, supplier negotiations, supply chain, client/member engagement, or healthcare-related contracting required.
• People leadership, team leadership, or direct management experience preferred.
• AI Fluency – Experienced: Demonstrates broad understanding of AI's business impact and effectively leads teams in adopting responsible AI-enabled ways of working. Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to influence internal stakeholders, clients, suppliers, and executive-level audiences through clear communication and sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Sourcing Executives responsible for custom member contracting strategy, sourcing execution, supplier engagement, and value delivery.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies, contract plans, customized agreement portfolios, and business processes that support member needs and network objectives.
• Guide complex supplier negotiations and provide escalation support for contract language, terms and conditions, issue resolution, and supplier relationship management.
• Partner with Legal, Analytics, Sales / Client Executives, Information and Data Services, Operations, Compliance, and Category teams to ensure aligned and compliant execution.
• Lead new member engagement orientation, onboarding, and training for custom contracting programs.
• Track and evaluate member savings, value, financial impact, program performance, and revenue opportunities to ensure accurate reporting and continuous improvement.
• Coach, develop, and manage team members by setting clear expectations, reinforcing accountability, and supporting performance and development.
• Identify sourcing opportunities, new sources of value, and revenue-generating strategies that improve network and member return on investment.
• Develop and implement tools, training, operating rhythms, and process improvements that create consistency and scalability across the custom contracting process.
• Use approved AI-enabled tools to improve analysis, documentation, communication, and team productivity while reinforcing responsible use and output validation.

Skills

People leadership

Strategic sourcing

Contract negotiations

Stakeholder management

AI fluency

Data analysis

Financial analysis

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Business degree

Supply Chain

Healthcare administration

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Vizient is seeking a Director-level Sourcing leader to drive custom member contracting strategy and value delivery across the sourcing lifecycle. You will guide negotiations, build compliant programs, and coach executives to maximize member savings and business impact.

The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration with Legal, Analytics, Sales, and Operations, while leveraging AI-enabled tools for analysis and process improvement. Hybrid work, Chicago or Irving preferred.