Strategic Category Director — Hybrid, AI-Driven Sourcing

Vizient; Missouri; Hybrid; USD 102,000 - 179,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Vizient seeks a Category Management Director to lead strategy for assigned portfolios, driving value across sourcing, contracting, analytics and stakeholder engagement. You will advise executives, guide multi-disciplinary teams, and influence clinical and operational leaders to deliver cost optimization and performance improvements.

The role emphasizes advanced AI fluency in shaping category strategy and leveraging data to inform decisions, with a hybrid work model across multiple offices.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in category management, strategic sourcing, or related field.
• Proven ability to influence executive stakeholders across clinical, operational, and supplier groups.
• Strong negotiation and contracting experience with complex supplier agreements.
• Advanced analytical skills and ability to translate data into strategic recommendations.
• Experience leading cross-functional committees and decision-making groups.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead category strategies aligned with client priorities and organizational objectives.
• Oversee end-to-end sourcing initiatives including RFI/RFPs, supplier evaluation, negotiations, and contracting.
• Lead stakeholder committees and present category strategies and outcomes to executives.
• Provide mentoring, guidance, and subject matter expertise across teams.

Skills

Category management

Strategic sourcing

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Analytics

AI tools

Leadership

Healthcare operations

Education

Relevant degree

Job description

Vizient seeks a Category Management Director to lead strategy for assigned portfolios, driving value across sourcing, contracting, analytics and stakeholder engagement. You will advise executives, guide multi-disciplinary teams, and influence clinical and operational leaders to deliver cost optimization and performance improvements.

The role emphasizes advanced AI fluency in shaping category strategy and leveraging data to inform decisions, with a hybrid work model across multiple offices.