Position Summary:

The Strategic Sourcing Category Manager – GPO Partnerships will play a critical role in managing and optimizing NVA’s partnerships with Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) to support its network of General Practice, Specialty and Emergency, Pet Resort, and Equine businesses.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Strategic Sourcing, this individual contributor will serve as the primary liaison between NVA and its GPO partners, ensuring alignment of contracts, supplier programs, rebates, and cost-saving initiatives. The role requires a detail-oriented sourcing professional with strong relationship management skills, deep understanding of GPO operations, and the ability to collaborate across a decentralized, multi-site environment.

Key Responsibilities:

GPO Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all GPO relationships across NVA’s business units.
• Manage contract portfolios and ensure alignment between GPO offerings and internal sourcing strategies.
• Monitor GPO performance metrics, compliance, and rebate structures to ensure maximum program value and transparency.
• Collaborate with GPO partners to identify new cost-saving programs, supplier additions, and program enhancements.

Strategic Sourcing Support

• Work cross-functionally to align GPO contracts with enterprise sourcing needs across Indirect categories.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to assess business needs and guide GPO utilization accordingly.
• Potential to manage other categories

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders including Operations, Procurement, Finance, Medical Leadership, and Hospital Management.
• Support education and onboarding efforts related to GPO programs for new hospitals and practices.
• Collaborate with field and regional leaders to drive program adoption and local compliance.

Analytics & Reporting

• Track and report rebate performance, cost savings, and supplier utilization across GPO programs.
• Develop dashboards and presentations to communicate GPO impact and sourcing opportunities to leadership.
• Identify underutilized contracts and develop plans to increase engagement and compliance.

Operational & Process Support

• Maintain accurate documentation of GPO contracts, participation records, and hospital-level utilization.
• Support auditing efforts to validate rebate payments and contract adherence.
• Collaborate with Legal, Finance, and Procurement Operations to ensure contractual accuracy and alignment with company policy.

Key Objectives:

• Optimize NVA’s GPO strategy and ensure alignment with broader procurement and business objectives.
• Maximize rebates, discounts, and overall contract value through strong GPO program engagement.
• Serve as the internal subject matter expert for GPO-related sourcing and vendor programs.
• Increase visibility, transparency, and performance of GPO partnerships across the organization.
• Support standardization and compliance efforts in alignment with Procurement Center of Excellence (COE) initiatives.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field required.
• Advanced degree (MBA or similar) preferred but not required.

Experience:

• 5–8 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supplier management.
• Minimum 2+ years of experience working with or managing GPO relationships (preferably in healthcare, veterinary, or life sciences).
• Experience analyzing and optimizing supplier programs, rebates, and contract performance in a multi-site environment.

Skills & Attributes:

• Strong knowledge of GPO structures, pricing models, and vendor contract terms.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with both internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and procurement platforms (e.g., Coupa, SAP Ariba, Oracle).
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Comfortable working independently, prioritizing multiple initiatives, and engaging stakeholders across functions.

Preferred Attributes:

• Prior experience in veterinary, healthcare, or pharmaceutical procurement.
• Understanding of compliance, regulatory, and operational considerations in clinical environments.
• Ability to influence without authority and manage relationships across decentralized business units.
• Willingness to travel (~10–15%) to visit hospitals, attend supplier or GPO meetings, and support program implementation.