Purchasing and Contracting Manager

KHS reasonably expects to pay starting compensation for the position of Purchasing and Contracting Manager in the range of $100,591- 130,992 Annual.   Kern Health Systems is dedicated to improving the health status of our members through an integrated managed health care delivery system.   About the role   The Purchasing and Contracting Manager is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing the procurement process and managing vendor contractual relationships within the organization. This position entails strategic decision-making, vendor management, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The job holder reports directly to the Director of Procurement and Facilities.   The Purchasing and Contracting Manager optimizes the procurement process, negotiates favorable terms with vendors, and effectively manages contracts and the contracts team to support the organization's operational needs and financial objectives. This role plays a crucial part in ensuring cost-efficiency, quality assurance, reconciliation, and regulatory compliance in all purchasing and contracting activities.   Essential Duties and Responsibilities   Drafts, evaluates, negotiates, and manages a variety of different contracts covering a range of transactions.  Minimizes legal and operational risks associated with vendor relationships and contractual agreements through careful contract management and adherence to regulatory standards. Enhances operational efficiency and supports overall productivity by streamlining the procurement process and ensuring timely delivery of goods and services. Cultivates strong relationships with vendors and suppliers fostering collaboration and promotes a reliable supply chain, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential resources and services. Communicates and presents information to stakeholders about contract-related matters. Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards safeguarding the organization's reputation and mitigating potential legal liabilities, contributing to long-term sustainability and trust among stakeholders. Promotes a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability throughout the organization by championing ethical procurement practices and compliance initiatives. Provides guidance and training to procurement staff on ethical sourcing practices, conflict of interest identification, and segregation of duties. Evaluates supplier relationships and contracts to ensure compliance with ethical standards, including labor practices, environmental sustainability, and anti-corruption measures. Investigates and responds to compliance concerns or allegations related to procurement processes and segregation of responsibilities. Assists in the management of the legal review process for all RFPs, RFIs, and RFQs, and administrative contracts, ensuring alignment with company standards and regulatory requirements. Leads and oversees the team review and editing of contracts, ensuring thoroughness, accuracy, and adherence to organizational guidelines and legal requirements. Manages a team of contract administrators to streamline processes and optimize contract management efficiency. Supervises the travel and processing team to ensure efficient handling of travel arrangements and processing of related expenses in alignment with organizational policies and budgetary guidelines. Oversees the team responsible for managing returned or undelivered mail, resolving address discrepancies, and updating contact information to maintain accurate vendor records. Conducts regular reviews of monthly purchase records to identify discrepancies, errors, or irregularities and taking corrective actions as needed to maintain data accuracy and integrity. Develops, maintains, and updates departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines related to purchasing, contracting, and vendor management to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices. Monitors inventory levels, tracking usage patterns, and coordinating procurement activities to maintain adequate stock levels while minimizing excess inventory and associated costs. Other duties may be assigned.   Supervisory Responsibilities   In addition to core duties, the Purchasing and Contracting Manager supervises and mentors a team of purchasing and contracting professionals, providing leadership, guidance, team development, training, conflict resolution, and support between staff and operations/stakeholders to ensure high performance and professional development within the department.   Working Conditions   Environment: While performing duties of job, employee is required to move about the organization for roughly 50% of the day.  Employee must be able to sit for extended periods of time, as well as work at the computer for long periods for up to and sometimes beyond 50% of the day.    Physical Demands: Overall, employee must be able to perform all these demands in a fast paced and constantly changing environment which may require multiple demands to be performed at once.  Have a valid California driver’s license and proof of State required auto liability insurance.     Employment Standards   Education: A bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field from an accredited institution or equivalent required.   Experience: A minimum of three years of experience in procurement or contract management. Two years’ experience supervising or managing a team in the field.   Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be used to qualify for this position.   Preferred: Advanced degrees or professional certifications such as Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), or Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) are preferred.   Ability to:  Communicate effectively with different levels of the organization and follow both oral and written instructions. Manage and lead projects as needed, excellent attention to detail, and superb organizational skills. Demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills are necessary for building and maintaining positive relationships with vendors, suppliers, internal stakeholders, and compliance. Use diplomacy, tact, and professionalism in all communications and interactions. Interpret and apply regulatory frameworks effectively.     Knowledge of: Invoice reconciliation, purchase record-keeping, and office practices required. Regulatory requirements governing healthcare contracts, such as HIPAA regulations, CMS guidelines, and other industry standards.