SR. CATEGORY MANAGER, PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

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Department Overview
UC Systemwide Procurement is the procurement/supply chain hub for the University of California system, with over $10 billion in annual spend. We partner with campus procurement offices to develop and implement systemwide supply chain strategies and policies that leverage UC's vast purchasing power to optimize spend and deliver positive social and environmental impact. Systemwide Procurement is transforming how UC purchases goods and services to maximize benefit to the UC system while improving quality and service to our campuses and beyond. We apply best-in-class sourcing methods with emphasis on sustainability and supplier diversity, invest in leading tools and technology, and cultivate strategic supplier partnerships to source the highest quality products and services for the absolute best value. Nationally, UC Procurement is a public procurement role model. As a lead agency for cooperative purchasing, UC contracts are leveraged by over 3,500 public education and government agencies in all 50 states. These organizations depend on and benefit from UC's expertise, knowledge, reputation, and economies of scale to minimize spend and maximize value. UC Systemwide Procurement fosters an environment for continuous improvement and a growth mindset culture. Our team of approximately 50 dedicated professionals is comprised of specialized portfolio sourcing managers, highly skilled data analysts, efficiency-driven business analysts, knowledgeable functional area administrators, and responsive support staff. UC Systemwide Procurement is a high-performing strategic department essential to the financial and operational health of the University of California, with high impact at the state and national levels.

Position Summary
The Sr. Category Manager for Professional Services - Employee Benefits applies their expertise and experience in strategic sourcing, procurement and supplier relationship management to further UC Procurement's mission to expand opportunities for teaching, research and public service across the University of California. The Sr. Category Manager leads all aspects of the strategic sourcing process and is responsible for systemwide initiatives in major categories with a focus on the Employee Benefits portfolio. Additional Centers of Excellence within the department include Life Sciences, MRO/Facilities, Professional Services, and IT. Working in a diverse and dynamic environment, the Sr. Category Manager analyzes complex data, business situations, and perspective to identify issues and recommend and develop solutions and strategic partnerships. UC's Employee Benefits portfolio includes health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life, disability, voluntary insurances and other categories supporting retirement, home and family, and UC students. The Sr. Category Manager plays the critical role in advancing the 5 Strategic Pillars of UC's Strategic Sourcing Centers of Excellence: 1. Drive UC Benefit in the form of cost reduction and value enhancement; 2. Leading Excellent Programs that establish UC as a leader in public procurement; 3. Communicating and Connecting with stakeholders across UC campuses, medical centers and locations; 4. Influencing and Fostering Innovation to constantly improve the value we deliver; and 5. Growing and Developing our people to provide rewarding, mission driven career opportunities.

The position requires travel up to 25% and can be based on the nearest UC campus to residence.

Key Responsibilities

• 25% The Sr. Category Manager, Professional Services - Employee Benefits will work independently as a Professional Services Strategic Sourcing team member under the direction of the Professional Services Category Director and Employee benefits leadership team to implement strategic sourcing opportunities and strategies that meet the needs of the University, leverage annual category spend in the range of approximately $3 billion and produce best-in-class supplier contracts and supplier relationships. Analyze available spend data, UC processes, stakeholder input, plan designs and external resources to identify new opportunities to drive UC Benefit by improving cost, increasing efficiencies, or creating additional value and to develop and maintain commodity strategies to meet University business needs and new opportunities. Develop and maintain category specific knowledge including presenting on leading practices and trends.
• 40% Develops and maintains collaborative working relationships with stakeholders in: Systemwide Human Resources, UC Health, Academic Senate, Retiree Working Groups, UC Legal, and procurement colleagues at UC locations. Establish and lead excellent teams to gather requirements and collect input/feedback as needed during the project. Project teams typically include 15-30 stakeholders throughout California with expertise in employer health & welfare benefit plans, plan types and designs, provider networks, member disruption analyses, financial structures, procurement, and legal disciplines. Work collaboratively with external consultants and subject matter experts when applicable. Working within a virtual team environment, use state of the art electronic systems to perform spend analytics, conduct on-line bidding events and contract creation. The sourcing initiative process includes RFI/RFQ/RFP development process, including data collection and analysis, market research, proposal/quote evaluation, negotiation (may require involvement of the COE Manager or Director of Strategic Sourcing), execution and support of a portfolio with diverse commodities. Ensure strategic sourcing agreements have favorable pricing, terms, conditions, rebates, etc. Coordinate the review of proposed contracts with respect to financial terms, usage restrictions and procedures, intellectual property rights, data security, HIPAA, services terms, University liability, sustainability goals, and conformance with University policies and applicable legal guidelines.
• 15% Present, communicate and promote UC agreements to optimize utilization, understanding and reduce costs. Work with stakeholders to understand and resolve problems with agreements or supplier performance. Manage the administration of system-wide strategic sourcing contracts from award through termination to ensure compliance. Identify challenges for systemwide human resources stakeholders and investigate continuous improvement opportunities. Identify internal and external risks that may impact the work of the COE. Utilizing experience in employee benefits procurement and building ownership, alongside UC client outreach, provide input into the development and execution of appropriate mitigation strategies to minimize risks. Manage information to support effective reporting.
• 10% Contribute to and often present department-wide initiatives to continuously improve, grow and develop strategic sourcing capabilities. Pursue the development of new personal skills and capabilities.
• 10% Collaborate with Campus and Systemwide HR leadership to create, manage and continuously improve on an Employee Benefits spend/portfolio plan. Advise on sourcing plan, policy, and standards interpretations and best practices. Execute on the spend portfolio plan to create a competitive advantage for the UC's Systemwide HR leadership.

Experience
Required Qualifications

• Min 8 years of experience in strategic sourcing, supply chain management, health insurance industry, public procurement or related experience such as Global 1000 enterprise sales or product management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Min 4 years of experience in sourcing Employee Benefits and Health Insurance Services and contract negotiations/management.

Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated high level of category expertise including leading negotiations. Experience in building and maintaining credibility as an expert with key stakeholders with a health & welfare benefits lens.
• Demonstrated experience working in a collaborative team environment. Demonstrated ability to lead through influence independent stakeholder teams through complex initiatives and multi-party negotiations. Ability to influence alignment on business objectives, promote best practices and exchange of information among technical and business collaborators. Demonstrated knowledge of and experience using various proven negotiation methods, and the ability to critically analyze a negotiation. Experience with cost modeling and related financial analyses, or experience in mathematical modeling of large data sets including operations research methodologies such as regression analysis or linear programming. Demonstrated knowledge in the development of opportunity assessments, category profiles, and strategic sourcing plans. Demonstrated ability to lead and advise cross-organization workgroups.
• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills, including the effective presentation of strategies and progress to clients, stakeholders and leadership. Advanced listening and communication skills, including the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner verbally and in writing. Strong leadership presence and demeanor. Demonstrated ability to facilitate focused and effective meetings both in-person and virtual. Very strong customer service and interpersonal skills and the ability to coordinate work with others, both internally and externally, to accomplish tasks.
• Demonstrated experience in use of Microsoft suite of productivity applications with a minimum of 3 years experience with preparing spreadsheets for analytical purposes. Demonstrated ability to analyze problems, identify and consider potential solutions, and make timely recommendations. Works with others to effectively address issues when they occur. Excellent organization skills, including meeting facilitation and decision making.
• Solid knowledge in health & welfare plans, plan types and designs, provider networks, member disruption analyses, and financial structures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated understanding of and ability to comply with a complex array of University policies and state and federal laws that govern procurement and health insurance contracting. Knowledge of the specific category field in higher education or other highly decentralized organizations, including suppliers, funding models, services, and industry trends.

Education
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Licenses and Certifications
Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Professional in Supply Chain Management or other industry recognized professional certification.

Travel Requirements
25% Travel to UC locations across California.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

This position is headquartered at the UC Office of the President, but the selected candidate may be located at any UC campus. (Note: Internal applicants will not need to relocate. External applicants will be considered for a campus nearest to them.)

The employee must reside within the state of California. Remote candidates willing to relocate to California may be considered.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Job Title
Strategic Sourcing Professional 4

Job Code
005917

Salary Grade
Grade 25

Payscale:
$135,000 - $165,000, commensurate with experience.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is October 16, 2024. The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California, Office of the President, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

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