Category Specialist II

Salary Range:  $60, Min.) - $75, Mid.) - $91, Max.)

Established in 1997, L.A. Care Health Plan is an independent public agency created by the state of California to provide health coverage to low-income Los Angeles County residents. We are the nation's largest publicly operated health plan. Serving more than 2 million members, we make sure our members get the right care at the right place at the right time.

Mission: L.A. Care's mission is to provide access to quality health care for Los Angeles County's vulnerable and low-income communities and residents and to support the safety net required to achieve that purpose.

 

Job Summary

The Category Specialist II supports the execution of L.A. Care's category management strategies by conducting spend analysis, preparing reports, and assisting in sourcing events across assigned categories. This position partners with stakeholders to track savings, review contracts and invoices for compliance, and maintain accurate vendor and spend data within procurement systems. The Specialist ensures policy compliance and provides the foundational insights needed for sourcing execution and category strategy.

Duties

Support category management activities by conducting spend analysis, supplier research, and market benchmarking to identify savings opportunities and rationalize vendors. (25%)

Develop and maintain detailed reports on spend and vendor performance, contract expirations, and cost savings by using source-to-pay systems and advanced Excel/Business Intelligence (BI) tools. (15%)

Assist in sourcing execution by preparing Request for x (RFx) documentation, consolidating supplier responses, conducting cost/price comparisons, and supporting contract negotiations. (20%)

Partner with internal stakeholders to collect requirements, track supplier performance, and ensure accurate application of purchase orders, invoices, and contracts. (10%)

Ensure compliance with procurement policies and procedures by supporting contract review, validation of supplier terms, and accurate application of Accounts Payable (A/P) documentation. (5%)

Contribute to strategic initiatives including vendor rationalization projects, supplier onboarding, and process automation within source-to-pay platforms. (10%)

Provide project and administrative support for sourcing events, supplier scorecards, and quarterly business reviews. (5%)

Perform other duties as assigned, including supporting special projects and process improvement initiatives. (10%)

Duties Continued
Education Required
Associate's Degree in Business or Related Field In lieu of degree, equivalent education and/or experience may be considered. Education Preferred
Experience

Required:

At least 2 years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, purchasing or contract management, analyzing data in a financial and legal context.

Ariba or similar experience with strong understanding of master data management.

Experience utilizing leading-edge analytics and research tools and technologies.

Preferred:

Experience in managing initial and ongoing Vendor Risk elements, including cyber.

Experience negotiating and managing supplier agreements for a wide variety of goods and services.

Skills

Required:

Familiar with procurement and sourcing concepts, practices, systems and procedures.

Quick and reliable learner with extreme attention to detail.

Highly organized multi-tasker with ability to independently spot issues and work through problems with minimal to no assistance.

Excellent verbal, written communication, analytical, organizational and presentation skills. 

 Familiarity with healthcare and legal terminology and methodology.

Ability to prepare amendments, contracts and basic legal documents from templates.

Proficient in Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel and Office.

Strong procurement skills to support vendor relationship management.

Licenses/Certifications Required
Licenses/Certifications Preferred
Required Training
Physical Requirements
Light Additional Information

Salary Range Disclaimer: The expected pay range is based on many factors such as geography, experience, education, and the market.  The range is subject to change.

L.A. Care offers a wide range of benefits including

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Retirement Plans
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Wellness Program
• Volunteer Time Off (VTO)

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