Category Analyst

The Category Analyst is a key member of the Quest Diagnostics’ Diagnostics, Products and Services Portfolio teams focused on leveraging Quest’ spend; delivering operational savings; and maintaining effective relationships, both internally and externally. The Category Analyst will analyze spend categories, conduct sourcing projects, negotiate pricing, and manage supplier relationships. In addition, the individual in this role will perform day-to-day required contract maintenance activity and requisite purchasing system updates. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Perform spend analysis for assigned portfolios and categories to identify and monitor trends, and explore opportunities for supplier consolidation. 
• Work closely, as a team member, with Category Managers, Category Specialists, and Stakeholders, on higher dollar strategic sourcing’ initiatives.
• Lead lower dollar sourcing projects, including negotiation of pricing and contract’ terms and conditions.
• Effectively utilize sourcing procurement’ tool set including Power BI and PeopleSoft modules for reporting, and conduct spend analytics and manage project execution.
• Drive spend to preferred suppliers and improve standardization of key goods and services. 
• Build relationships with Quest end-users and supplier leadership to quickly resolve performance issues and implementation of corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain a broad understanding of assigned categories and technologies.
• Develop strategy, plans, and execute projects to deliver upon assigned savings’ targets. 
• Drive Cost savings and cost avoidance projects to meet targets 
• Client management of small accounts                 
• Manage supplier arrangements, including but not limited to:
  • Coordinating resolution of escalated PO price changes, including supplier negotiations of pricing and credits,
  • Coordinating system updates and approval of item pricing in PeopleSoft system,
  • Coordinating review and approval of new item pricing,
  • Amending agreements to reflect required item and price changes.
• Support new acquisition and Co-Lab activity including item matching, new item set-up, price quotes and pricing negotiation.
• Prepare data for RFP/RFQ/RFI for the team.
• Any other duties to support the Portfolio group, as assigned.

Skills and Capabilities

• Office 365 proficiency, including Outlook, Excel, Power Point, and Word

• PeopleSoft or other ERP experience preferred

• Analytical ability including strong excel data analytic skills

• Negotiation skills

• Knowledge of assigned areas (or demonstrated ability to acquire that knowledge)

• Business acumen

• Ability to set high standards and achieve them

• Influencing skills

• Ability to travel 15%

• Analyze supplier performance via scorecards

Education and Experience

• BA/BS in business, economics or a scientific discipline, or the equivalent in education and experience. Advanced degree (MBA/MS) helpful.

• At least 3 years’ experience in selection, implementation and management of supplier contracts, with demonstrated results (cost, quality, service improvement).  Experience in managing complex, multi-functional projects. 

• Healthcare or Diagnostics’ industry experience highly desirable.

Physical & Mental Requirements

• Excellent judgement and decision making 
• Diligent and goal oriented 
• Agility to perform in a dynamic and team-oriented environment
• Ability to structure and solve problems
• Effective verbal and written communication