Category Specialist II

Category Specialist II The Category Specialist II participates in 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. Conduct spend analysis, supplier research, and market benchmarking to identify savings opportunities and rationalize vendors. 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. Prepare Request for x (RFx) documentation, consolidating supplier responses, conducting cost/price comparisons, and produce analysis and reports for contract negotiations. Partner with internal stakeholders to collect requirements, track supplier performance, and ensure accurate application of purchase orders, invoices, and contracts. Ensure compliance with procurement policies and procedures by supporting contract review, validation of supplier terms, and accurate application of Accounts Payable (A/P) documentation. Contribute to strategic initiatives including vendor rationalization projects, supplier onboarding, and process automation within source-to-pay platforms. Provide project and analysis work for sourcing events, review supplier scorecards, and conduct quarterly business reviews. Participate in special projects and process improvement initiatives. Perform other duties as assigned. Associate's Degree in Business or Related Field. In lieu of degree, equivalent education and/or experience may be considered. Required: At least 4 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. 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. Light

Created: 2026-03-10