Supplier Engagement Specialist

Hackensack Meridian Health•Iselin, NJ

2d•Remote

About The Position

The Supplier Engagement Specialist is a key driver of our procurement strategy, responsible for fostering positive and productive relationships with our supplier base. This role acts as a central point of contact, managing the supplier lifecycle from initial sourcing and onboarding to performance analysis and continuous improvement initiatives. The Specialist will champion our strategic focus on expanding our network of certified Small, Sustainable, local, and USA-made businesses. Utilize technology to enhance engagement and efficiency. Reporting to the Supplier Relationship Manager, this individual combines analytical rigor with strong interpersonal skills to ensure our supply chain is reliable, compliant, and innovative.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree.
Demonstrated Analytical Reporting skills (i.e. Financial, Product Usage, and Operational).
Knowledge of Purchasing Policies and Procedures.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively across business levels and experience in leading meetings.
Organizational and analytical skills to plan, prioritize, evaluate, and solve highly complex problems and challenges quickly and accurately in an environment with multiple and shifting priorities.
Self-starter with the ability to work effectively with remote teams and a diverse workforce.
Must have the ability to work independently and prioritize work assignments.
Experience building strong relationships with internal business partners and working with multiple business partners in a collaborative and team-oriented manner.
Adhere to rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of the HMHN.
Ability to learn numerous business portals.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficient computer skills including but not limited to Microsoft Office and Google Suite platforms.

Nice To Haves

Preferred minimum of 2 years of Experience with Supplier Sourcing, Purchasing, and Supplier Engagement.
High motivation and results-oriented work ethic.
Experience and knowledge of database principles and system architecture.
Knowledge of Supplier i.o.
Ability to Analyze People Soft, Supplier Engagement Supplier i.o.

Responsibilities

Assist in sourcing and identifying potential suppliers by conducting market research, with a focus on certified Small, Sustainable, Local, and USA-made businesses.
Process, screen, and coordinate the evaluation of all incoming requests for new vendor qualifications, while actively identifying opportunities to introduce certified Small, Sustainable, Local, and USA-made businesses.
Support the onboarding process by gathering necessary documentation, setting up new certified Small, Sustainable, Local, and USA-made businesses in the ERP system, and ensuring payment and freight terms are accurately recorded.
Serve as a key point of contact for internal teams (Compliance, Risk, AP, Administration) to facilitate the smooth qualification and onboarding of certified Small, Sustainable, Local, and USA-made businesses.
Track, compile, and analyze data on supplier Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including on-time delivery, backorder rates, price alignment, and match exceptions.
Prepare materials, reports, and data for formal supplier performance reviews and assist the manager in tracking follow-up actions.
Act as the first point of contact for routine supplier communications and inquiries, escalating complex issues such as credit holds and disputes according to established procedures.
Support continuous improvement initiatives by tracking supplier progress and documenting outcomes.
Monitor supplier profiles and conduct routine checks to ensure ongoing compliance with Network policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical standards.
Assist in executing risk mitigation strategies by maintaining accurate records and supporting contingency planning efforts.
Perform daily administration of the ERP system's supplier module, including managing workflows, updating records, and ensuring data integrity.
Extract, analyze, and format data to create supplier performance reports, dashboards, and presentations for stakeholders with the ability to extract reports on certified Small, Sustainable, Local, and USA-made businesses.
Manage all application submissions and maintain certification documentation for our supplier program, with a focus on Small, Sustainable, Local, and USA-made businesses.
Execute system updates related to the supplier portal, including posting announcements and RFP opportunities as directed.
Update and maintain content on the supplier information webpage to ensure it remains current and accurate for our partners.
Perform annual Supplier Engagement Performance Reviews.
Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.