Product Specialist-(3287746) - Partners Healthcare System

Role Overview:

Under the direction of the Corporate Manager, Value Analysis, the Product Specialist serves as liaison to all MGB entities from Corporate Supply Chain Management. The position supports sound decision-making by appropriate groups and individuals by providing them with needed information, data, and analysis on the product selection process, service levels and practice issues they face. The Product Specialist will facilitate review and evaluation of products as well as identify opportunities to improve or maintain supply quality while reducing overall costs. This person will also be responsible for managing the process for medical surgical product backorders, recalls and device corrections for Mass General Brigham. This individual collaborates with MGB members to research and analyze product advances as well as market conditions. They support positive vendor relations, and performs other supply chain functions within Mass General Brigham.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Facilitate investigations of new or alternative products/ services based on observations, product issues, excessive costs, requests from user groups, suppliers, or as assigned by the Team Leader/Manager/Director of Supply Evaluation and Utilization.
• Utilize software application for the receipt of customer requests and communication to Mass General Brigham Contracts department and primary distributor.
• Implement product/service trials and evaluations with the goal of improving patient care as well as safety & comfort of clinical staff while decreasing expenditures through the selection of the most effective and economical quality products or services. This entails consultation with necessary personnel (e.g. physicians, nurses, infection control, biomedical engineering) coordination with vendors to promote education of the former regarding proper use of product, and guidance of supply chain resources in product trial and implementation logistics. Evaluation tools also developed, provided, collected and documented.
• Function as a liaison between Mass General Brigham Supply Chain and member institutions relative to vendor management.
  
• Determine the course of action for data collection and develops written summary/cost analysis and recommendations to assist decision-makers in determining strategies for products and supply selection and utilization activities. This would include collaboration with Mass General Brigham Supply Chain Analytics team to track financial impact of product/service selection.
  
• Demonstrate strong analytical skills to perform “what if” analysis and to address the numerous issues and scenarios involved in proposed programs and processes.
  
• Gather, research, analyze and present in an objective, non-biased “third party” manner.
  
• Promote product standardization by identifying opportunities for product improvements and cost reduction.
  
• Monitor marketplace conditions and industry events to ensure fellow staff and other members of Materials Management remain current on a continuous basis. This includes the identification, communication and assistance of backorders as well as resolutions.
  
• Prepare and present timely information based upon customer requests or anticipated needs.
  
• Build strong alliances with physicians, nurses, clinical staff, department heads, and others to effectively facilitate the product standardization, selection, utilization and contracting processes. Networking and teambuilding skills essential to accomplish goals and meet customer and team needs.
  
• Consult with colleagues throughout the Mass General Brigham system as well as externally to provide expert advice regarding products, contracting, marketplace conditions, and supply utilization activities.
  
• Oversee and assist facilities with managing the implementation of approved product/service conversions through collaboration with entity Materials Management departments, educational resources, suppliers and user groups as needed.
  
• Oversee and assist facilities with managing product issues with backorders, recalls and product quality issues.
  
• Participate in the process for investigation of new or alternative products/services based on observations, product issues, excessive costs, requests from user groups, suppliers, or as assigned by the Corporate Manager of Value Analysis, Supply Chain. Responsible for adhering to the Materials Value Analysis Team (MVAT) process for adding new products to the system.
  
• Work with Mass General Brigham Content Management Team to introduce new products into system and remove obsolete items.
  
• Determines department distribution contacts with new entity onboarding for proper dissemination of recalls, product notices, and product quality issues
  
• Gather necessary information and communication for Mass General Brigham contracts negotiation.
  
• Participates with any and all cost management activities and initiatives, when necessary.
  
• Support of Mass General Brigham initiatives and individual facility strategies without losing focus of specific stakeholder needs.
  
• Understands that all projects must contribute to the ongoing improvement of work processes, procedures, systems, quality and customer service.

Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor’s or equivalent of 5 years in a progressively responsible role in a diverse and operationally complex healthcare environment. Experience within Materials Management field is preferred.
  
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
  
• Requires analytical skills to make sound recommendations based on data analysis.

Skills/Abilities/Competencies:

• Function independently and is self-directed within scope of established hospital and departmental policies and goals.
  
• Possess solid communication and problem solving skills.
  
• Working knowledge of general medical, surgical and pharmaceutical supplies.
  
• Ability to analyze data and provide sound recommendations based on the analysis.
  
• Experience with supply chain processes and inventory management.
  
• Demonstrate ability to meet deadlines.
  
• Adapt well to a changing environment
• Ability to utilize multiple computer systems used in the role.

Mass General Brigham is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.