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Category Director- Cardiovascular

Vizient · Chicago, IL · $102,400–$179,000 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 5, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a category gap you identified and how you closed it.

What they are checking: Whether they proactively find opportunities to strengthen a portfolio rather than only renewing contracts.

Tell me about a time you helped members improve their cost performance in a device category.

What they are checking: Whether they can show measurable member impact from their contracting work.

How do you manage a large portfolio with many renewals and extensions happening at once?

What they are checking: Whether they stay organized and prioritize when contract timelines pile up.

What would you do

How would you work with Contract Managers on an RFP for interventional cardiology products?

What they are checking: Whether they can collaborate on RFP design, evaluation and award strategy.

A supplier threatens to walk away from a national agreement over pricing terms. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can hold firm on member value while keeping the relationship workable.

About the work

Walk me through how you would approach the renewal of a national GPO agreement for a cardiac rhythm management category.

What they are checking: Whether they understand the full GPO contracting cycle from strategy through implementation.

How do you build a negotiation strategy with a major cardiovascular device supplier that has strong physician loyalty?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that physician preference shapes leverage in CV device contracting.

What's driving cost and change in cardiovascular devices right now, such as in EP or interventional?

What they are checking: Whether they have real category expertise that members and suppliers will respect.

How do you present category insights to an audience of hospital supply chain leaders and cardiologists?

What they are checking: Whether they can tailor expertise for both clinical and financial audiences.

How do you use data to evaluate pricing competitiveness across a large portfolio of agreements?

What they are checking: Whether they can analyze contract and spend data to guide strategy.

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The full job description

As published by Vizient.

When you’re the best, we’re the best. We instill an environment where employees feel engaged, satisfied and able to contribute their unique skills and talents while living and working as their authentic selves . We provide extensive opportunities for personal and professional development, building both employee competence and organizational capability to fuel exceptional performance through an inclusive environment both now and in the future. Summary: In this role, you will serve as the category expert for an assigned Cardiovascular portfolio (e.g., Cardiac Rhythm Management, EP, Interventional, Cardiac Surgery, etc.) of products. You will manage a competitive contract portfolio by driving the strategy and development of the Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) National agreements to help Vizient clients elevate cost performance and achieve operational efficiency. Responsibilities: • Manage a large portfolio of Cardiovascular (CV) medical device agreements including new agreements, renewals and extensions. Collaborate with Vizient Contract Managers to develop a strategic approach to RFP development, negotiation plans, marketing strategies, and implementation of agreements. • Develop innovative strategies and leverage supplier relationships to drive growth, address category gaps and support contracting efforts. • Provide expertise to various audiences regarding Vizient Spend Management. • Develop effective relationships with Clients and suppliers to ensure satisfaction through effective, timely communication and problem resolution. • Create category-specific collateral to share insights, expertise, and best practices with internal and external stakeholders. • Lead supplier business reviews and strategic planning meetings for categories in the portfolio, with collaboration from Vizient leadership. Qualifications: • Relevant degree preferred. • 7 or more years of relevant experience required. • Expertise in CV category management to include BID process, contract, and RFP knowledge strongly preferred. • Strong CV supplier and client network • Excellent business and financial insight with ability to quantify challenges and suggest alternative actions. • Strategic sourcing or category management experience related to environmental services in a healthcare environment preferred. • Strong negotiation skills. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting to small and large audiences. • Willingness to travel. Estimated Hiring Range: At Vizient, we consider skills, experience, and organizational needs in our compensation approach. Geographic factors may adjust the range estimate and hires typically fall below the top range. Compensation decisions are tailored to individual circumstances. The current salary range for this role is $102,400.00 to $179,000.00. This position is also incentive eligible. Vizient has a comprehensive benefits plan! Please view our benefits here: http://www.vizientinc.com/about-us/careers Equal Opportunity Employer: Females/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The Company is committed to equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, gender identity, ethnicity, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status or any other category protected by applicable law.

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