Director of Purchasing

Job Summary
The Director of Purchasing provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for LSU Health Shreveport’s system-wide Materials Management functions, including Purchasing, Warehouse and Receiving, and Distribution. This role directs all procurement, contract negotiation, production planning, warehousing, and distribution activities to ensure cost-effective, compliant, and service-oriented supply chain operations. The Director serves as the Chief Procurement Officer (per LA RS 39:1556) for purchases exceeding delegated authority and plays a key role in enterprise-wide vendor management, process improvement, and resource stewardship.

Regular attendance is required to perform the functions of this position. The incumbent will maintain a customer-oriented awareness, acknowledging and responding to customer needs as they occur, ensuring that customer satisfaction is met at all times.

Duties

Essential Position Functions & Duties

Strategic Leadership & Administration – 35%

Develops and implements the strategic plan for purchasing and materials management, aligning with institutional goals, fiscal responsibility, and operational excellence.

Leads policy and procedure development, ensuring compliance with state procurement laws, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.

Oversees department budgets, including capital equipment, operating expenses, and staffing, with accountability for profit and loss performance.

Establishes metrics and key performance indicators to measure effectiveness, efficiency, and customer satisfaction across supply chain functions.

Builds strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to advance procurement innovation and cost reduction.

Oversees all human resource functions for the department, including recruitment, performance management, succession planning, and professional development.

Procurement & Contract Management – 25%

Directs procurement strategies, vendor negotiations, and contract execution to optimize pricing, quality, and service delivery.

Leads efforts in group purchasing and shared service agreements to achieve economies of scale.

Oversees vendor standardization processes to ensure alignment with institutional needs and fiscal objectives.

Serves as final escalation authority for procurement disputes, exceptions, and high-value contract decisions.

Materials Management & Logistics – 25%

Coordinates materials management functions across all departments, ensuring timely, accurate, and cost-efficient delivery of supplies and services.

Implements inventory control systems that minimize waste, prevent stockouts, and maintain appropriate supply levels.
Oversees product distribution strategies to improve workflow efficiency and reduce costs.

Directs initiatives to improve supply chain technology utilization, data integrity, and reporting accuracy.

Compliance & Risk Management – 10%

Ensures purchasing operations adhere to federal, state, and institutional procurement requirements.

Maintains ethical standards in all vendor relationships and purchasing activities.

Establishes internal controls to mitigate financial, operational, and compliance risks.

Other Duties – 5%

Performs additional related responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of LSU Health Shreveport

Experience

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Healthcare Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline.

Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in healthcare materials management, including demonstrated leadership in purchasing, supply chain operations, and inventory management.

At least 10 years of management experience with proven ability to lead large, diverse teams.

Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, operational efficiency, vendor negotiations, and cost-containment initiatives.

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all organizational levels.

Strong leadership, change management, and organizational development skills.

Proven ability to foster cross-departmental collaboration and drive results in a complex, multi-campus environment.

The ideal candidate will possess:

Master of Business Administration (MBA) or related advanced degree.

Proven record of developing and executing strategic direction and vision for purchasing and materials management functions.

Experience leading vendor standardization and contract compliance initiatives while maintaining clinician and end-user satisfaction.

Ability to cultivate and maintain strong supply chain relationships with clinical, academic, and administrative partners.

Familiarity with Louisiana procurement laws, regulations, and state reporting requirements.

PSN/PER Number: PSN/00027650 PER 1629

Salary Range: $85,000.00-$120,000.00

Primary Location: Shreveport, LA

The LSU Systems Office has provided LSU Health-Shreveport employees with excellent benefit options designed with you and your dependents in mind. Our Benefits Section is available between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, to help answer any questions you might have about these benefits.

• Salary is commensurate with experience and training
• Generous Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Optional Retirement Plan
• LSU Health is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person