Supply Chain Specialist Senior - Sterile Processing

Be the Supply Chain Partner Behind Exceptional Patient Care at UVA

At UVA Health, reliable access to supplies is essential to keeping clinical teams focused on what matters most—providing exceptional patient care. As a Senior Supply Chain Specialist, you will serve as a dedicated supply chain partner embedded within an assigned department, developing a deep understanding of its unique operational needs and ensuring the right products are available when and where they are needed.

This role combines supply chain expertise, relationship management, inventory optimization, problem-solving, and proactive planning. You will work closely with departmental leaders, Supply Chain, and Value Management to anticipate needs, prevent supply disruptions, identify alternatives, and improve the overall efficiency of the department's supply operations.

Position Summary

The Senior Supply Chain Specialist is dedicated to an assigned clinical or operational department and reports to Supply Chain while maintaining a significant collaborative relationship with the department's leadership. This embedded model allows the Specialist to become highly knowledgeable about the department's workflows, patient care needs, supply utilization, and operational priorities.

The Senior Specialist serves as the primary supply chain resource for the assigned department, managing inventory, purchasing, receiving, backorders, product substitutions, and new product requests. The role proactively identifies supply risks and partners with department leaders, Supply Chain, and Value Management to develop solutions that support operational continuity and patient care.

What You'll Do

Embedded Department Partnership

• Serve as the dedicated Supply Chain resource for an assigned department.

• Develop a strong understanding of departmental workflows, supply utilization, operational priorities, and patient care needs.

• Participate in departmental huddles and meet regularly with department leadership to proactively address supply chain needs.

• Maintain strong communication between departmental leaders, Supply Chain, Value Management, and other key partners.

• Provide exceptional customer service and build trusted relationships with clinical and operational teams.

Inventory & Supply Management

• Establish and maintain appropriate inventory PAR levels, reorder points (ROP), and reorder quantities (ROQ) for departmental supply locations.

• Monitor inventory levels and proactively identify opportunities to improve availability, efficiency, and inventory utilization.

• Order and receive stock, non-stock, and special-order items based on departmental needs.

• Ensure supplies are available in the appropriate quantities and locations to support daily operations.

• Monitor inventory activity and make recommendations based on utilization patterns and changing departmental needs.

Supply Continuity & Problem Solving

• Review backorder reports daily and proactively identify products that may create potential supply disruptions.

• Communicate anticipated shortages or product outages to Supply Chain and departmental leadership.

• Partner with Supply Chain, Value Management, vendors, and departmental leaders to identify appropriate substitute products when necessary.

• Escalate supply concerns that could impact patient care or departmental operations and actively participate in developing solutions.

• Support the department through product recalls, shortages, substitutions, and other supply-related challenges.

Product & Value Management

• Partner with departmental leadership and Value Management on new product requests and evaluations.

• Assist with identifying opportunities to standardize products, improve utilization, and achieve cost-effective outcomes.

• Provide departmental insight and supply utilization information to support value analysis and purchasing decisions.

Leadership & Operational Excellence

• Serve as a subject matter resource for supply chain processes within the assigned department.

• Train and maintain a designated backup team member to ensure continuity of supply chain operations during planned or unplanned absences.

• Identify opportunities to improve supply chain processes, workflows, and inventory management practices.

• Participate in special projects and department-specific initiatives.

• Maintain current knowledge of Supply Chain policies, procedures, systems, and best practices.

• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned within the assigned department.

Why UVA Health?

UVA Health is a nationally recognized academic health system committed to excellence in patient care, education, research, and innovation. Our Supply Chain teams play an essential behind-the-scenes role in supporting clinicians and ensuring patients receive the care they need.

As a Senior Supply Chain Specialist, you'll have the opportunity to build meaningful partnerships with clinical and operational leaders while directly contributing to efficient, reliable, and patient-focused healthcare operations.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is:

• Proactive – Anticipates supply needs and addresses potential disruptions before they affect operations.

• Analytical – Uses inventory data, utilization trends, and reporting to make informed decisions.

• Collaborative – Builds strong partnerships across Supply Chain, clinical departments, and Value Management.

• Customer-Focused – Provides responsive, professional service and understands the needs of the department being supported.

• Solutions-Oriented – Effectively navigates shortages, backorders, substitutions, and changing operational needs.

• Organized – Effectively manages competing priorities while maintaining inventory accuracy and supply continuity.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: High School Graduate or equivalent required. Associate’s Degree preferred

Experience: 4 years relevant experience

Licensure: None required

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Job requires sitting/standing/walking for prolonged periods, repetitive motion, computer tasks. Proficient communicative, auditory, and visual skills. Attention to detail and ability to read and write legibly. Ability to lift/push/pull up to 30 lbs. (up to >100lbs on rolling carts). May be exposed to outdoor climates

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Paid Time Off, Long-term and Short-term Disability, Retirement Savings

• Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts

• Certification and education support

• Generous Paid Time Off

UVA Health is a world-class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” guide rates UVA Health University Medical Center as “High Performing” in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children’s is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.