Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Strategic Sourcing SpecialistBlue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is looking to add to our Strategic Sourcing and Procurement team and has an opportunity for a Strategic Sourcing Specialist. This position will play a key role in driving the efficient acquisition of goods and services across the organization, focusing on delivering the best value solutions. This position involves overseeing the entire sourcing lifecycle, from understanding business needs to conducting RF(x) events, negotiating & drafting contracts, and managing the source-to-pay process. The specialist will participate in supplier selection activities, including competitive bids, establishing contracts, and handling contract administration and reporting. The ideal candidate will work closely with requestors to develop specifications, prepare bid documents, and evaluate and select suppliers to ensure the best value solutions, while also ensuring adequate capacity, on-time delivery, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Additionally, the Procurement Specialist will collaborate with business areas to manage and oversee all supplier contracts and relationships, ensuring compliance with both contractual and regulatory requirements. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and suppliers will be essential to develop sourcing strategies, optimize vendor relationships, and achieve key operational objectives. A strong focus on meeting deadlines, managing risks, and applying procurement best practices will be critical to delivering value and driving cost savings. Strong proactive communication, negotiation, adaptability, prioritization, and planning skills are essential to succeed in a dynamic, fast-paced, and highly visible environment.This position is eligible to work hybrid or onsite in accordance with our Telecommuting Policy. Applicants must reside in Kansas or Missouri or be willing to relocate as a condition of employment.Are you ready to make a difference? Choose to work for one of the most trusted companies in Kansas.Why Join Us?Family Comes First: Total rewards package that promotes the idea of family first for all employees.Professional Growth Opportunities: Advance your career with ongoing training and development programs.Trust: Work for one of the most trusted companies in KansasStability: 80 years of commitment, compassion and communityBalance: Paid vacation and sick leave with paid maternity and paternity available immediately upon hire$73,920 - $92,400 Exempt Grade 15Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas offers excellent competitive compensation with the goal of retaining and growing talented team members. The compensation range for this role is a good faith estimate, it is estimated based on what a successful candidate might be paid. All offers presented to candidates are carefully reviewed to ensure fair, equitable pay by offering competitive wages that align with the individual's skills, education, experience, and training. The range may vary above or below the stated amounts.What You'll DoGenerate and implement efficient sourcing strategies through the RFx process.Prepare and manage competitive bids (RFQ, RFP, etc.), including document preparation, proposal review, price analysis, negotiation of price and contract terms, scope review, and recommending selected bidders.Develop and negotiate contracts with new suppliers and renegotiate existing contracts to achieve the best value solutions and savings objectives.Maintain strategic sourcing relationships and foster the development of strong supplier partnerships.Generate total value estimates and expenditure forecasts related to procurement.Evaluate and streamline sourcing procedures, present improvement strategies to leadership, and implement solutions for continuous enhancement.Drive the success of strategic sourcing goals and implement action items to ensure those objectives are met.Develop strategies to improve the organization's cost structure.Optimize external spending through early involvement in the sourcing lifecycle and collaboration with business stakeholders.Demonstrate strong business judgment, integrity, financial acumen, and sourcing expertise.Negotiate contracts and manage vendor relationships, focusing on key areas such as IT services, IT infrastructure, and indirect spend.Evaluate supplier core competencies and competitive positioning, working with cross-functional stakeholders to reach agreements on contract terms and conditions.Analyze industry trends and emerging technologies to proactively identify risks and opportunities, minimizing supply chain disruptions and ensuring continuity of supply.Manage all aspects of purchase order administration, including submitting notices, change orders, new supplier onboarding, and closing out contracts.What You NeedBachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field, or a combination of relevant education and experience.A minimum of 1 (one) year of experience in procurement, vendor management, and/or supply chain management, with direct involvement in strategic sourcing management.Knowledge/Skills/AbilitiesSkilled in conducting RFx events (RFPs, RFQs, RFIs), including preparation, supplier evaluation, and selection.Able to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.Proven ability to collaborate and influence stakeholders at all levels to drive successful outcomes.Skilled in building and maintaining effective relationships with internal teams, suppliers, and vendors.Proficient in researching, analyzing data, and presenting findings clearly for decision-making.Quick to adapt to new technologies and tools, improving procurement efficiency.Strong understanding of procurement policies, procedures, and supplier management to ensure compliance.Capable of interpreting and negotiating contract terms, including redlining to protect the organization's interests.Experienced with sourcing and procurement tools, including contract lifecycle management systems.Strong negotiation skills and ability to resolve conflicts for mutually beneficial outcomes.Able to lead projects independently and in cross-functional teams to ensure success.Excellent written and verbal communication for effective supplier and team engagement.Ability to analyze data and use insights to make informed decisions that support organizational goals.Bonus If You HaveRelevant certifications (e.g., Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity, Certified Professional in Supply Management) preferred.Project management and process improvement experience preferred.Previous IT procurement experience highly desired.Experience identifying and implementing lean principles into workflows is a plus.Benefits & PerksBase compensation is only one component of your competitive Total Rewards package Incentive pay program (EPIP)Health/Vision/Dental insurance6 weeks paid parental leave for new mothers and fathersFertility/Adoption assistance2 weeks paid caregiver leave5% 401(k) plan matchingTuition reimbursementHealth & fitness benefits, discounts and resourcesOur Commitment to Connection and BelongingAt Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, we are committed to fostering a culture of connection and belonging, where mutual respect is at the foundation of our workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, belief, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military or veteran status, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas conducts pre-employment drug screening, criminal conviction check, employment verifications and education as part of a conditional offer of employment.