Strategic Sourcing Specialist at Blue Cross… · Topeka

Summary: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is looking to add to their Strategic Sourcing and Procurement team with an opportunity for a Strategic Sourcing Specialist. This role is essential for overseeing the sourcing lifecycle, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance with contracts while driving cost savings and value solutions. Responsibilities: - Generate 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 Required Qualifications: - Bachelor'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 - Skilled 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 Preferred Qualifications: - Relevant 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 Required Skills: Strategic sourcing, Contract negotiation, Vendor management Important Skills: RFx events, Data analysis Nice-to-Have Skills: Project management, Communication skills, Collaboration, Adaptability, Attention to detail, Problem-solving Benefits: Incentive pay program (EPIP), Health/Vision/Dental insurance, 6 weeks paid parental leave for new mothers and fathers, Fertility/Adoption assistance, 2 weeks paid caregiver leave, 5% 401(k) plan matching, Tuition reimbursement, Health & fitness benefits, discounts and resources