Remote Strategic Sourcing Specialist: Drive Cost Savings

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas, Inc.; Kansas; On-site; USD 74,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision/Dental insurance

6 weeks paid parental leave

Fertility/Adoption assistance

401(k) plan matching up to 5%

Tuition reimbursement

Health & fitness benefits, discounts

Job summary

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas seeks a Strategic Sourcing Specialist to drive efficient procurement across the organization, overseeing RFx events, bid management, and supplier contract administration. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, develop sourcing strategies, and lead supplier negotiations to optimize value and continuity of supply.

The role emphasizes timely delivery, risk management, and adherence to procurement best practices in a dynamic, visible environment.

Qualifications

• Skilled in conducting RFx events (RFPs, RFQs, RFIs) including preparation, supplier evaluation and selection.
• Able to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines with 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.

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 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 notices, change orders, new supplier onboarding, and closing out contracts.

Skills

RFx events

Stakeholder collaboration

Data analysis

Negotiation

Vendor relations

Project management

Procurement policies

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

In lieu of degree, +3 years experience

Tools

Contract lifecycle management

Sourcing software/ERP systems

Job description

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas seeks a Strategic Sourcing Specialist to drive efficient procurement across the organization, overseeing RFx events, bid management, and supplier contract administration. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, develop sourcing strategies, and lead supplier negotiations to optimize value and continuity of supply.

The role emphasizes timely delivery, risk management, and adherence to procurement best practices in a dynamic, visible environment.