Senior Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas; Topeka (KS); Hybrid; USD 86,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision and dental insurance

6 weeks paid parental leave

Fertility/Adoption assistance

2 weeks paid caregiver leave

401(k) plan matching up to 5%

Tuition reimbursement

Health & fitness benefits

Job summary

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas seeks a Senior Sourcing Specialist to mentor strategic sourcing specialists and support procurement objectives. The role guides supplier selection, contract negotiations, and supplier relationships while ensuring cost savings and compliance.

You will analyze procurement data and collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize value, quality, and service. The position offers flexible work arrangements (remote, hybrid, or onsite) with residence in Kansas or

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in supply chain or related field preferred.
• Minimum 6 years' experience in procurement, vendor management, and/or supply chain management, with direct involvement in strategic sourcing management.
• Certification in supplier diversity or supply management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Mentor and coach entry- and mid-level sourcing team members.
• Develop and negotiate contracts to achieve the lowest total system cost and saving objectives.
• Analyze industry trends and evolving technology to identify issues, mitigate risk, and leverage opportunities.
• Lead the RFx process, including bid development, evaluation, supplier selection, and contract negotiation.
• Manage supplier relationships and develop partnerships.
• Create cost estimates and expenditure forecasts for procurement.
• Evaluate sourcing procedures and implement improvements.
• Drive strategic sourcing goals and outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with policies and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize value, quality, and service.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Contract negotiations

Supplier management

Vendor management

RFx process

Project management

Cost reduction

Cross-functional collaboration

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Contract lifecycle management tools

RFx tooling

Procurement software

Job description

Are you ready to make a difference? Choose to work for one of the most trusted companies in Kansas.You Belong At Blue

Why Join Us?

Make a Positive Impact: Your work will directly contribute to the health and well-being of Kansans.

Family Comes First: Total rewards package that promotes the idea of family first for all employees.

Paid vacation and sick leave with paid maternity and paternity available immediately upon hire.

Professional Growth Opportunities: Advance your career with ongoing training and development programs.

Dynamic Work Environment: Collaborate with a team of passionate and driven individuals in a work environment that promotes flexibility.

Trust and Stability: Work for one of the most trusted companies in Kansas with over 80 years of commitment, compassion and community.

Inclusive Work Environment: We pride ourselves on fostering a workplace where everyone is valued and respected.

Benefits & Perks

• Base compensation is only one component of your competitive Total Rewards package
• 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
• 401(k) plan matching up to 5%
• Tuition reimbursement
• Health & fitness benefits, discounts and resources

Job Summary

The Senior Sourcing Specialist is an experienced professional responsible for mentoring strategic sourcing specialists and supporting strategic sourcing and procurement objectives and will report to the Manager, Strategic Sourcing and Procurement. This role leverages advanced expertise in procurement processes, supplier management, and contract negotiations to guide the team in executing sourcing strategies effectively. The Senior Sourcing Specialist actively contributes to supplier selection, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management, ensuring SPVM at BCBSKS is the preferred partner for internal and external business partners. Additionally, this role analyzes procurement data, identifies cost‑saving opportunities, ensures compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements, and collaborates with cross‑functional teams to develop sourcing strategies that optimize value, quality, and service from suppliers.

Work Location

This position is eligible to work remotely, 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.

What you’ll do

• Mentor and coach entry- and mid-level sourcing team members, promoting continuous learning and skills development.
• Develop and negotiate contracts with new suppliers and/or renegotiate existing contracts to accomplish the lowest total system cost and saving objectives.
• Analyze industry trends and evolving technology to proactively identify issues, mitigate supplier and contractual risk, protect the continuity of supply, and leverage emerging opportunities.
• Optimize external spending through early involvement in the sourcing life cycle developed through a strong partnership with business stakeholders.
• Responsible for maintaining strategic sourcing relationships and developing strong partnerships.
• Responsible for creating cost estimates and expenditure forecasts related to procurement.
• Evaluate sourcing procedures, present improvement strategies to leadership, and implement innovative solutions.
• Play a key role in the success of the strategic sourcing management goals and implement action items to ensure those goals are achieved.
• Lead the RFx process, including bid development, proposal evaluation, supplier selection, and contract negotiation to ensure efficient and cost-effective sourcing strategies.
• Evaluate sourcing strategies, cost structures, and associated business risks, proposing and implementing improvements to drive long‑term value, efficiency, and informed decision‑making.
• Demonstrate strong business judgement, integrity, financial acumen, and project management skills.
• Have experience in negotiating complex contracts/agreements, vendor management skills and demonstrated expertise within key areas, such as IT services (professional services/labor), IT infrastructure, IT, and enterprise applications, and/or indirect spend.
• Manage all aspects of purchase order administration, submitting notices & change orders, new supplier onboarding, and closing out contracts.

What you’ll need

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in supply chain management, Operations Management, Business, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field preferred
• In lieu of degree, an additional 3 years of relevant experience required
• Minimum 6 years' experience in procurement, vendor management, and/or supply chain management, with direct involvement in strategic sourcing management required
• Previous experience in project management and process improvement preferred
• Previous experience with IT procurement preferred
• Previous experience identifying and implementing lean principles into workflows preferred

Licenses and Certifications

• Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity preferred
• Certified Professional in Supply Management preferred

Travel

No travel

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Advanced experience leading end-to-end RF(x) processes, including development, evaluation, and strategic selection decisions.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple complex projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to collaborate and positively influence key stakeholders at all levels to drive successful outcomes.
• Skilled in building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Advanced in information navigation, research, critical thinking, and presenting findings in a clear and actionable manner.
• Digital dexterity to quickly adapt to new technologies, tools, and platforms to enhance efficiency.
• In‑depth knowledge of Supplier, Procurement, Vendor, and Management (SPVM) protocols, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Ability to read, interpret, and negotiate legal contracting language, including redlining terms and conditions.
• Advanced knowledge of sourcing and procurement tools and protocols, including contract lifecycle management tools.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to work independently and lead projects in a cross‑functional team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze data, draw conclusions, and use insights for decision‑making.

Compensation

Compensation$85,600 - $107,000Exempt 16Blue 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.

Our Commitment to Connection and Belonging

At 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.