Senior Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is a health insurance company committed to supporting the health and well-being of Kansans. The Senior Strategic Sourcing Specialist mentors sourcing team members, leads supplier selection and contract negotiations, manages supplier relationships, analyzes procurement data, and develops strategies to optimize cost, quality, compliance, and service.

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

What they're looking for:

• Applicants must reside in Kansas or Missouri or be willing to relocate as a condition of employment
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 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
• No travel
• 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

Benefits:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Paid maternity and paternity leave available immediately upon hire
• Ongoing training and development programs
• A flexible work environment
• Incentive pay program (EPIP)
• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• 6 weeks of paid parental leave for new mothers and fathers
• Fertility and adoption assistance
• 2 weeks of paid caregiver leave
• 401(k) plan matching up to 5%