Senior Strategic Sourcing Specialist

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 Education 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 Experience 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 platform