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 Strategic Sourcing Specialist will play a key role in driving the efficient acquisition of goods and services across the organization, focusing on delivering the best value solutions. This position involves overseeing the entire sourcing lifecycle, from understanding business needs to conducting RF(x) events, negotiating & drafting contracts, and managing the source-to-pay process. The specialist will participate in supplier selection activities, including competitive bids, establishing contracts, and handling contract administration and reporting, working closely with requestors to develop specifications, prepare bid documents, and evaluate and select suppliers to ensure the best value solutions, while also ensuring adequate capacity, on-time delivery, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Additionally, the Strategic Sourcing Specialist will collaborate with business areas to manage and oversee all supplier contracts and relationships, ensuring compliance with both contractual and regulatory requirements. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and suppliers will be essential to develop sourcing strategies, optimize vendor relationships, and achieve key operational objectives. A strong focus on meeting deadlines, managing risks, and applying procurement best practices will be critical to delivering value and driving cost savings. Strong proactive communication, negotiation, adaptability, prioritization, and planning skills are essential to succeed in a dynamic, fast-paced, and highly visible environment. 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 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. 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 1 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 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 attenti