Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas

Strategic Sourcing Specialist responsible for sourcing lifecycle, supplier management, and cost-saving strategies at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas.

Posted 6/5/2026full-timeTopeka • Kansas, Montana • 🇺🇸 United StatesJunior💰 $73,920 - $92,400 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field, or a combination of relevant education and experience
A minimum of 1 (one) year of experience in procurement, vendor management, and/or supply chain management, with direct involvement in strategic sourcing management
Relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity, Certified Professional in Supply Management) preferred
Project management and process improvement experience preferred
Previous IT procurement experience highly desired
Experience identifying and implementing lean principles into workflows is a plus

Benefits

Comp & perks

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

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

sourcing strategiesRFx processcompetitive bidscontract negotiationprice analysisexpenditure forecastsprocurementvendor managementlean principlespurchase order administration

Soft Skills

business judgmentintegrityfinancial acumensourcing expertiserelationship managementcollaborationcommunicationleadershipstrategic thinkingproblem-solving

Certifications

Certified Professional in Supplier DiversityCertified Professional in Supply Management