Senior Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas

. Mentor and coach entry- and mid-level sourcing team members .

Posted 9/17/2026full-timeKansas • United StatesSenior💰 $85,600 - $107,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in strategic sourcing management, vendor management, and procurement processes, with a strong focus on contract negotiation and cost optimization. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and implement innovative solutions to enhance supplier relationships and achieve organizational goals.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic Sourcing ManagementContract NegotiationVendor ManagementProject ManagementData Analysis

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

ProcurementCost EstimationRFx Process ManagementLean Principles ImplementationContract Lifecycle Management

Soft Skills

CollaborationNegotiationConflict ResolutionCommunicationCritical Thinking

Tools & Technologies

Sourcing ToolsProcurement ToolsContract Management Software

Certifications & Qualifications

Certified Professional in Supplier DiversityCertified Professional in Supply Management

Industry Keywords

Supply Chain ManagementVendor RelationshipsIT ProcurementExpenditure ForecastingCompliance

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Mentor and coach entry- and mid-level sourcing team members
Develop and negotiate contracts with new suppliers and renegotiate existing contracts to achieve lowest total system cost and savings objectives
Analyze industry trends and evolving technology to identify issues, mitigate supplier and contractual risk, protect continuity of supply, and leverage emerging opportunities
Optimize external spending through early involvement in the sourcing lifecycle and partnership with business stakeholders
Maintain strategic sourcing relationships and develop strong partnerships
Create cost estimates and expenditure forecasts related to procurement
Evaluate sourcing procedures, present improvement strategies to leadership, and implement innovative solutions
Support strategic sourcing management goals and implement action items to achieve them
Lead the RFx process, including bid development, proposal evaluation, supplier selection, and contract negotiation
Evaluate sourcing strategies, cost structures, and business risks; propose and implement improvements for long-term value and efficiency
Manage complex contracts and agreements, vendor relationships, and sourcing areas including IT services, IT infrastructure, enterprise applications, and/or indirect spend
Manage purchase order administration, notices and change orders, new supplier onboarding, and contract closeout
Report to the Manager, Strategic Sourcing and Procurement
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop sourcing strategies that optimize supplier value, quality, and service
Analyze procurement data, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements

Requirements

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
Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity preferred
Certified Professional in Supply Management preferred
Advanced experience leading end-to-end RF(x) processes, including development, evaluation, and strategic selection decisions
Strong project management skills
Ability to handle multiple complex projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines
Proven ability to collaborate and positively influence key stakeholders at all levels
Skilled in building and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders
Advanced information navigation, research, critical thinking, and presentation skills
Ability to adapt quickly to new technologies, tools, and platforms
In-depth knowledge of Supplier, Procurement, Vendor, and Management (SPVM) protocols, policies, and procedures
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
Must reside in Kansas or Missouri, or be willing to relocate as a condition of employment
Must complete pre-employment drug screening, criminal conviction check, employment verifications, and education verification as part of a conditional offer

Benefits

Comp & perks

Paid vacation and sick leave
Paid maternity and paternity leave available immediately upon hire
Incentive pay program (EPIP)
Health, vision, and 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 and fitness benefits, discounts, and resources
Ongoing training and development programs
Flexible work environment
Remote, hybrid, or onsite work eligibility in accordance with the Telecommuting Policy