Procurement Buyer II - Supplier Relations and Contract Negotiation

Western Governors University

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Sourcing Specialist II focused on supplier relations and contract negotiation, you will help WGU maximize value, manage risk, and ensure reliable delivery of the goods and services that keep the university running. You will lead sourcing events, negotiate favorable terms, and build strong partnerships with suppliers and internal stakeholders so teams across WGU can focus on serving students.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of current procurement or supply chain experience, or equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of this job.
Experience using modern procurement or sourcing SaaS solutions (for example: supplier management, RFx automation, contract lifecycle management, or purchasing systems).
Ability to analyze data and manage workflows within cloud‑based procurement tools.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of purchasing, including purchasing ethics, standards, and the competitive bidding process, as well as when to use POs versus contracts.
Strong understanding of key PO and contract terms and conditions and more complex cost/pricing analysis to support sound sourcing decisions.
Demonstrated negotiation and organizational skills, including the ability to negotiate business terms with suppliers such as price, delivery, quality, and payment terms.
Ability to learn new technologies quickly, administer purchasing systems, and adapt effectively to changing priorities and business needs.
Excellent decision making, attention to detail, and proficiency with Microsoft Office products to analyze data, prepare documentation, and communicate clearly.
Strong communication and relationship‑building skills with the ability to coordinate across departments (e.g., Finance, Legal, and business stakeholders) and with external suppliers.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing and managing SLAs, KPIs, and various sourcing strategies across multiple categories (such as materials, facilities, and services).
Demonstrated success leading moderate to complex sourcing projects and negotiations that delivered measurable cost savings and risk reduction.
Background in identifying purchasing and supply issues, surfacing them to leadership, and recommending improvements that enhance compliance, efficiency, or value.

Responsibilities

Evaluate new and existing supplier capabilities, including risk, quality, pricing, and delivery performance, to ensure they meet WGU standards.
Lead sourcing efforts and RFx activity: invite and receive bids, evaluate prices, discounts, and delivery conditions, and make award recommendations and selections.
Negotiate contracts, terms, SLAs, KPIs, and pricing with suppliers and service providers to secure the best combination of cost, quality, and service in your assigned categories.
Partner closely with Finance and Legal to review, negotiate, and implement contracts and statements of work for curriculum, materials, equipment, facilities, supplies, and services.
Review and process contract, bid, and purchase order requests; monitor purchase orders and contracts for conformance to company policies and resolve issues with POs, billing, and payments.
Maintain accurate records of contracts and orders, administer purchasing systems, and keep purchasing instructions, policies, and procedures current while educating employees to ensure compliance.
Monitor market conditions and trends, assist with forecasting and spend analysis, identify cost‑savings opportunities and adverse trends, and recommend process and policy improvements that reduce risk.