Senior Procurement Sourcing Associate (Hybrid)

CareFirst•Baltimore, MD

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Procurement Sourcing Associate executes medium- to complex-level sourcing projects from start to finish. The role rationalizes the supply base through strategic sourcing, leads cross-functional teams to achieve optimal total cost of ownership, identifies company-wide cost-saving opportunities, supports supply requirements, and conducts spend analysis for assigned categories. The associate provides sourcing services—including RFx processes, reverse auctions, and negotiations—and manages 5–12 projects simultaneously with limited guidance or independently. The position develops and executes category sourcing strategies in partnership with stakeholders and customer groups. It conducts market, benchmark, and spend analyses; supports budget-aligned savings and expenditure controls; and helps develop supplier programs, including supplier diversity, local economic development, and green sustainability programs. The associate also works with business units and Legal on contracts and service-level agreements, supports supplier performance measurement, and helps establish technology-enabled buying channels. This position has no direct reports, but may guide and mentor less experienced staff and lead matrixed teams. CareFirst offers a comprehensive benefits package, incentive programs, and 401(k) contribution programs, subject to eligibility requirements. The associate must be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field, or an additional four years of relevant work experience in lieu of the degree.
Five years of strategic sourcing experience.
Ability to work with cross-functional teams.
Ability to negotiate internally and externally, achieve objectives, and execute and implement contracts.
Strong customer focus and ability to drive change.
Knowledge of sourcing systems; e-sourcing technology is preferred.
Ability to extract data and summarize key elements.
Knowledge of contract law and government policies and regulations for the food and drug industry.
Strong meeting management and facilitation skills; self-motivation.
Effective presentation and analytical skills to interface with multiple levels of management.
Ability to meet deadlines and handle multiple internal and external customer service demands within service expectations.
Ability to communicate effectively and provide positive customer service, including to demanding or challenging customers.
Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) certification.
Ability to track technology trends.
Knowledge of the FAR.
Knowledge of Ariba or similar procurement automation tools.
Demonstrated success leading project teams to achieve quantifiable savings through sourcing methods.

Responsibilities

Provide sourcing services, including RFx, reverse auctions, and negotiations, while managing 5–12 projects simultaneously.
Lead formal sourcing processes, including stakeholder engagement, RFPs, and contract negotiations.
Assist in developing category sourcing strategies and lead cross-functional teams in executing them.
Partner with customer groups to establish specifications for assigned commodity categories.
Perform market, benchmark, and spend analyses for assigned categories.
Help ensure realized savings align with departmental and customer budgets.
Maintain and support expenditure controls and alignment with company and departmental budgets and fiduciary requirements.
Support and improve supply-base development programs, including supplier diversity, local economic development, and green sustainability programs.
Ensure compliance with operational requirements, internal controls, and regulations.
Establish buying channels and ordering processes aligned with category and overall procurement strategies, using appropriate technology.
Partner with business units and Legal to negotiate contracts and agreements, including MSAs, SOWs, and SLAs.
Consult with business partners to create SLAs for measuring and managing supplier performance.
Assist in developing commercial sourcing strategies for present and future supply requirements.
Identify new sourcing opportunities to maintain competitive advantage.
Assist with developing and managing company-wide programs, policies, and procedures supporting the Supplier Diversity strategy.
Guide and mentor less experienced staff and, as needed, lead matrixed resources.