Sourcing Specialist, Procurement (Buyer)

Western Governors University

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

At WGU, we’re transforming higher education through innovation and accessibility, and every role contributes to that mission. As a Sourcing Specialist, you’ll help ensure we secure the best products and services, enabling our teams to operate efficiently and deliver exceptional experiences for our students. Your work will strengthen supplier relationships, optimize costs, and support the university’s commitment to affordability and quality.

Requirements

Basic knowledge of the principles and practices of purchasing, including purchasing ethics and standards
Basic understanding of the use of PO’s versus contracts
Basic understanding of the competitive bidding process
Basic understanding of key PO/contract terms and conditions
Basic knowledge of cost/pricing analysis
Ability to learn new technologies and adapt to moving priorities
Strong negotiation and organizational skills, including basic understanding of how to negotiate business terms with suppliers (i.e., price, delivery, quality, payment).
Excellent decision-making skills
Excellent skills in Microsoft Office products
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of this job may substitute for education degree requirements. Generally, equivalent relevant experience is defined as 1 year of experience for 1 year of education and is the discretion of the hiring manager.
Experience: 2 years of procurement, supply chain, or business experience
Work Location: While this position will begin as remote/work-from-home, it is expected to transition to an in-office role in Raleigh, North Carolina, once a dedicated office space is established (anticipated by mid-2026).
Must currently reside in, or be willing to relocate to, the Raleigh, North Carolina area within 90 days of hire.
Ability to work on‑site at the Raleigh, NC office four (4) days per week with the option to work remotely on Fridays, as scheduled by the department.

Responsibilities

Evaluates new supplier capabilities, assesses risk, and quality as necessary.
Invites and receives bids.
Evaluates prices, products, discounts, and delivery conditions.
Makes award selections, confers, and corresponds with suppliers, manufacturers, service suppliers, and sales representatives to obtain pricing and product information, services provided, market information, and trends.
Resolves problems with PO, billing, and payment.
Maintains records of contracts negotiated, ordered, and received.
Coordinates with other departments including finance and legal for the negotiation and implementation of the contracts.
Participates in the review of specifications and statements of work for, but not limited to curriculum, materials, equipment, facilities, supplies, and services.
Processes contract, bid, or purchase order requests.
Monitors current market to ensure competitive pricing.
Maintains purchasing instructions, policies, and procedures.
Communicates and educates university employees to ensure compliance.
Assists in negotiating of contracts, terms, and pricing.
Ensures best prices and services are obtained in assigned areas of responsibility.
Assists with forecasting and trend analysis to effectively predict business needs.
Reviews purchase orders and contracts for conformance to company policies.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare
health savings account and flexible spending account
basic and voluntary life insurance
disability coverage
accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages
legal and identity theft coverage
retirement savings plan
wellbeing program
discounted WGU tuition
flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave