Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Colorado Springs Utilities•Colorado Springs, CO

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Are you looking to join an elevated team that supports a wide range of projects? Are you skilled in contracts, negotiations, and the management of solicitations? Are you able to provide high-level service to stakeholders? This opportunity may be the perfect fit for you. Our Procurement Services team is hiring a Strategic Sourcing Specialist to support our strategic sourcing efforts, timing, and impact of contracting and purchasing functions. Our team is responsible for creating, managing, and renewing contracts, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Statements of Work (SOWs), and working with suppliers to negotiate terms for goods and services to support the success of Colorado Springs Utilities. You will establish, manage, and enhance relationships with our strategic business customers in this role. This position differs from the Buyer positions in that the incumbents are responsible for purchasing goods and services, leveraging negotiated and executed agreements, and ensuring on-time delivery of such goods for the organization. Versus Sourcing Specialists who are called upon to facilitate making awards requiring expert judgment based on a firm foundation of experience and training, along with negotiation and management of contract agreements. Please note that this position offers flexible scheduling following the six-month probationary period (e.g., the option to work 9-hour days, with every other Friday off, or a hybrid work schedule, which is a pre-determined blend of working from home and in the office).

Requirements

Relevant and progressive experience in Procurement, Contract Administration, or Contract Management involving legal issues and negotiations
Proven track record of success in building relationships with internal and external stakeholders
Experience successfully communicating both verbally and in written form to high-level audiences
Ability to analyze and interpret information necessary to make decisions
A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is valued

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of industry processes and regulations is valued
Experience in Municipal (local or state) procurement policies and best practices is valued
Experience in Maximo or GEP Smart is highly valued
Professional Certifications in Supply Chain/ Procurement/Contract Management are valued (NIGP, ISM, etc..)
Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

Responsibilities

Responsible for sourcing events, including taking the lead on the RFx process (i.e., RFPs, RFIs, IFBs), working with stakeholders to ensure the selection of best-value suppliers through fair and ethical practices, while adhering to public procurement policies and procedures
Manage procurement process from the creation of solicitation document up to notice to proceed, assuring notification to and approval at all appropriate stages in the process; identify procurement issues that could impede the procurement process
Formulate, solicit, analyze, and award simple to complex assigned invitations for bids and requests for proposals, including collaboration on requirements
Schedule, conduct, and direct pre-bid meetings and site visits; schedule, conduct, and direct oral presentations; evaluate bids and proposals, and make awards
Create, negotiate, and manage contracts from drafting through execution
Including negotiating legal terms and conditions in partnership with the City Attorney’s office – Utilities Division
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and municipal laws and regulations
Negotiate and manage complex Statements of Work, Task Orders, Amendments, and other contractual methods for the management of projects
Provide a high level of service by engaging with internal stakeholders through collaboration, training, and guiding advanced sourcing, supplier management, policies & processes, and risk mitigation practices
Effectively collaborate with external stakeholders to ensure efficient delivery of a good or service through strong communication methods and coordination between all parties
Facilitate cost analysis, negotiations, and strategies to achieve cost savings
Evaluate supplier performance and reliability
Participate in internal initiatives, such as supplier outreach, process writing, identifying/implementing efficiencies, developing internal training, etc.

Benefits

Time Off to Recharge
Vacation – Start with 13 days annually, increasing to 24 days with tenure
Personal Leave –3 days per year
Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year
Sick Leave – 12 days per year for personal or family health needs
Vacation Buy – Option to purchase up to 40 additional hours annually
Health & Wellness – Benefits elected are effective the first of the following month
Medical Plans: Three comprehensive options, including a $0 premium High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility
Zero Health: Access to hundreds of medical services at no cost
Dental & Vision: Two dental plans and one vision plan
Family Building-Benefits: Support for fertility, preservation, adoption, and surrogacy
Wellness Program: A voluntary program that rewards you for prioritizing self-care! If you're enrolled in our medical plan, you and your spouse can earn up to $600 in HRA or HSA contributions by completing healthy activities
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax contributions for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with HDHP
Financial & Retirement Security
Pension Plan: Colorado PERA provides retirement benefits and peace of mind
Supplemental Retirement Plans: PERAPlus 401(k), MissionSquare Roth IRA, and 457 plans
Disability Coverage: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance available
Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage with optional supplemental plans
Long-Term Care Insurance: Available for purchase to support extended care needs
Additional Support
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, stress, legal, financial, and work-life balance
Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually to support continued education
Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a qualifying employer, your student loan payments may be eligible for loan forgiveness