Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Strategic Sourcing Specialist

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).

What to look forward to:

• 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.

Who You Are:

• 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
• Knowledge of industry processes and regulations is valued
• A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field 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)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Exerts up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a small amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of