Senior IT Category Specialist – Procurement

Alberta Blue Cross® is an Alberta based organization dedicated to delivering exceptional customer experience and community leadership. We’re committed to providing the best health coverage to over 1.8 million members and take an active role in promoting wellness. We believe in what we do—and place trust in our employees to deliver our vision.

Working at Alberta Blue Cross® means having a career where you’ll be recognized for your contributions. We value diversity, encourage our employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance and provide opportunities for career growth.

OVERVIEW:

Reporting to the Director, Procurement, the Sr. IT Category Specialist is responsible for managing the sourcing and procurement of IT related goods and services with a strategic, long-term focus. Their primary goal is to develop and implement sourcing strategies that enable Alberta Blue Cross’ business areas to obtain the best value on its purchases while minimizing risk and ensuring high standards of quality and reliability.

This is a remote position that may require occasional travel to our corporate offices in Edmonton and/or Calgary. 

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Develop and implement fit-for-purpose category strategies and demand plans in assigned categories of spend.
• Develop and execute on sourcing strategies that align with the organization's overall goals and objectives.
• Conduct market research to identify potential suppliers, analyze industry trends, and evaluate pricing and availability of goods and services.
• Lead strategic sourcing projects including conducting RFx and selecting vendors.
• Negotiate contracts and manage vendor relationships to ensure the organization obtains the best possible terms and conditions.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to act as a trusted partner while seeking to understand their procurement needs and co-developing sourcing solutions that meet their requirements.
• Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements related to procurement and sourcing activities.
• Act as a liaison between procurement, suppliers, and stakeholders, and educate stakeholders on procurement best practices.
• Conduct third-party risk assessments, evaluate risk, and lead the creation of mitigating controls and action.
• Support supplier performance and relationships to ensure the organization's expectations are met.
• Support the development and implementation of procurement policies, processes, and best practices.

WHAT YOU WILL HAVE:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in IT sourcing, category management, and procurement.
• Deep experience and subject matter expertise in sourcing and negotiating IT contracts, including SaaS, IaaS, software, managed services, and related contracts.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
• Strong understanding of procurement processes, policies, and best practices.
• Knowledge and experience with Canadian contract law.
• Professional designation such as SCMP is considered an asset.
• Experience with Coupa or other procurement software is considered an asset.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and vendors.
• Ability to think strategically and develop innovative solutions to complex procurement challenges.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.

Alberta Blue Cross® is an inclusive employer committed to a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We empower and are advocates for our employees by welcoming, respecting and valuing their unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package and the opportunity to work in an innovative, high-energy team-focused environment. If you have the qualifications we are looking for, please apply.