Job Listings

Sourcing Specialist II

Company:
Western Governors University
Job Location:
Category:
Business and Financial Services
Type:
Full-Time

Job Type: Full time

Job Number: JR-019805

Location: WGU North Carolina

If you're passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country-and you're committed to working hard to play your part in building that future-consider WGU as the next step in your career.

Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

About the Role:

The Sourcing Specialist II, under the supervision of the Sourcing Specialist Supervisor or Sourcing Manager, is responsible for the planning, directing, and coordination of the purchasing of materials, equipment, supplies, and services across the University. Also responsible for coordinating with Finance and Legal, maintaining vendor relationships and negotiating rates/terms for purchase orders and contracts. Sourcing Specialist II is the experienced, journey-level in the professional specialist series. Under direction within a framework of established policies and procedures, a Sourcing Specialist II is fully competent, with a high level of accuracy, to perform the full range of assigned tasks. Assignments are given in general terms and are subject to review upon completion by a Manager or Senior Manager. There is significant latitude for independent judgment and action in well-defined areas of work.

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).

What You'll Do:

  • Negotiates contracts, terms/pricing; ensures best prices and services are obtained in assigned areas of responsibilities.

  • Leads lower dollar threshold sourcing projects (RFx's).

  • Facilitates discovery discussions with vendors including initial capabilities presentations.

  • Monitors current market to ensure competitive pricing.

  • Identifies and delivers cost savings to meet department goals.

  • Recognizes and informs management of purchasing / supply issues and provides recommendations.

  • Identifies adverse trends, minimizes risk, and recommends improvement.

  • Assists with forecasting and trend analysis to effectively predict business needs.

  • Assists in developing policies and procedures in the areas of procurement and asset control.

  • Recognizes opportunities for improving processes.

  • Acts as back up for time sensitive contract discussions and stakeholder needs in the absence of Sourcing Specialist Supervisor and/or Sourcing Manager.

  • Administers purchasing systems as needed.

  • Sources new vendors and negotiates vendor terms, pricing.

  • Establishes relationships with internal stakeholders.

  • Shares knowledge with other Buyers and Vendor Engagement personnel related to procurement processes.

  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities You'll Need to be Successful:

  • Have a working knowledge of current market conditions, pricing and sources of supply.

  • Understanding of how to develop SLA's & KPI's.

  • More complex understanding of cost/pricing analysis.

  • Understanding of how to develop various sourcing approaches & strategies.

  • How to structure & lead moderate to complex negotiations.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in related field

  • 5+ years of procurement, vendor engagement, and sourcing experience.

The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:

Pay Range: $73,000.00 - $109,400.00

How to apply: apply online

Full-time Regular Positions (FT classification, standard working hours = 40)

This is a full-time, regular position that is eligible for bonuses; 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; and 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.

The University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

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