Supplier Engagement & Innovation Intern - Summer 2026

Please email HR_Talent_AcquisitionTeam@bcbsri.org if you are a candidate seeking a reasonable accommodation for the application and/or interview process.

We come from varying backgrounds, different cultures, and unique experiences. We are hard-working, caring, and creative individuals who collaborate, support one another, and grow together. Passion, empathy, and understanding are at the forefront of everything we do—not just for our members, but for our employees as well.

Support Supplier Engagement & Innovation Program & Research Team

• →Support the Supplier Engagement & Innovation team with research on supplier diversity, small and disadvantaged business ecosystems, ESG considerations, and industry best practices to inform program strategy and expansion efforts
• →Assist with gathering, organizing, and summarizing data related to supplier engagement goals, including diverse spend metrics, RFP participation, Tier 2 reporting, and supplier certifications
• →Help maintain and update internal supplier engagement resources, including supplier lists, program documentation, and SharePoint/Viva Engage content related to Supplier Engagement & Innovation
• →Support the integration of supplier diversity considerations into sourcing activities by assisting with RFI/RFP documentation, data validation, and reporting summaries
• →Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of supplier engagement initiatives and events, including Supplier Engagement & Innovation Week, supplier showcases, trainings, and community‑focused programs
• →Provide logistical and administrative support for events, including tracking registrations, preparing materials, coordinating communications, and supporting post‑event follow‑up and documentation
• →Draft and support internal and external communications related to supplier engagement initiatives, including presentations, summaries, newsletters, and internal posts highlighting program goals, metrics, and impact
• →Assist with documenting and sharing supplier success stories and purpose‑driven partnerships that align with Supplier Engagement & Innovation’s mission
• →Collaborate with internal partners across Strategic Sourcing, Vendor Management, Finance, Communications, and Corporate Social Responsibility to support supplier engagement activities and reporting
• →Participate in meetings, working sessions, or committee‑related activities as appropriate, supporting preparation of materials and follow‑up items
• →Gain hands‑on exposure to enterprise procurement, supplier inclusion strategy, and community economic impact
• →Develop professional skills in research, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and executive‑level communication in a mission‑driven environment

• Ability to research and synthesize external data on supplier diversity, small business ecosystems, related trends, and industry best practices to support program strategy and growth

• Strong analytical and critical‑thinking skills to help track and interpret supplier engagement metrics (e.g., diverse spend, RFP participation, Tier 2 reporting)

• Clear written and verbal communication skills to support internal communications, supplier outreach, and event materials (emails, presentations, SharePoint/Viva Engage content)

• Comfort working with cross‑functional partners (Strategic Sourcing, Vendor Management, CSR, Communications, Finance) in a highly collaborative environment

• Interest in supplier diversity/inclusion, inclusive procurement, and economic equity, including working with small, disadvantaged, and historically underutilized businesses

• Familiarity (or willingness to learn) how supplier inclusion requirements are embedded into sourcing activities, RFIs/RFPs, and MSAs

• Proficiency with Microsoft tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint); comfort learning new internal platforms and dashboards

• Professional curiosity, discretion, and a strong sense of accountability when working with sensitive business and supplier information

Location:
BCBSRI is headquartered in downtown Providence, conveniently located near the train station and bus terminal. We actively support associate well-being and work/life balance and offer the following schedules, based on role:

• In-office: onsite 5 days per week
• Hybrid: onsite 2-4 days per week
• Remote: onsite 0-1 days per week. Permitted to reside in the following states, pending approval from the Human Resources Department: Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia
   

Our culture of belonging at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) is at the core of all we do, and it strengthens our ability to meet the challenges of today’s healthcare industry. BCBSRI is an equal opportunity employer.

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