Supplier Engagement & Innovation Intern - Summer 2026

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Please email [e-mail] if you are a candidate seeking a reasonable accommodation for the application and/or interview process. At BCBSRI, our greatest resource is our people. 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. We recognize that to do your best work, you have to be your best self. It’s why we offer flexible work arrangements that include remote and hybrid opportunities and paid time off. We provide tuition reimbursement and assist with student-loan repayment. We offer health, dental, and vision insurance as well as programs that support your mental health and well-being. We pay competitively, offer bonuses and investment plans, and are committed to growing and developing our employees. Our culture is one of belonging. We strive to be transparent and accountable. We believe in equipping our associates with the knowledge and resources they need to be successful. No matter where you’re at in the organization, you’re an integral part of our team and your input, thoughts, and ideas are valued. Join others who value a workplace for all. We appreciate and celebrate everything that makes us unique, from personal characteristics to past experiences. Our different perspectives strengthen us as an organization and help us better serve all Rhode Islanders. We’re dedicated to serving Rhode Islanders. Our focus extends beyond providing access to high-quality, affordable, and equitable care. To further improve the health and well-being of our fellow Rhode Islanders, we regularly roll up our sleeves and get to work (literally) in communities all across the state—building homes, working in food pantries, revitalizing community centers, and transforming outdoor spaces for children and adults. Because we believe it is our collective responsibility to uplift our fellow Rhode Islanders when and where we can, our associates receive additional paid time to volunteer. Why this job matters: Support Supplier Engagement & Innovation Program & Research Team

Requirements

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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

Benefits

• flexible work arrangements that include remote and hybrid opportunities and paid time off
• tuition reimbursement
• student-loan repayment
• health, dental, and vision insurance
• programs that support your mental health and well-being
• bonuses and investment plans
• additional paid time to volunteer

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees