Patrick Bliss

About Patrick Bliss

I’m a strategic sourcing and procurement executive with 25+ years of sourcing, negotiation, contract, and procurement leadership and 30+ years of total management and operations experience, helping organizations evolve from tactical purchasing to enterprise-level, value-driven procurement and strategic sourcing models.My career has been defined by building and leading high-performing teams, modernizing procurement operating models, and delivering measurable business impact—cost savings, risk reduction, supplier performance improvement, and scalable governance. What motivates me most is the success of my teams and the sustained value we create for the business.I believe strategic sourcing is one of the most underleveraged value engines inside organizations. When done right, it accelerates growth, strengthens supplier partnerships, and turns procurement into a competitive advantage—not a back-office function. My passion for innovation and continuous improvement has driven me to design fact-based sourcing strategies, digital procurement solutions, and repeatable processes that keep the value flywheel moving faster year after year.Core areas of expertise include:• Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Transformation• Executive-level Negotiation & Contract Strategy• E-Procurement, Procurement Automation & ERP Enablement• Spend Analytics & Data-Driven Decision Making• Supplier Relationship & Performance Management• KPI Design & Procurement Operating Models• Public Speaking & Thought LeadershipMy work and leadership have been recognized by industry publications and forums, including:• Inside Supply Management Magazine — Cover Story: “Masters of the Supply Management Arts”• Supply & Demand Chain Executive — 2010 Pros to Know• Purchasing Magazine — “12 Steps to More Effective Supplier Relationships”I am a Lifetime Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) and an experienced industry speaker, having presented at events including ProcureCon, EyeForProcurement, and ISM Services Conferences.I’m always open to connecting with procurement, finance, operations, and technology leaders to exchange ideas, discuss procurement transformation, or explore opportunities where strategic sourcing can unlock meaningful enterprise value.I also host The Procurement Brief, a thought-leadership podcast focused on modern procurement, digital transformation, AI in sourcing, and executive-level procurement strategy—designed for senior leaders navigating scale, complexity, and change.

Experience

1. Vice President, Procurement

   Early Warning

   May 2019 — Present · Scottsdale, AZ, US

   Executive procurement and strategic sourcing leader with a track record of transforming sourcing into a value-creating business function. At Early Warning Services, I drove enterprise-wide sourcing strategies across complex indirect categories, elevating supplier governance, strengthening commercial rigor, and partnering with senior leaders to balance cost optimization, risk management, and innovation. Recognized for building scalable sourcing models, influencing at the executive level, and aligning procurement strategy with broader financial, technology, and growth objectives.

Education

• University of Phoenix

  MBA, Business

  1997 — 1999

• Northern Arizona University

  BS BA, Hotel/Restaurant Management

  1990 — 1993

• Tempe High School

  HS Diploma

  1984 — 1988

Skills

• Enrollment Management
• Project Planning
• Supply Chain
• Leadership Development
• Product Management
• Negotiation
• Coaching
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Analysis
• Staff Development
• Strategy
• Program Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Strategic Sourcing
• Contract Negotiation
• Organizational Development
• Supply Management
• Forecasting
• Contract Management
• Strategic Planning
• Leadership
• Team Leadership
• Erp
• Sourcing
• Public Speaking
• Vendor Management
• Budgets
• Management
• Team Building
• Six Sigma
• Business Development
• Strategic Partnerships
• Purchasing
• Procurement
• Process Improvement
• Executive Management
• Business Planning
• Operations Management
• Account Management
• Outsourcing