Responsibilities

In collaboration with the Director, Sourcing and Procurement, the Manager of Strategic Sourcing is responsible for leading and managing strategic sourcing and procurement solutions for products and services, supporting internal strategic initiatives, and liaising with the field/communities.

Key Accountabilities:

Strategic

• Coordinating strategic sourcing initiatives for a wide range of spend categories that consider all profitability drivers and their impact on operations, residents, and competitors.

Functional

• Drive sustainable cost-reduction in various spend categories
• Design, implement, and manage sourcing strategies (RFPs, supplier communications, etc.) in a manner that complies with the processes established by the Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Team
• Preparing and executing negotiations following the Essex standard strategic sourcing methodology
• Tracking cost savings, spend compliance, demand management, and pricing variances
• Develop sourcing forecasts and provide input on budgets
• Oversees critical supplier relationship management and contract management processes to ensure terms are met and termination dates are monitored
• Updates project/savings tracker and aligns with internal team to populate
• Conducts vendor negotiations, reviews contracts, and works with Legal on contract management and review process
• Looks for opportunities to consolidate vendors, drive efficiencies, add financial value, and partner with colleagues to set procurement standards to reduce the total cost of ownership for products and services
• Manage project implementation for sourcing solutions across multiple business units, functions, and/or departments
• Employs a creative and innovative approach to developing category strategies and solutions

People

• Collaborates with internal partners to understand demand and supplier trends, and analyzes financial information related to total cost of ownership to identify opportunities for cost reductions
• Develops strong partnerships with current and potential suppliers
• Acts as an Essex ambassador in building and maintaining sustainable relationships with the field and other internal departments
• Acts in a manner that promotes, and is aligned with, Essex’s Mission, Vision, and Beliefs

Key Relationships:

Internal:

• Functional Business Leadership from all internal departments
• Legal/Contract Management
• Field/Communities

External:

• Vendors
• Consultants, as applicable

Requirements

Occasional travel to Properties/Communities (West Coast)

A valid driver’s license and current automobile insurance is required.

Qualifications

Work Experience / Education / Certifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university (preferably in Supply Chain, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Business Management);
• Minimum 1-3 yrs. experience in a Strategic Sourcing and Procurement role;
• Preferred experience with REITs or exposure to property management;
• Preferred experience with Strategic Sourcing across multiple product and service categories;
• Proven ability to work across an enterprise and service internal clients;
• Strong analytical skills and technical knowledge;
• Strong interpersonal, client facing, and team management skills

Competencies / Skills / Attributes

• Solid data analyses capabilities;
• Tactfully influential;
• Able to work in a professional, fast-paced environment with shifting priorities;
• Takes enjoyment in helping to build/structure an internal department;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint;
• Excellent oral and written communication;
• Highly flexible and adaptable;
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and tasks;
• Negotiation skills;
• Technical aptitude