Sr. Strategic Sourcing Specialist

Responsibilities:
In collaboration with the Manager, Sourcing and Procurement, the Sr. Sourcing Specialist is responsible for leading 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 lead 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
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, business requirements, 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

Qualifications:
Work Experience / Education / Certifications
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university preferred (Supply Chain, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Business Management);
Minimum 3-5 yrs. experience in Property Management, Maintenance Services, Facility Maintenance, and/or Strategic Sourcing & 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 Yardi, 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
Job Requirements:
Occasional travel to Properties/Communities (West Coast)