At SMS Assist, we're not just in the business of fixing properties-we're fixing an entire industry. Through our award-winning technology platform, built and powered by SMSers, we connect local contractors to our customers and help manage an experience that surpasses expectations.
Recognized on Forbes' Cloud 100 list, Deloitte's Technology Fast 500, Chicago Crain's Top Tech Employers, and more, SMS Assist manages more than 200,000+ properties where people live and work.
We're innovators, disruptors, and out-of-the-box thinkers. We want to make every property better, and we want your help to make it happen.
The SMS Assist Summer Internship program is a full-time, paid opportunity that will run for 10-weeks, June 13, 2022, through August 19,2022. An internship at SMS Assist will provide an opportunity to work with a fast-paced, growing company in Chicago's vibrant technology scene.
Each intern in our summer group goes through one week of training together as a cohort and are placed in one of our departments, where they'll spend around 75% of their time throughout the summer. The other 25% is spent engaging in intern-specific activities and learning opportunities, such as executive lunch & learns, personal development workshops, and access throughout the company for informational interviews.
During the internship, the program interns will work together on an SMS Assist business case, and they will present their findings and ideas at the conclusion of the internship for SMS Assist leadership and other key team members. Of course, we have some fun social events thrown in there as well!
The Vendor Sourcing Specialist Intern will assist our affiliates department by sourcing, qualifying, and contracting vendors, building collaborative relationships, and providing support to the team.
Core Responsibilities

• Interview, identify and qualify new vendors in assigned market and service lines; establish and grow relationships with vendors through direct communication to achieve seamless, high-quality service and advantageous pricing
• Negotiate pricing and service terms with vendors for contracted services while maintaining margin requirements
• Communicate with vendors on insurance and other compliance requirements; ensure vendor meets the minimum requirements to work for the Company
• Ensure proper and timely onboarding of new client accounts; initiate the recurrence of existing seasonal accounts
• Understand varying scopes of work of our clients and convey those requirements to vendors
• Establish and grow relationships with vendors
• Foster a positive team environment
• Ensure confidentiality and accuracy of internal and external data
• Perform ad-hoc projects and other duties as assigned

Role specific skills and key competencies

• Strong written and verbal communication skills through telephone and email
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Must be pro-active and can operate effectively both independently and within a team
• Flexible and adaptable
• Traits: Attention to detail, team player, self-directed, and motivated

Education and Experience

• Must be a rising junior or senior enrolled in a full-time bachelor's degree program or a recent graduate, with a focus in Business, Marketing, Sales or Supply Chain, preferred
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future (we are unable to hire on F1 or OPT visas at this time for our summer program)
• Exposure to any of the following industries, construction, trades, facilities, Supply chain, is a bonus

Please note, this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities, and schedule may change at any time with or without notice.
SMS Assist is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) that welcomes and encourages all applicants to apply regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify and/or expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital or parental status, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy or other reasons prohibited by law.
#LI-AM1
#LI-HYBRID