SMS Assist Summary

At SMS Assist, we’re not just in the business of fixing properties—we’re fixing an entire industry. Typically, facilities maintenance is tough work—both in the nature of the job (plumbing, HVAC, snow removal) and the lack of clarity throughout the experience. We decided a better way wasn’t only possible, but essential. 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 186,000 properties where people live and work. Our customers’ livelihoods are in our hands—think a restaurant manager whose only fryer goes down on a busy Friday night or a family in Florida without power after a hurricane. We work across the industries that make up your community, including retail, food service, banking, residential, and more, and we help them find the right provider in our network (we call them Affiliates) in more than 45 trades. 

We’re innovators, disruptors, and out-of-the-box thinkers. We set each other up for success in the office and for the perfect spike on the volleyball court during an intramural game. We’re community volunteers, karaoke partners, and lifelong friends. We’re passionate about the people we serve, and we give our all because we care. We want to make every property better, and we want your help to make it happen.
 

Job Summary
The Affiliate Market Manager assists the department and leadership in achieving profitable business results. This role is responsible for the oversight of a team, and ensuring relationships are created and developed with our vendors. This role also analyzes data used to align vendors in their geographic areas to reduce risk, and improve performance and profitability.

Responsibilities
 Proactively qualify leads for new/additional business to ensure pipeline stays full
 Develop negotiation strategies and participate in negotiations with vendors on price, delivery, terms, etc.
 Provide supporting data and analytics to ensure informed decisions are made when choosing vendors
 Conduct data analysis to support management of vendor base; provide in-depth vendor performance analysis
 Uncover/understand client objectives, challenges and needs by performing regular client needs assessments
 Proactively and reactively manage vendor relationships; leverage internal resources to enhance relationships with SMS vendor base
 Minimize cost and maximize value in the sourcing process via leveraging strategic sourcing, negotiations, etc.
 Maintain an awareness of latest buying techniques, theories, best practices, trends, legislative issues and market competitiveness information and leverage these to drive bottom-line improvements
 Assist leadership in the development of department performance objectives; monitor activities against department objectives and submit performance reports to management
 Ensure appropriate audit trails are embedded in sourcing processes, for internal audit and
performance management purposes
 Identify challenges related to processes, tools and policies for the department; implement changes as necessary to resolved challenges
 Ensure compliance with policies and programs in alignment with sourcing strategy
 Ensure the effective delivery of initiatives, programs and directives in accordance with sourcing strategy and financial business plans
 Ensure that sourcing processes and policies are in line with business processes
 Develop and deliver presentations to leadership and vendors, as required on strategies, programs, practices and issues
 Interact cross-functionally with all other departments and serve as an effective and value-added service for the entire organization
 Collaborate with other internal departments on catalog pricing and implementation
 Meet with internal departments on a regular basis to ensure vendor strategies are on track and achieving customer goals and expectations
 Handles moderately complex issues and problems with a sense of urgency; appropriately identifies and escalates issues to department leadership
 Perform work under general supervision; carefully reviews the details and accuracy of work
performed
 Foster a positive team environment and provide coaching or mentoring to team members
 Ensures confidentiality and accuracy of internal and external data
 Travel expected up to 20% of the time
 Performs ad-hoc projects and other duties as assigned

Professional Skills
These are the professional skills we would expect from an individual fully established in this role.
 Customer Service- Advanced
 Verbal Communication - Advanced
 Written Communication - Advanced
 Teamwork - Advanced
 Relationship - Advanced
 Negotiation – Proficient
 Organization Awareness - Proficient
 Analysis - Proficient
 Problem Solving - Proficient
 Prioritization - Advanced

Role Specific Skills
 Possesses solid working knowledge of subject matter
 Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook required
 System Experience: Tableau, HubSpot, Salesforce preferred
 Industry Trade Knowledge: HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, General Maintenance preferred
People Management Skills
 Proficient in all people management processes, including recruitment, performance management and reward
 Proficient in building, growing and developing a team; including department structure design and resourcing
 Proficient in coaching and developing individual team members to reach their potential
 Proficient in engaging a team through communication, processes, personal impact and influence

Minimum Qualifications
 3-5 years’ in facilities, supply chain analytics, or procurement experience required

Bachelor’s degree preferred

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.