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.
The Vendor Manager supports the department by developing and maintaining vendor relationships across multiple markets. The Vendor Manager will also assist in analysis at the market level to identify potential efficiencies and support projects surrounding department need. This role reports to the Director of Procurement.
Responsibilities

• Act as a liaison between SMS Assist and market-level trade partners for performance feedback and escalation resolution measures
• Develop familiarity with the vendors area of expertise, including but not limited to trade, geography, business size and areas of specialization
• Develop and maintain positive vendor relations to ensure superior customer satisfaction
• Ensure that all vendors are aware of performance expectations and their own performance metrics
• Manage real-time inquiries while keeping track of and responding to commitments to follow up with vendor inquiries
• Analyze market level performance to ensure capacity, efficiency, and quality needs are met
• Provide insight to vendor recruiting team on areas of need by market and trade
• Partner with implementation team to ensure smooth transition into the SMS network
• Negotiate market level pricing and service terms while maintaining margin requirements
• Assist in roll out of large-scale product and/or service programs to individual markets and ensure adherence
• Assess opportunities to reduce costs and areas of risk; recommend resolutions to leadership
• Understand the scopes of work of our clients and convey those requirements to vendors
• Contribute to special projects and continuous improvement initiatives, as requested by management
• Foster a positive team environment
• Ensure confidentiality and accuracy of internal and external data
• Perform ad-hoc projects and other duties as assigned
• Travel as needed to meet vendors and assess and identify opportunities of growth or improvement of processes

Professional Skills
These are the professional skills we would expect from an individual fully established in this role.

• Customer Service - Proficient
• Verbal Communication - Advanced
• Written Communication - Proficient
• Teamwork - Proficient
• Relationships - Advanced
• Negotiation - Advanced
• Learning Agility - Proficient
• Problem Solving - Proficient
• Process Orientation - Proficient
• Prioritization - Proficient

Role Specific Skills

• Familiarity with Microsoft product skills - Excel, Word & Outlook
• Vendor resource management
• Experience/ability to setup/lead meetings or plan remote business events preferred

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience

Other Relevant Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience
• Experience in Construction Management and/or Supply Chain a plus
• Industry trade knowledge: HVAC, electrical, plumbing, general construction, etc.
• 0-2 years of sales or sourcing experience preferred
• 1 or more years business experience is preferred with project management experience in large scale or volume residential (single or multifamily) property maintenance, renovations, or new construction highly regarded

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.