Sr. Procurement Specialist

Cushman & Wakefield•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Under the direction of Procurement leadership, the Sr. Procurement Specialist assists with procurement and supplier management for assigned client accounts. The role involves procurement, sourcing, contracting, and analytical work, including vendor administration and relationship management, opportunity analysis, strategic sourcing, preparation and facilitation of contracts for goods and services, and ensuring compliance with contract terms and conditions. Commercial real estate and/or facilities management experience is strongly desired, and the position requires demonstrated ability to manage multiple stakeholders. The specialist works under the supervision of the Procurement Manager and Account Manager to manage sourcing activities and supplier contracts. They research supply bases, develop bid packages and manage RFP processes, assess supplier proposals and performance, support contract negotiation and compliance, and maintain records and workflow tracking for concurrent sourcing events. The role also serves as a subject matter expert in client presentations and meetings with internal and external customers. Cushman & Wakefield offers eligible employees access to benefit programs that generally include health, vision, and dental insurance; flexible spending and health savings accounts; retirement savings plans; life and disability insurance; and paid and unpaid time away from work. Eligible employees are offered competitive pay, with compensation dependent on factors such as location, experience, qualifications, job type, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Familiarity with legal aspects of contracting, including reading and interpreting contracts and related documentation, preparing amendments, and explaining contract specifics to stakeholders.
Self-motivated, able to work independently, and capable of finding solutions.
Detail-oriented, with strong analytical and presentation skills; Excel and PowerPoint expertise required.
Ability to deliver excellent customer service and people management skills.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and handle competing priorities flexibly.
Strong stakeholder communication and relationship management skills across various leadership levels.
Strong understanding of strategic sourcing processes and demonstrated proficiency with e-tools such as e-sourcing and contract management systems.
Proficiency in Excel data analysis, reporting, and project management, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree.
Related facilities management, indirect procurement, or equivalent experience.
Experience in commercial real estate and/or facilities management environments.
Ability to leverage predictive analytics to identify long-term sourcing opportunities in spend data, contract cycles, and supplier performance patterns.

Responsibilities

Research and analyze the supply base to implement supplier consolidation and improve service levels for client accounts.
Develop bid packages, including statements of work, service levels, KPIs, and pricing matrices, under the supervision of the Procurement Manager and Account Manager.
Manage RFP activity, including loading RFPs into the e-sourcing tool, transmitting them to invited suppliers, facilitating site tours, and coordinating answers to supplier questions.
Conduct supplier audits to ensure use of preferred or approved suppliers, contract templates, and other tools and templates.
Evaluate supplier proposals, conduct supplier QBRs, and assist with evaluation presentations to stakeholders.
Collaborate with suppliers to draft and facilitate contracts using templates and processes, ensuring accuracy in negotiated scopes of work, pricing, site lists, and equipment lists.
Work with Cushman & Wakefield and/or clients to evaluate contract compliance and policies, review service agreement terms and conditions, handle COI escalations, and engage Legal and Risk Departments when necessary.
Use contract management systems for supplier contract lifecycle management.
Maintain organized records and establish tracking to manage workflows for multiple concurrent sourcing events.
Serve as a subject matter expert during client presentations and conduct meetings with internal and external customers using professionalism, tact, good judgment, diplomacy, and persuasive ability.
Perform other related duties as assigned.