Job Details

Description

Who We Are 

Core Spaces (Core) is more than a real estate company, it’s a people company. Where building relationships is just as important as building properties. From researchers and architects to designers and operators, Core is made up of risk takers and dreamers who are on a mission to invent the future of living. Our six cultural values guide us every day and we strive to live them in everything we do:  PUSH (Invent Better Places to Live), GRIT (We Got This), LIFT (Help Each Other Win), SHINE (Bring Your Full Self), UPHOLD (Never Break Trust), GROW (Always Get Better). Everything Core does stems from this culture of collaboration and innovation, and the drive to constantly improve the resident experience. This unique approach has led to creating spaces and services that are redefining the way people live. 

What We Do 

Founded in 2010, Core is a vertically integrated company focused on acquiring, developing, managing, and lending across the student housing and build-to-rent (“BTR”) sectors. Its residential communities feature world-class amenities, progressive design, and hospitality-driven client service. In its award-winning student portfolio, Core currently owns and/or manages over 45,600 beds* – and has a pipeline of over 45,000 beds* in various stages of development. Core's BTR division currently has over 3,000 homes under development and in its pipeline in high-growth metros across the country. For more information, visit www.corespaces.com. 

*Portfolio and pipeline numbers as of November 2024 

Benefits That Matter 

• A culture that provides you with a sense of belonging 

• Hybrid and remote work options to promote work-life balance 

• Competitive pay that values your contributions 

• Annual incentive to reward your achievements 

• Paid unlimited PTO to disconnect or celebrate life milestones 

• Paid 15 holidays, including your birthday, to disconnect and celebrate 

• Paid Parental Leave that begins after 90 days 

• Paid volunteer time off to give back to your community 

• Monthly workshop weeks; fewer meetings & more collaboration 

• Robust health plan options that begin within at least 30 days of your employment 

• Monthly phone reimbursement 

• Wellness allowance and perks, including a yearly subscription to a meditation app 

• An environment that provides you a voice to share your perspectives 

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for access to confidential support services        

• Company retirement options including 401(k) + matching & Roth account option 

Position Overview 

The Vice President of Procurement at Core Spaces is a strategic executive responsible for leading and optimizing sourcing, contract management, and vendor relations for materials, services, and suppliers critical to Core’s maintenance, operations, and capital projects. Reporting to senior leadership, this role ensures procurement strategies align with Core’s high standards for quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The VP of Procurement will drive the development and execution of sourcing strategies that support company-wide operational and project objectives, with a strong emphasis on cost optimization, process improvement, and long-term supplier partnerships. 

What You Will Do 

Strategic Procurement Leadership 

• Develop and implement procurement strategies that support Core Spaces' operational and development goals in the student housing  and build-to rent sectors. 

• Lead all procurement efforts for materials, equipment, and services essential for property maintenance, renovations, and capital projects, ensuring quality and cost alignment. 

• Oversee the selection and approval process for new suppliers, ensuring they meet organizational standards and requirements. 

• Partner with Maintenance Operations to assess project needs, establish budgets, and drive procurement initiatives that support project timelines and enhance property standards. 

Budget Management and Cost Control 

• Oversee procurement budgeting processes, providing accurate cost estimates and forecasts for maintenance, renovations, and capital expenditures. 

• Align procurement activities with budgetary goals, adjusting for market trends and supply fluctuations to optimize costs across the portfolio. 

• Conduct closed job analysis and cost performance reviews, reporting findings to senior management and identifying areas for improvement. 

Vendor and Contract Management 

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, subcontractors, and service providers, establishing clear performance expectations and long-term partnerships. 

• Collaborate with Maintenance Operations to define Scopes of Work, align contracts with project timelines, and maintain adherence to Core’s quality and safety standards. 

• Facilitate effective contract management, including robust document control and monitoring of supplier agreement expirations, terminations, or renewals. 

• Lead regular Vendor Improvement Plan (VIP) meetings to evaluate vendor performance, ensuring suppliers meet operational and quality requirements. 

Innovation and Value Engineering 

• Identify and implement innovative sourcing solutions to enhance quality, sustainability, and cost-efficiency across construction and maintenance projects. 

• Work with Maintenance Operations on value engineering initiatives to align materials with project goals while maintaining budget compliance. 

• Participate in prototype walks, incorporating feedback into specifications and product standards to continuously improve the quality of Core Spaces’ offerings. 

Operational Efficiency and Standardization 

• Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) for procurement processes, including supplier selection, contract administration, and reporting. 

• Support Maintenance Operations by leveraging procurement technology, such as computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), to enhance project planning and streamline procurement workflows. 

• Regularly monitor industry trends, material costs, and vendor capabilities, adjusting procurement strategies as necessary to support organizational goals. 

Ideally, you'll have 

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Construction Management, or a related field; MBA preferred. 

• 10+ years of executive-level experience in procurement, with a focus on construction, facilities maintenance, or residential development. 

• Proven track record of leading enterprise-wide procurement strategies, contract negotiations, and supplier relationship management. 

• Strong expertise in construction materials, methods, and value engineering principles. 

• Exceptional leadership, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to drive cross-functional collaboration and decision-making. 

You'll crush it if you have experience with 

• Leading procurement strategies in large-scale residential, multi-family, or build-to-rent sectors. 

• Implementing enterprise procurement systems and software, leveraging data analytics for strategic decision-making. 

• Establishing best-in-class SOPs for procurement functions in a fast-growing, high-performance environment. 

• Partnering with facility maintenance and operations teams to execute complex, high-value procurement initiatives. 

Base Salary: $165k-$175 annually. This range reflects compensation aligned with our Chicago, IL headquarters. Actual pay may vary depending on the candidate's geographic location, experience, and qualifications. 

Additional Compensation: Employees may be eligible for discretionary bonuses, typically 20% of base salary annually, depending on individual and organizational performance. 

Organizational Structure 

Reports to: Vice President of Maintenance Operations  

Direct Reports: N/A 

Disclaimer: Please note that job responsibilities, reporting lines, and duties outlined in this job description are subject to change to meet the evolving needs of the organization. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Core Spaces celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment, which creates a sense of belonging for all employees. We do not discriminate and believe every individual should be proud of who they are and the community they represent.