Sr. Specialist

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way.  

Our people at JLL and JLL Technologies are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people  and empowering them to  thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong.  Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.   

Location: REMOTE based in the United States

Sr. Specialist - Strategic Sourcing - What this job involves

This role focuses on managing key supplier relationships, developing and implementing demand management strategies related to those relationships, negotiating commercial agreements with suppliers (many with complex, multi-flow relationships), and driving continuous improvement in cost, quality, and service for data center operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Demand Management
  • Align on asset inventory collection templates with original equipment manufacturer(s) and spear-head data collection efforts across internal teams and JLL clients
  • Centralize demand across JLL clients in various spend categories, and regions, related key original equipment manufacturers
  • Partner to develop a “demand story” for each OEM to leverage in discussions with OEMs about how to improve existing and create new go-to-market partnerships
• Strategic Sourcing & Procurement:
  • Develop and execute sourcing strategies for key data center categories such as power infrastructure, cooling systems, and networking equipment, all in the facility management for data center vertical or asset subclass.
  • Conduct market analysis to identify potential suppliers with specialized capabilities in the data center industry, including for example related to services in data center white space(s).
  • Lead the supplier selection process, including RFPs, RFQs, and contract negotiations, ensuring alignment with data center operational requirements, in alignment with industry best practices and JLL policies and procedures
  • Identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiencies through strategic sourcing initiatives tailored to data center operations.
• Supplier Relationship Management:
  • Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers in the data center industry to ensure high service and quality.
  • Monitor supplier performance using KPIs specific to data center operations, such as uptime, energy efficiency, and service response times.
  • Conduct regular business reviews with suppliers to address performance issues and identify areas for improvement within data center supply chains.
  • Collaborate with suppliers to drive innovation in data center technologies, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
• Contract Management:
  • Negotiate and manage contracts with data center suppliers, ensuring compliance with terms and conditions specific to the industry.
  • Work closely with the legal team to ensure contracts are aligned with company policies, industry standards, and risk management strategies.
  • Monitor contract performance and manage renewals, terminations, or amendments as necessary, with a focus on maintaining data center operational continuity.
• Cost Management & Optimization:
  • Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities in data center operations without compromising on quality or service.
  • Conduct total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis specific to data center equipment and services to optimize procurement decisions.
  • Collaborate with finance and data center operations teams to track savings and impact on the bottom line.
• Risk Management:
  • Develop and implement risk management strategies to mitigate potential supply chain disruptions in data center operations.
  • Monitor global market trends and assess their impact on data center supply chain risks, including technology obsolescence and resource (including but not limited to labor) scarcity.
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, industry standards, and JLL policies.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Work closely with internal stakeholders including data center design, operations, and finance teams to align sourcing strategies with overall business goals.
  • Support new data center projects by sourcing materials and components in line with project timelines and budgets.

Sound like you? To apply you need to have:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., CPSM, CSCP) is a plus.
• Experience: 9+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management, with a focus on supplier management

Skills:

• Strong negotiation and contract management skills, particularly in the data center sector.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on data center operations.
• Proficient in supply chain management software (e.g., Jaggaer, aravo, avetta, SAP, Oracle) and Microsoft Office Suite. Special focus on excel cost modeling.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities, especially within the dynamic data center industry.
• Knowledge of global supply chain trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in data center operations.
• Project management and business transitions experience preferred.

Estimated total compensation for this position:

118,000.00 – 132,000.00 USD per year

The total compensation range is an estimate and not guaranteed. An employment offer is based on an applicant’s education, experience, skills, abilities, geographic location, internal equity and alignment with market data .

Location:

Remote –Birmingham, AL

Job Tags:

If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet all the requirements.  We’re interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!

Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth:

JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health. Some of these benefits may include:

• 401(k) plan with matching company contributions

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care

• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary 

• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays

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