At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage inventory and support purchasing for maintenance operations.
- Company: Join ODUrent, the top off-campus housing provider in Hampton Roads.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, health benefits, 401(k) matching, and tuition assistance.
- Other info: Great opportunities for career advancement in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and make a real impact in property maintenance.
- Qualifications: Organised, detail-oriented, and eager to learn about maintenance materials.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Competitive salary
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401(k) matching
- Bonus based on performance
- Company parties
- Free uniforms
- Opportunity for advancement
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Tuition assistance
Recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Hampton Roads, ODUrent is the region’s largest and fastest-growing off-campus student housing provider, currently managing over 750 rental units. We are an innovative, team-driven real estate company committed to operational excellence and employee growth.
Position Summary
ODUrent is seeking an Inventory & Purchasing Specialist to support the purchasing, organization, and tracking of maintenance parts, tools, and supplies. This role helps keep our maintenance operations running smoothly, especially during high-volume periods such as unit turns. The ideal candidate is organized, dependable, detail-oriented, and eager to learn property maintenance materials and systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Inventory Management
- Maintain and update inventory tracking spreadsheets with accurate information
- Monitor stock levels and notify management when items need to be reordered
- Assist with preparing and stocking materials for busy periods such as unit turns
- Purchasing Support
- Help source vendors and compare pricing for cost-effective purchasing
- Assist with ordering standard and specialty maintenance parts
- Track inventory usage and help identify future supply needs
- Shop Organization & Logistics
- Keep the maintenance shop clean, organized, and efficient
- Maintain designated areas for:
- Deliveries
- Special-order parts
- Tool check-in/check-out
- Part returns
- Turn materials
- Work-order supplies
- Materials & Tools Control
- Assist with daily check-in and check-out of tools and materials
- Help maintain accountability and organization of all equipment
- Parts Pickup & Delivery
- Occasionally pick up parts from vendors as needed
- Assist with before or after-hours pickups when necessary for next-day operations
Preferred Knowledge
Basic understanding of maintenance parts and tools related to:
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Appliances
- Carpentry
Qualifications & Success Factors
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail
- Strong time-management and problem-solving skills
- Reliable, proactive, and willing to learn
- Works well independently and with a team
- Good communication and customer service skills
- Physically capable of handling inventory and materials
- Basic to intermediate computer skills
Education & Experience
- High School Diploma or equivalent required
- Previous inventory, warehouse, or purchasing support experience preferred
- Maintenance parts and tools experience preferred
- Property maintenance experience is a plus
- 1–2 years of related experience preferred
Schedule
Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8-hour shifts
Compensation: $17.00 - $25.00 per hour
About The Company
ODUrent is a multiple award-winning real estate company that offers the largest selection of off-campus student housing surrounding Old Dominion University, as well as an expanding non-student portfolio. We are proud to provide a wide range of affordable and quality housing also offering housing locations throughout Norfolk and Newport News. Our commitment to customer service while fostering a sense of community sets us apart. In addition to offering housing solutions, we also provide a self-storage option with a 300-unit storage facility. Currently, we are expanding our non-student and redevelopment divisions, and as a result, we are actively recruiting for several positions. These positions include Property Managers, Leasing Agents, Project Managers, Superintendents, and Maintenance Technicians. We believe in creating an innovative and supportive team, and if you are ready to join us, we would love to hear from you.
Purchasing & Inventory Specialist in Norfolk employer: ODUrent
ODUrent is an exceptional employer, recognised as one of the Best Places to Work in Hampton Roads, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee growth and operational excellence. With competitive benefits including tuition assistance, performance bonuses, and opportunities for advancement, our team-driven environment fosters innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for those looking to thrive in the real estate sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing & Inventory Specialist in Norfolk
✨Get Involved in Local Property Events
Dive into local property expos and networking events! Real estate thrives on connections, so attending these events helps us meet potential employers and industry leaders, plus it's a chance to show off your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Connect with Local Agents on Social Media
Follow and engage with local real estate agents and firms on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. Sharing their posts and commenting with your insights can put you on their radar and might even lead to job opportunities at companies like ODUrent.
✨Don’t Underestimate the Power of Cold Outreach
Got your eye on a specific company like ODUrent? Don't hesitate to send a direct message or an email expressing your interest. Personalise your approach, maybe mentioning a recent listing or project of theirs, and it could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Utilise Property Management Platforms
Check out property management platforms and job boards tailored for the real estate sector. They often have exclusive listings, especially for full-time roles. Don't forget to visit ODUrent's careers page directly; we love seeing passionate candidates applying through our website!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Real-Estate Savvy:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight any relevant experience in the real estate sector. If you've done internships, assistant roles, or even relevant coursework, lay it out clearly. We want to see your familiarity with market trends, property management, or any sales experience you've got under your belt!
Quantify Your Achievements:In real estate, numbers speak volumes! When detailing your past roles, use concrete figures to demonstrate your achievements. For example, mention how many properties you sold, the percentage increase in client satisfaction, or any successful negotiations. These metrics can give your application that extra punch it needs!
Tailor Your Documents for the Job:Every application should feel personal. When applying for the Purchasing & Inventory Specialist role at ODUrent, tweak your CV to focus on aspects that are important to them. If they value client relationships, emphasise your interpersonal skills. We want to see you aligning your experiences with what they're looking for!
Keep It Professional Yet Approachable:While we want you to show off your expertise, don't forget to let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A touch of friendliness can set you apart, especially in real estate where client interaction is key. Show that you're ready not just to work with the property but also with people!
How to prepare for a job interview at ODUrent
✨Know Your Market Trends
In real estate, it’s all about staying ahead of the curve. Make sure we brush up on the latest market trends in the area where ODUrent operates. Being able to discuss local property values, demand, and upcoming developments will show that we’re not just interested in the job, but genuinely invested in the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during the interview. We might get asked how we’d handle different client situations or property evaluations. Preparing our responses for common real estate scenarios not only demonstrates our problem-solving skills but also shows that we can think on our feet in a client-facing role.
✨Showcase Your Connections
In full-time real estate, networking is key! Let’s think about our connections in the industry and what we can bring to ODUrent. Whether it’s insights on prospective clients or relationships with local contractors, talking about these experiences can set us apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Technical Savvy
Familiarity with different real estate software tools is a big plus. We should be ready to discuss any platforms we've used, whether it's for property management, CRM, or data analysis. Being comfortable with technology not only makes us more efficient, but also shows that we’re adaptable to the tools used at ODUrent.
