2ULaundry and LaundroLab are on a mission to create time for the world to focus on the things that matter most - and that probably isn’t laundry! We’re a rapidly growing startup that is rewriting the rules around this time-consuming task by building two complementary brands. With our convenient pick-up and drop-off service and modern, inviting laundromats, we provide people with an effortless and convenient solution to laundry and dry cleaning to give them back time because as we all know, time is valuable.
The Manager of Vendor Relations and Procurement Role:
As part of the Operations Team, the Manager of Vendor Relations & Procurement is responsible for overseeing two of its key business functions, vendor relationship management and procurement. As 2ULaundry and LaundroLab expands into new markets, we are looking to hire an experienced individual that is eager to help build a department from the ground up and make an impact across the business.
As the Manager of Vendor Relations & Procurement, you will establish and maintain relationships with the company’s operational vendors, including LaundroLab Franchise Stores, LaundroLab Corporate Stores, 2ULaundry Dry Cleaning Vendors, and 2ULaundry Laundry Vendors. You will also be responsible for defining, implementing, and executing procurement, inventory management, and purchasing processes for the company. This includes sourcing products & services, securing vendors, purchasing, storage, inventory management, and distribution.
We are looking for a highly-motivated individual that strives for excellence in everything they do. They have strong business acumen, effective communication skills, and can balance the needs of the business with those of its vendors and partners. They know how to build relationships, make data-driven decisions, and collaborate well with others to solve problems. They can also work well independently and hold themselves and others accountable to high standards.
What are the day-to-day responsibilities of the Manager of Vendor Relations and Procurement?
- Identify and secure top tier laundry and dry cleaning vendors in new and existing markets
- Negotiate National Account Agreements, Service Level Agreements, and other contracts with new and existing vendors in alignment with 2ULaundry’s business goals and standards
- Provide a 5-star support experience through vendor onboarding and ongoing support
- Continually track 2ULaundry vendor performance and collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure franchisees & vendors fulfill contractual obligations
- Partner with department leads to identify and prioritize procurement needs for 2ULaundry and LaundroLab
- Source, secure, and maintain relationships with preferred vendor partners to fulfill ongoing procurement needs for the company and its vendors
- In partnership with finance, own the purchasing process for all supply orders
- Identify and manage cost-effective storage solutions for the company’s supplies. Oversee all inbound/outbound shipments.
- Manage timelines and stakeholder expectations, ensuring on-time, quality deliveries to all markets
- Diligently track inventory levels & utilization rates to forecast future supply needs
- Maintain reporting, analyze performance, and act on areas that mitigate risk for the company
- Potential to build and manage a team of specialists as 2U continues to grow and expand into multiple markets.
Who is the ideal Manager of Vendor Relations and Procurement?
- RELATIONSHIP MANAGER: Leverage interpersonal skills to establish rapport and develop relationships with key stakeholders: franchisees, laundry & dry cleaning vendors, company suppliers, and internal teams
- ORGANIZED PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Creates and executes against project timelines & budgets. Keeps accurate reporting and shows extreme diligence in their work. Uses organizational and time management skills to balance multiple competing priorities in their work and among stakeholders
- ANALYTICAL: Proactively works to mitigate risks and solve issues in a timely and resourceful manner, using data-driven decision-making whenever possible. Visualizes, articulates, and solves problems both small (supporting customer care with escalations) and large (potential 2U launch or shipping delays, sourcing the best suppliers, etc.)
- ACCOUNTABLE: Takes extreme ownership over their work and achieving personal, team, and company goals. Holds self and others accountable through consistent reporting, analysis, planning, and action. Is proactive in resetting expectations with others and is not afraid to have difficult conversations with vendors, suppliers, or internal stakeholders
- PROACTIVE: Exhibits passion and excitement in their work. Has a strong desire to understand and make a significant impact on the business and goes above and beyond to reach goals. Motivates others and creates alignment among teams and individuals.
What are the requirements of theManager of Vendor Relations and Procurement?
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
- 5 years of relevant experience in vendor relations, account management, and/or procurement
- Strong leadership, project management, and relationship building skills. Manages stakeholder expectations with ease.
- Analytical, with excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills. Proactively identifies issues, provides options, and implements solutions
- Ability to monitor, assess, and report on adherence, performance, and risk of contractual terms and delivery of services
- Skill in supporting the development and implementation of change initiatives
- Highly organized and detail oriented with the ability to drive many competing priorities
- Strong communication, negotiation, and influencing skills
- Works well independently and collaboratively with minimal supervision
- Ability to travel up to 25% of the time
- Ability to work in a hybrid setting with 4 days in our Charlotte office and 1 day remote
What are the perks of being the Manager of Vendor Relations and Procurement?
- Ability to get in on the ground floor and have a significant impact at one of Charlotte’s fastest growing franchise companies
- Opportunities to grow in the marketing field
- Direct and regular access to thought leaders in the startup, franchising, and laundry industries
- Benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401k, and an Employee Assistance Program
- Unlimited PTO policy that our employees actually use!
- Working with a supportive, driven team working to build our startup into a nationally recognized brand
- Free laundry!
2ULaundry and LaundroLab are equal opportunity employers. We value diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment representative of a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Employment is decided solely on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.