Partner Success Manager

About the role

Sourgum is seeking a dedicated and proactive Partner Success Manager to join our team in Jersey City. In this role, you will work closely with our Sales and Operations teams to develop and strengthen relationships with our vendor partners, ensuring their satisfaction and continued collaboration. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, strong negotiation abilities, and a proactive approach to relationship management. Your efforts will directly contribute to our mission of transforming the waste and recycling industry through innovative technology, making waste removal more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable. This position offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a fast-growing, venture-backed company that is modernizing an outdated industry, with a focus on building long-term vendor partnerships and supporting company growth.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Cultivate and maintain strong, positive relationships with partner vendors, acting as the primary point of contact to facilitate effective communication between vendors and internal teams.
• Proactively identify opportunities to expand vendor partnerships and support the onboarding of new vendors based on evolving company needs.
• Ensure that all vendors comply with Sourgum's systems, procedures, and operational standards to maintain quality and consistency.
• Monitor vendor performance metrics and service quality, addressing any issues or underperformance promptly to uphold high standards of customer satisfaction.
• Support the Account Executive team by negotiating favorable rates and terms with vendors for specific projects, ensuring cost efficiency and value.
• Collaborate with the Enterprise Sales team throughout the sales cycle, serving as the main liaison with hauling partners and ensuring smooth onboarding and ongoing support.
• Stay informed about industry trends, regulations, and best practices related to waste management, recycling, and logistics to better understand vendor needs and contribute to strategic growth.
• Assist in developing and refining vendor management processes, including onboarding, compliance, and performance evaluation.
• Track and analyze vendor performance data, preparing reports and insights for management to inform decision-making.
• Promote a culture of sustainability, integrity, and excellence within vendor relationships, aligning with company values.
• Support efforts to expand the vendor network, identify new partnership opportunities, and improve service offerings.
• Work closely with internal teams to troubleshoot issues, improve processes, and enhance overall vendor experience.
• Participate in cross-functional projects aimed at scaling operations and increasing efficiency.
• Contribute to maintaining a positive, collaborative work environment focused on innovation and growth.
• Assist in training and onboarding new team members as needed, sharing knowledge about vendor management best practices.
• Engage in continuous learning about the waste and recycling industry, including emerging technologies, regulations, and market dynamics.
• Represent the company at industry events and conferences when appropriate, building relationships and promoting Sourgum's mission.
• Support company initiatives related to sustainability, operational excellence, and customer success.
• Maintain detailed records of vendor interactions, agreements, and performance evaluations to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to ensure all vendor agreements meet regulatory and company standards.
• Contribute to the development of strategic plans for vendor growth and retention.
• Assist in resolving vendor-related issues swiftly and professionally, maintaining positive relationships.
• Support the company's growth objectives by identifying opportunities for process improvements and operational efficiencies.

Requirements

• Demonstrated passion for customer success and a strong understanding of technology-enabled solutions.
• Ability to commute to the Jersey City, NJ office four days a week at Exchange Place.
• Proven experience in account management, vendor management, procurement, or sales within a B2B environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with vendors and internal teams.
• Excellent negotiation skills to secure favorable terms and foster long-term partnerships.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills, with the ability to address issues quickly and effectively.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Comfortable working with evolving technologies and incorporating new tools into daily responsibilities.
• Strong organizational skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Commitment to upholding company values of integrity, sustainability, and excellence.
• Prior experience in the waste & recycling industry, construction, trucking, or similar sectors is a plus.
• Ability to analyze data and prepare performance reports to inform decision-making.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing business needs and priorities.
• Knowledge of compliance standards and regulatory requirements relevant to waste management and logistics.

Nice to have

• Prior experience working within the waste and recycling industry.
• Familiarity with vendor onboarding, compliance, and performance management processes.
• Experience with supply chain or logistics operations.
• Knowledge of industry-specific regulations and best practices.
• Previous experience working in a startup or high-growth environment.
• Bilingual skills or proficiency in additional languages to support diverse vendor relationships.

Skills & tools

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution abilities.
• Analytical skills to interpret performance data and generate insights.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
• Familiarity with CRM or vendor management software (specific tools not listed).
• Problem-solving mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Adaptability to new technologies and evolving business processes.
• Organizational skills to maintain detailed records and documentation.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and departments.
• Customer-centric approach with a focus on delivering value and satisfaction.

Practical notes

• This role requires on-site presence at our Jersey City office located at Exchange Place four days a week.
• The position offers stock options as part of the compensation package, providing an opportunity to share in the company's success.
• Benefits include comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision, LTD, life insurance), retirement plans (401K), and flexible/Unlimited PTO.
• Employees have access to wellness memberships through Wellhub, including hundreds of gyms, studios, and wellness apps.
• The company recently closed its Series A funding round and is backed by notable investors including Spark Capital, Founder Collective, Suffolk Technologies, 186 Ventures, and River Park Ventures.
• Sourgum is committed to sustainability, innovation, and fostering a positive, collaborative work environment.
• The role offers opportunities for professional development and career growth within a rapidly expanding company.
• The company values building a diverse and inclusive workplace, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
• The position is ideal for someone eager to make a tangible impact in a transformative industry through strategic vendor management.
• The company emphasizes integrity, sustainability, and operational excellence in all aspects of its work.
• As part of our team, you will be contributing to a mission-driven organization dedicated to modernizing waste management through cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions.