Operations Manager - Chicago

🌍 Redefining how people live. At Blueground, we believe that when your base is reliable, the world opens up. That’s why we’re building the world’s leading platform for living. Every year, 350 million people move between cities—yet today’s housing options haven’t caught up with the needs of this modern, mobile generation. Blueground was built to change that. With 40,000+ homes across the globe, available for stays from a few days to a year or more, we’re just getting started. We’re on an exponential growth path to redefine living and create an entirely new category. Our edge? Powerful proprietary tech, operational excellence, and a team that executes with speed and discipline.  Our culture is grounded in five principles: Guests First – Every decision starts with their experience. Move Fast – We value speed, momentum, and action. Dive In – The magic is always in the details, and we go deep. Embrace Change – Change isn’t a disruption; it’s how we grow. Keep It Honest – Transparency accelerates progress—and strengthens relationships. If you’re ready to do the best work of your life and help reshape how the world lives, we’d love to meet you. The Role We are seeking a results-driven Vendor & Sub-Contractor Operations Manager to join our US Operations team out of either Chicago or New York City. This critical role will oversee the sourcing, onboarding, and management of third-party vendors and service providers that support our nationwide portfolio. From optimizing service quality and cost structures to ensuring seamless guest experiences, you’ll play a strategic role in scaling our operations across multiple U.S. markets. This is a unique opportunity to sit at the intersection of hospitality, operations, and strategic partnerships—helping build the backbone of a world-class concierge and vendor ecosystem. This role is US based and must be located in either Chicago or New York City. What You Will Focus On Outsourced Vendor Services: Coordinate and manage US third party service partners Vendor Sourcing & Onboarding: Identify, assess, and onboard reliable, cost-effective third-party service providers across multiple US cities Contract & Negotiations: Lead negotiations, define contractual terms, and establish Service Level Agreements (SLAs) that ensure both quality and accountability. Performance Management: Monitor vendor performance to ensure service excellence, cost efficiency, and timeliness; conduct reviews, provide feedback, and drive continuous improvement. Compliance & Auditing: Oversee compliance with company standards, verify pricing accuracy, and validate invoices through structured audits. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Operations, Customer Support, and Quality Assurance to align vendor and concierge services with business objectives. Data & Reporting: Maintain vendor dashboards, performance trackers, and documentation to support transparency and informed decision-making. Vendor Categories May Include Local and national concierge/third party service providers Maintenance and repair contractors Field-based third party services (e.g. inspectional, specialized delivery, key delivery placement, etc.) Requirements 3+ years of experience in vendor management, sub-contractor services, or operations, ideally in a multi-city or hospitality setting Proven track record in managing service-based vendors and negotiating contracts in the U.S. market Strong understanding of service operations, hospitality standards, and guest experience management Advanced Excel/data analysis skills; familiarity with procurement or vendor management systems a plus Proven experience in developing and managing KPIs to track vendor and service performance, with a strong background in remote service oversight or centralized vendor management to ensure consistency, efficiency, and accountability across multiple locations. Excellent communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills High attention to detail with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset Comfortable working in a fast-paced, multi-market environment and occasionally traveling to oversee key vendors and partnerships Chicago or New York City based (required) Benefits Competitive salary and annual performance bonus ($75,000 - $100,000 w/up to 15% Annual Bonus) Laptop stipend Flexible PTO Cigna Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision)  401k retirement plan Paid maternity/parental leave benefits for new parents Compensation Disclaimer The posted salary range reflects the potential compensation for this role across multiple locations. The final offer will be determined based on a variety of factors, including the candidate’s experience, skills, and location. Differences in cost of living between cities may also be considered when determining the offer within the salary band. Complimentary accommodation in Blueground locations. Think summer in Greece and winter in Dubai!At Blueground we are proud to have Diversity and Inclusion at the center of everything we do. We are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion. For more information on Blueground, visit us at www.theblueground.com. To keep up with Blueground news, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Tik Tok! Benefits