Provides guidance and training as necessary to develop crew
Sets performance standards, reviews performance, and makes informed compensation decisions in accordance with all applicable Human Resources policies and procedures
Leads the management of vendor relationships of high scope and complexity
Maintains active positive relationships with designated points of contact with key vendors at all levels to escalate, discuss and resolve issues relative to the supply of goods and services
Establishes and maintains vendor relationships, negotiates favorable pricing, and reports on vendor performance
Oversees the comparative evaluations of vendors, both before and after contract negotiations, to ensure that Vanguard obtains the highest value and expected return for its investment in vendor contracts
Develops and maintains best practices for developing RFPs for specific services or products
Reviews proposals for compliance with the RFP requirements and requests supplemental information as required
Consults with internal/external experts to evaluate the financial, operational, and performance reputation of the vendor to ensure that they will make a suitable partner to the organization
Oversees the monitoring of post contract performance of the vendor relative to product or service delivery and performance and may make change recommendations to management
Compiles data and reports for managerial or executive review on aggregate vendor performance
Conducts reviews of vendor invoices relative to their compliance with agreed contract terms prior to their release for payment
Assists in resolving conflicts and problems that have been referred by others and regularly provides work direction and guidance to less seasoned crew to ensure an effective implementation of Vanguard's short
and long-term vendor management strategies
Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience required
Minimum of eight years of professional related experience, including at least five years in vendor or third-party management
Prior people-management or supervisory experience preferred
Demonstrated experience managing high-risk and/or regulated vendors, including oversight of third parties with direct client impact, financial exposure, operational dependency, or regulatory obligations
Proven ability to assess and manage vendor risk commensurate with criticality and risk tier
Extensive experience in strategic supplier relationship management, including leading complex negotiations, establishing performance and risk governance, and mitigating commercial and operational risk across high-value, regulated financial-services environments
Strong escalation and issue-management experience, including identification, assessment, and remediation of significant vendor failures, control gaps, or performance issues
Ability to partner with business, risk, legal, and compliance stakeholders to drive timely resolution and reduce residual risk
Deep understanding of third-party risk management (TPRM) frameworks and regulatory requirements (including SOX and related controls), ensuring vendor practices meet audit, compliance, and operational-risk standards
Proven ability to improve and mature a vendor management program, beyond execution of existing third-party risk policies
Experience identifying gaps, strengthening governance, enhancing reporting and metrics, and proactively evolving vendor oversight frameworks to better manage risk and support business outcomes
Develops and communicates clear vendor strategy, translating business objectives into actionable vendor-management plans
Effectively communicates expectations, influences senior stakeholders, and gains alignment across multiple leadership levels.