Staff Vendor Relations Manager

Description

The Staff Vendor Relations Manager is responsible for leading the governance, performance management, and strategic oversight of the organization's third-party vendor portfolio. This role serves as the primary relationship manager for critical and strategic vendor partners, ensuring vendors consistently deliver against business objectives, service expectations, contractual commitments, and regulatory requirements.

This role develops and executes vendor governance frameworks, drives performance accountability through structured scorecards and business reviews, manages escalations and remediation efforts, and partners with internal stakeholders to mitigate risk and maximize vendor value. You will work closely with business leaders, Risk Management, Legal, Compliance, Information Security, and Procurement teams to ensure effective third-party oversight and alignment with organizational priorities.

Here’s what you can expect from the job and what you need to be successful:

What You’ll Do:

• Lead governance and relationship management activities for strategic and critical vendor partners.
• Develop, Build and manage vendor scorecards, performance metrics, and executive reporting using automation.
• Conduct regular business reviews and ensure vendor performance meets contractual commitments and SLAs.
• Lead vendor issue escalations, corrective action plans, and remediation efforts to drive accountability.
• Monitor vendor risks including operational, financial, cybersecurity, concentration, and compliance risks.
• Partner with Legal, Compliance, Risk, Information Security, and business stakeholders to support effective third-party oversight.
• Coordinate audit, regulatory, and examination support activities, ensuring documentation is complete and audit ready.
• Analyze vendor portfolio trends, spending, and dependencies to support risk management and executive decision making.
• Oversee complex or high‑impact vendor relationships, ensuring consistent delivery of services aligned with organizational standards and objectives.
• Lead negotiation and management of service level agreements, performance metrics, and operational expectations.
• Analyze vendor performance trends, identify risks or inefficiencies, and develop actionable improvement strategies. Resolve complex vendor issues and service gaps by leading cross‑functional problem‑solving efforts.
• Ensure adherence to contractual obligations, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies.
• Influence vendor strategy and decision‑making by providing insights on performance, cost, and service delivery outcomes.
• Lead vendor-related initiatives, including onboarding, integration, optimization, and process improvements.
• Partner with stakeholders across the organization to align vendor services with business needs and priorities.
• Support contract renewals and strategic planning by preparing performance analyses and recommendations.
• Provide guidance or mentorship to less experienced team members on vendor management practices.

Essential Skills:

• 6 to 8 years of experience in vendor governance, SLA management, and escalation frameworks.
• Experience developing multi-dimensional vendor scorecards and QBR programs.
• Working knowledge of third-party risk management (TPRM) frameworks, including NCUA third-party guidance.
• Proficiency in vendor performance management platforms and GRC tools.
• Strong executive communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in field relevant to role (or 4 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree)

Location: Hillsboro Corporate Office | Hillsboro OR 97124 OR Marlborough Corporate Office | Marlborough, MA

Target Compensation: $116,500.00 to $140,000.00 + annual bonus

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Who We Are:

What makes First Tech different? Click here to learn more!

Every great journey begins with a bold idea—and ours is no different. First Tech and DCU were founded on the belief that financial solutions should put people first. That belief has fueled decades of innovation and service, rooted in the tech sector and expanding to support members from all walks of life.

Employees are eligible for:

• Traditional medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Generous 401(k) match
• Paid Time Off: You'll accrue up to 15 days in your first year. In addition, you'll receive 40 hours of sick time and 3 personal days, which refresh annually
• Paid federal holidays
• Special employee pricing on lending products such as mortgage, auto, and personal loans (eligibility subject to standard account requirements and underwriting criteria)

Employment Statements:

First Tech is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity, inclusion, and equity at our company. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

If you're applying for a job and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an email to recruiters@firsttechfed.com and let us know the nature of your request and contact information. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

First Tech is not currently offering Visa transfer/sponsorship for this position.