Manager of Vendor Management

A growing organization is seeking a Manager of Vendor Management to lead its company-wide vendor oversight program. This is a high-visibility role partnering directly with senior leadership to enhance vendor relationships, strengthen compliance, and optimize the organization’s third-party risk framework.

🔑 Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and continuously enhance the company’s Vendor Management Program, ensuring alignment with best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain strong, well-documented third-party vendor relationships across the organization.
• Partner with department leaders to ensure vendors are meeting contractual and service-level expectations.
• Review and track vendor contracts, conduct periodic compliance checks, and manage due diligence requirements (insurance, licensure, performance reviews).
• Serve as the escalation point for vendor issues, driving resolution and improving accountability.
• Manage onboarding processes for new vendors and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure proper documentation and system setup.
• Prepare and analyze management reports using vendor management platforms (experience with Yardi / Vendor Café is a plus).
• Participate in vendor selections, SLA negotiations, and contract updates in partnership with legal and senior leadership.
• Maintain an organized tracking system for contracts and oversee adherence to negotiated terms.
• Identify opportunities to optimize vendor performance through relationship management and financial/operational analysis.

🎯 Qualifications

• 5 years of vendor management, supplier relations, procurement operations, or related experience.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Smartsheet.
• Experience with vendor management platforms (Vendor Café / Yardi) is highly preferred.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to partner across technical and non-technical teams.
• Proven ability to manage shifting priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.
• High level of diplomacy, relationship-building, and issue resolution experience.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; HS diploma or equivalent required.