Director of Vendor Management

United State (Remote)
February 7, 2026
Full Time
Urgent

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Job Description

About the Role

In large, complex enterprises, vendors are no longer transactional suppliers; they are extensions of the operating model and critical drivers of cost efficiency, innovation, and resilience. We are seeking a Director of Vendor Management to lead enterprise-wide vendor strategy across a diverse global portfolio of strategic partners, service providers, and technology vendors.

This role is designed for a senior leader who understands how to govern vendor ecosystems at scale, balancing cost, performance, risk, and long-term value. The Director of Vendor Management will own the full vendor lifecycle, from strategy and selection through performance management, risk oversight, and contract optimization.

You will partner closely with Procurement, Operations, Technology, Finance, Legal, and Risk to ensure vendors deliver measurable outcomes aligned with enterprise priorities. This role requires both commercial discipline and executive-level influence, ensuring that vendor relationships support growth, innovation, and regulatory compliance.

This is not a procurement role. It is a mandate to build vendor management as a strategic enterprise capability, one that drives value, accountability, and operational excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Define and execute an enterprise vendor management strategy aligned with business objectives.

  • Lead governance of strategic vendors, outsourced service providers, and technology partners.

  • Establish vendor performance frameworks, SLAs, KPIs, and accountability models.

  • Oversee contract lifecycle management, renewals, and commercial optimization.

  • Identify cost-reduction, value-creation, and risk-mitigation opportunities.

  • Partner with Procurement and Legal on vendor selection, negotiations, and compliance.

  • Collaborate with Technology and Operations on vendor integration and service delivery.

  • Manage vendor risk, resilience, and regulatory compliance requirements.

  • Lead executive-level vendor reviews and escalation management.

  • Build and lead high-performing vendor management and governance teams.

Job Qualifications and Requirements

  • 12–15+ years of experience in vendor management, outsourcing, or third-party governance roles.

  • Proven success managing large, complex vendor ecosystems at enterprise scale.

  • Strong background in contract management, SLAs, and performance governance.

  • Experience partnering with Procurement, Legal, Risk, Finance, and Technology teams.

  • Demonstrated ability to drive cost optimization and vendor performance improvement.

  • Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Personal Capabilities and Qualifications

  • Strategic, commercially minded leader with strong execution discipline.

  • Confident executive presence with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.

  • Analytical, detail-oriented, and outcomes-focused.

  • Comfortable managing complex vendor relationships and escalations.

  • Strong negotiator and relationship manager.

  • People-focused leader who builds accountability and a high-performance culture.

Strategic Support

  • Support enterprise cost optimization and operational resilience initiatives.

  • Partner with Risk and Compliance on third-party oversight and regulatory readiness.

  • Collaborate with Technology and Operations on modernization and vendor-led innovation.

  • Support M&A vendor due diligence, integration, and rationalization.

  • Provide executive leadership with insight into vendor performance, risk, and value.

Working Conditions

  • Hybrid work environment with enterprise-wide responsibility.

  • Regular engagement with senior executives and external vendors.

  • Periodic domestic and international travel for vendor reviews and governance meetings.

  • High-visibility role with direct impact on cost, risk, and service quality.

Job Function

  • Vendor & Third-Party Management

  • Outsourcing & Strategic Partnerships

  • Contract & Performance Governance

  • Cost Optimization & Risk Management

  • Enterprise Vendor Strategy

Compensation & Benefits

  • Base Salary: $265,000 – $340,000

  • Annual Performance Bonus

  • Long-Term Incentive Plan (Equity / Performance-Based Awards)

  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage

  • 401(k) with Competitive Company Match

  • Leadership Development & Executive Coaching

  • Wellness, Mental Health & Family Support Programs

  • Generous Paid Time Off & Holiday Package

Why Join Us

  • Lead vendor management at true enterprise scale.

  • Influence cost, performance, and resilience across the organization.

  • Partner directly with executive leadership on strategic priorities.

  • Build a vendor governance model that drives accountability and value.

  • Leave a lasting impact on how the enterprise works with its partners.

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