Director, Vendor Relations

Description

• Sets the vision and direction for vendor management practices across the organization, ensuring alignment with business priorities and long-term operational goals
• Leads multiple teams and leaders responsible for vendor oversight, fostering accountability, consistency, and high performance across functions and service areas
• Establishes and evolves enterprise-wide vendor strategies, frameworks, and governance models to support effective selection, onboarding, performance management, and lifecycle oversight
• Oversees complex and high-impact vendor negotiations, influencing contract structures, service expectations, and commercial models to optimize value and mitigate risk
• Provides executive-level direction in addressing significant vendor performance, service, and operational issues, including those requiring cross-functional coordination and escalation
• Partners with senior leadership and stakeholders to align vendor capabilities with evolving business needs, enterprise initiatives, and strategic priorities
• Guides the development and execution of vendor performance management programs, ensuring consistent measurement, insights, and continuous improvement across services
• Ensures enterprise adherence to policies, regulatory requirements, and risk management standards related to third-party relationships, while strengthening governance and oversight practices
• Leads the advancement of vendor management tools, processes, and capabilities to improve visibility, efficiency, scalability, and decision-making across the organization
• Oversees financial planning and resource allocation for vendor services, shaping budgets, forecasting needs, and identifying opportunities to optimize spend and maximize return
• Influences enterprise practices, standards, and decision-making related to vendor engagement, helping to drive consistency and maturity across business units

Essential Skills:

• Minimum 8+ years of experience in Vendor Performance and Risk Management
• Minimum 4+ years of experience leading a diverse team including hiring, coaching and performance management
• Demonstrated success leading enterprise vendor strategies and managing complex, high-value supplier relationships
• Deep experience negotiating and structuring complex agreements, including performance-based and risk-sharing arrangements
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities with experience addressing highly complex, cross-functional issues
• Proven ability to lead through other leaders, build organizational capability, and drive alignment across diverse teams
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and guide decision-making
• Expertise in vendor governance, risk management, compliance, and performance management practices
• Experience managing budgets, financial planning, and cost optimization initiatives related to vendor services
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, actionable insights
• Required Education: Bachelor's degree in field relevant to role (or 4 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree), advanced degree preferred.

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

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