Enterprise Vendor Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The Enterprise Vendor Manager leads Vanguard Charitable’s enterprise‑wide vendor strategy, lifecycle management, and governance framework. This role is responsible for optimizing vendor performance and value while mitigating operational, financial, cybersecurity, and compliance risks. The position partners closely with Legal, Finance, Risk, Information Technology, and business leaders to create a consistent, scalable, and strategically aligned vendor ecosystem that supports organizational objectives and regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Vendor Strategy \& Governance:

Develop and execute a comprehensive vendor management strategy aligned with organizational priorities; establish and maintain an enterprise vendor governance framework in partnership with Legal, Risk, and Compliance; lead vendor governance forums and review committees. (20%)

• Vendor Lifecycle \& Relationship Management:

Oversee the end‑to‑end vendor lifecycle, including sourcing, due diligence, onboarding, contract management, renewal, and offboarding; serve as escalation point for vendor performance issues, disputes, and strategic relationship management. (20%)

• Performance \& Risk Management:

Define and implement vendor KPIs, service‑level monitoring, and performance management processes; partner with Risk, Legal, Finance, and IT/Security to assess and mitigate third‑party risks; ensure compliance with internal controls, regulatory requirements, and governance standards. (20%)

• Financial Oversight \& Reporting:

Support vendor budgeting, forecasting, and cost optimization strategies; track vendor spend, savings, contract adherence, and service outcomes; standardize vendor reporting, workflows, and documentation to improve transparency and decision‑making. (15%)

• Process Improvement \& Program Maturity

: Drive continuous improvement across procurement, contracting, and vendor evaluation practices; implement scalable processes, tools, and frameworks to improve efficiency, consistency, and compliance. (10%)

• Leadership \& Cross

‑

Functional Collaboration

: Partner with business leaders, vendor owners, and cross‑functional stakeholders to align on vendor expectations, performance outcomes, and communication practices; provide dashboards, reporting, and strategic insights to executive leadership. (15%)

QUALIFICATIONS

Education \& Training

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• Advanced degree in Organizational Design, Change Management, Business, or a related field preferred.

Licensure \& Certification

• None required.

Knowledge, Skill, and Ability

• Knowledge of enterprise vendor management, procurement, sourcing, and third‑party risk frameworks.

• Strong understanding of contract structures, service‑level agreements, performance metrics, and governance practices.

• Skilled in negotiating complex commercial contracts and managing vendor relationships in regulated or sensitive environments.

• Skilled in financial analysis, cost optimization, and vendor performance measurement.

• Strong analytical, risk assessment, and problem‑solving capabilities.

• Excellent communication and relationship‑management skills with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization.

• Ability to lead and coordinate cross‑functional initiatives and governance processes.

• Familiarity with vendor management platforms and tools preferred.

• Occasional travel for vendor meetings, audits, or industry events.

Experience

• Seven to ten years of experience in vendor management, procurement, sourcing, or contract management; leveling may vary based on experience.

• Demonstrated experience leading vendor governance or vendor management programs.

• Experience supporting vendor tiering, risk scoring, and performance benchmarking preferred.