Director, Vendor Relations

DescriptionThe Director, Vendor Relations provides enterprise-level leadership for the credit union’s vendor relationships and outsourced service delivery, shaping and advancing strategies that support long-term organizational objectives. This role ensures partners meet quality, performance, and contractual expectations while driving value, managing risk, and enabling scalable operations across the organization. Here's what you can expect from the job and what you need to be successful: Job Duties:Sets the vision and direction for vendor management practices across the organization, ensuring alignment with business priorities and long-term operational goalsLeads multiple teams and leaders responsible for vendor oversight, fostering accountability, consistency, and high performance across functions and service areasEstablishes and evolves enterprise-wide vendor strategies, frameworks, and governance models to support effective selection, onboarding, performance management, and lifecycle oversightOversees complex and high-impact vendor negotiations, influencing contract structures, service expectations, and commercial models to optimize value and mitigate riskProvides executive-level direction in addressing significant vendor performance, service, and operational issues, including those requiring cross-functional coordination and escalationPartners with senior leadership and stakeholders to align vendor capabilities with evolving business needs, enterprise initiatives, and strategic prioritiesGuides the development and execution of vendor performance management programs, ensuring consistent measurement, insights, and continuous improvement across servicesEnsures enterprise adherence to policies, regulatory requirements, and risk management standards related to third-party relationships, while strengthening governance and oversight practicesLeads the advancement of vendor management tools, processes, and capabilities to improve visibility, efficiency, scalability, and decision-making across the organizationOversees financial planning and resource allocation for vendor services, shaping budgets, forecasting needs, and identifying opportunities to optimize spend and maximize returnInfluences enterprise practices, standards, and decision-making related to vendor engagement, helping to drive consistency and maturity across business unitsEssential Skills:Minimum 8+ years of experience in Vendor Performance and Risk ManagementMinimum 4+ years of experience leading a diverse team including hiring, coaching and performance managementDemonstrated success leading enterprise vendor strategies and managing complex, high-value supplier relationshipsDeep experience negotiating and structuring complex agreements, including performance-based and risk-sharing arrangementsAdvanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities with experience addressing highly complex, cross-functional issuesProven ability to lead through other leaders, build organizational capability, and drive alignment across diverse teamsStrong executive presence with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and guide decision-makingExpertise in vendor governance, risk management, compliance, and performance management practicesExperience managing budgets, financial planning, and cost optimization initiatives related to vendor servicesExcellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, actionable insightsRequired Education: Bachelor's degree in field relevant to role (or 4 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree), advanced degree preferred.Location: Hillsboro Corporate Office | Hillsboro OR 97124 OR Marlborough Corporate Office | Marlborough, MA Target Compensation: $146,500 to 176,000 base pay + Annual Bonus Benefits options include: Traditional medical, dental, and vision coverageGenerous 401K company matchingPaid 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 annually11 paid federal holidaysSpecial 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)What makes First Tech different? Click here to learn more! First Tech is not currently offering Visa sponsorship or transfer for this position #LI-MG1