Vendor Management Manager

Role:

The Vendor Management Manager is responsible for overseeing the credit union’s relationships with vendors and suppliers. This role involves ensuring that vendors adhere to their contractual obligations, maintaining positive relationships, and seeking opportunities for cost savings and process improvements. This role works closely with various departments to ensure that vendor services support organizational strategies and is compliant with laws, regulations, and internal policies.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Vendor Relationship Management:

• Develop and maintain a strong vendor procurement program that aligns with compliance, regulatory, and strategic credit union goals.
• Manage and maintain strong, long-term relationships with vendors.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between the credit union and its vendors.
• Coordinate and conduct regular performance reviews and feedback sessions with vendors.
• Resolve conflicts or disputes in a timely and effective manner.

Contract Negotiation & Compliance:

• Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing with vendors to secure favorable agreements.
• Monitor and enforce compliance with contract terms and conditions.
• Ensure all vendor contracts are up-to-date, properly documented, and stored.
• Review and renew contracts as needed to maintain continuity of supply.

Performance & Cost Management:

• Develop and implement performance metrics and KPIs to measure vendor effectiveness.
• Regularly assess vendor performance against established benchmarks.
• Identify areas for improvement and collaborate with vendors to implement corrective actions.
• Prepare and present vendor performance reports to senior management.
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.
• Analyze spending patterns and negotiate better pricing or terms with vendors.
• Track and report on cost savings achieved through vendor management initiatives.

Risk & Compliance Management:

• Identify and mitigate risks associated with vendor relationships.
• Ensure that vendors comply with all relevant regulations and company policies.
• Develop contingency plans to address potential disruptions.

- Must comply with applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to, the Bank Secrecy Act, the Patriot Act, and the Office of Foreign Assets Control.

Knowledge and Skills: 

Experience - Five years to eight years of similar or related experience in vendor management, procurement, or supply chain management. Experience reviewing Information Technology audits, vendor financial statements, and insurance requirements.

Education - Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Vendor management certification, CRVPM strongly preferred.

Interpersonal Skills - A significant level of trust, credibility and diplomacy is required. In-depth dialogue, conversations and explanations with customers, direct and indirect reports and outside vendors can be of a sensitive and/or highly confidential nature. Communications may involve motivating, influencing, educating and/or advising others on matters of significance. Typically includes subject matter experts as well as first level to middle managers.

Other Skills - 

• Strong negotiation and communication skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Proficiency in vendor management software and tools
• Detail-oriented and highly organized
• Initiative-taking and results-driven
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders

ADA: 

Physical - Is able to bend, sit, and stand in order to perform primarily sedentary work with limited physical exertion and occasional lifting of up to 10 lbs. Must be capable of climbing / descending stairs in an emergency situation. Must be able to operate routine office equipment including computer terminals and keyboards, telephones, copiers, facsimiles, and calculators. Must be able to routinely perform work on computer for an average of 6-8 hours per day, when necessary. Must be able to work extended hours or travel off site whenever required or requested by management. Must be capable of regular, reliable and timely attendance.

Working Conditions - Must be able to routinely perform work indoors in climate-controlled shared work area with minimal noise.

Mental Requirements - Must be able to perform job functions independently or with limited supervision and work effectively either on own or as part of a team. Must be able to read and carry out various written instructions and follow oral instructions. Must be able to complete basic mathematical calculations, spell accurately, and understand computer basics. Must be able to speak clearly and deliver information in a logical and understandable sequence. Must be capable of dealing calmly and professionally with numerous different personalities from diverse cultures at various levels within and outside of the organization and demonstrate highest levels of customer service and discretion when dealing with the public. Must be able to perform responsibilities with composure under the stress of deadlines / requirements for extreme accuracy and quality and/or fast pace. Must be able to effectively handle multiple, simultaneous, and changing priorities. Must be capable of exercising highest level of discretion on both internal and external confidential matters.

Community First Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Community First values and celebrates diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected Veteran.