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Vendor Management Director

Overview

Recruiting for Good is seeking a senior-level Vendor Management Director to lead the strategy, performance, and governance of vendor relationships across the organization. This role is responsible for building a high-performing vendor management function that supports business goals, reduces risk, improves service quality, and drives long-term value from external partnerships.

The Vendor Management Director will work cross-functionally with procurement, legal, finance, operations, and business leaders to ensure vendors deliver against expectations, contracts are effectively managed, and relationships are aligned with company priorities. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced leader who can combine strategic thinking with operational execution in a flexible remote/hybrid environment based in Oakland, United States.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead the company’s vendor management strategy, framework, and governance model
Oversee the full lifecycle of vendor relationships, including selection support, onboarding, performance management, renewals, and offboarding
Establish vendor performance metrics, scorecards, and reporting processes to evaluate service quality, delivery, compliance, and business impact
Build strong relationships with key vendors and serve as the primary escalation point for strategic supplier issues
Partner with internal stakeholders to align vendor services with business needs, operational requirements, and long-term organizational goals
Lead contract performance reviews and collaborate with legal, procurement, and finance teams to ensure commercial terms are understood and managed effectively
Identify opportunities to improve vendor value, optimize costs, strengthen service levels, and streamline vendor-related processes
Monitor vendor risk, compliance, and business continuity considerations, and ensure appropriate controls are in place
Drive resolution of vendor performance concerns through structured improvement plans, issue tracking, and stakeholder communication
Create and maintain vendor policies, standards, and documentation to support consistency and accountability across the organization
Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to team members involved in vendor management and supplier oversight
Deliver regular updates and insights to senior leadership on vendor performance, trends, risks, and opportunities

Requirements

Required

Significant experience in vendor management, supplier management, procurement, strategic sourcing, or a related function
Proven success leading vendor management programs and overseeing complex, high-value supplier relationships
Strong experience developing vendor governance frameworks, performance metrics, and service review processes
Demonstrated ability to negotiate, influence, and manage relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders
Strong understanding of contracts, service level agreements, vendor risk management, and compliance considerations
Experience working cross-functionally with legal, finance, procurement, operations, and business leadership
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate vendor performance data into clear business insights
Experience leading teams, driving process improvements, and managing change across functions
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience

Nice to Have

Experience in a multi-vendor, highly regulated, or complex operational environment
Familiarity with vendor management systems, procurement platforms, or contract lifecycle management tools
Advanced degree or relevant professional certification in procurement, supply chain, contract management, or vendor risk
Experience building or transforming a vendor management office or centralized supplier governance function

What Success Looks Like

Vendor relationships are managed consistently through a clear governance structure and measurable performance standards
Strategic vendors deliver reliable service, strong business value, and improved alignment with organizational goals
Risks, performance issues, and contract obligations are proactively identified and addressed
Internal stakeholders have confidence in vendor oversight, reporting, and decision-making processes
The vendor management function operates as a trusted strategic partner to the business

Work Environment

This role is based in Oakland, United States, with a flexible remote/hybrid working model. The position offers the opportunity to collaborate with cross-functional teams while maintaining flexibility in how and where work is performed.

Growth Opportunity

This role offers the opportunity to shape and elevate the vendor management function at a strategic level. The Vendor Management Director will play a visible leadership role, influence key business decisions, and help build scalable practices that support organizational growth and operational excellence.