Executive Director, Strategic Vendor Relationships

Jobtailor; Arizona; On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

USAA is seeking a senior vendor management leader to drive vendor relationships and strategic partnerships across financial services and IT. You will shape a cross-functional sourcing framework, manage a diverse vendor portfolio, and lead a high-performing team.

You will partner with executives to translate strategy into operational plans, analyze vendor performance, negotiate high-value contracts, and ensure risk and compliance while optimizing cost and value.

Qualifications

• 10 years of progressive relationship management, vendor management, or operations experience in financial services or IT.
• 4 years of people leadership experience building high-performing teams.
• Proven vendor relationship management program leadership and high-value contract negotiation.
• Subject Matter Expert in supply chain management, regs, and operational risk concepts.
• Ability to translate strategy between organizations (internal/third party).
• Demonstrated ability to drive results and change across levels.
• Strong relationship management and influence with senior executives.
• Expert in analytics, strategic planning, and project management.
• Excellent communication and conflict mediation skills.
• Travel may be required; visa sponsorship not provided.

Responsibilities

• Drive operational efficiency and organizational value through strategic account relationship management
• Deliver exceptional customer experience through relationship management with key strategic suppliers
• Establish and lead the 3P sourcing framework supporting the DS&A strategy
• Execute, manage, and optimize vendor portfolio to meet objectives
• Manage integration of third-party supplier relationships for operational improvements
• Collaborate with strategic account leadership to develop business plans and achieve objectives
• Expand USAA's revenue and external market share
• Consult with stakeholders on vendor strategy, portfolio, operations, and financial impact
• Analyze vendor performance data to identify trends, opportunities, risks
• Provide insights and recommendations for senior leadership's strategic decisions
• Communicate financial analysis, trends, performance, and expense-management updates to senior executives
• Analyze industry trends to deepen relationships and develop supplier solutions
• Approve invoices and ensure expenses are validated, coded, and budget-adherent
• Lead business cases and recommendations for supplier value management
• Build and lead a team through recruiting, development, retention, coaching, performance management
• Identify, measure, monitor, and control business risks per policies

Skills

Vendor Relationship Management

Strategic Account Management

Operational Risk Management

People Leadership

Financial Analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Contract Negotiation

Data Analysis

Project Management

Strategic Planning

Job description

USAA is seeking a senior vendor management leader to drive vendor relationships and strategic partnerships across financial services and IT. You will shape a cross-functional sourcing framework, manage a diverse vendor portfolio, and lead a high-performing team.

You will partner with executives to translate strategy into operational plans, analyze vendor performance, negotiate high-value contracts, and ensure risk and compliance while optimizing cost and value.