Senior Vendor Risk Manager, Third-Party & Compliance

Aquent; Westlake (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Paid sick leave

Retirement plan with 401k match

Job summary

Aquent is seeking a seasoned Vendor Risk Manager to join the Risk and Controls team in Corporate Vendor Management. You will shape third-party risk strategies to protect operations and ensure compliant vendor relationships across the firm.

You will drive risk assessments, collaborate with Legal, Cybersecurity, Compliance, and Finance, and escalate critical vendor risks to leadership. This role demands leadership, analytical rigor, and a proactive, detail-oriented mindset.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in vendor management, risk management or internal audit.
• 2+ years in a highly regulated financial services environment.
• Strong understanding of risk frameworks, regulations, and best practices.
• Excellent analytical, problem solving, and decision making.

Responsibilities

• Execute a robust third-party risk management framework with assessments and oversight.
• Follow risk assessment methodologies based on criticality, compliance, cybersecurity, resilience, and finances.
• Collaborate with Legal, Cybersecurity, Compliance, and Finance for a holistic approach.
• Lead risk assessments and drive contracting and vendor relationship decisions.
• Ensure due diligence and policy alignment before agreements are signed.
• Stay updated on evolving regulations and adjust the program accordingly.
• Identify high-risk vendors and establish mitigation strategies.
• Produce risk reports and escalate critical vendor risks to leadership.
• Leverage tools to streamline risk reporting and drive process improvements.
• Deliver risk awareness discussions for internal stakeholders.
• Support Internal Audit and Regulatory Examinations with data and information.
• Advise peers with broad risk knowledge and experience.

Skills

Vendor management

Risk management

Internal audit

Regulatory knowledge

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

CTPRP

CRVPM

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Third-party risk mgmt tools

Job description

Aquent is seeking a seasoned Vendor Risk Manager to join the Risk and Controls team in Corporate Vendor Management. You will shape third-party risk strategies to protect operations and ensure compliant vendor relationships across the firm.

You will drive risk assessments, collaborate with Legal, Cybersecurity, Compliance, and Finance, and escalate critical vendor risks to leadership. This role demands leadership, analytical rigor, and a proactive, detail-oriented mindset.