Strategic Vendor Relations Manager

First Tech Federal Credit Union; Marlborough (MA); On-site; USD 117,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) match

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

First Tech Federal Credit Union seeks a Staff Vendor Relations Manager to lead governance, performance management, and strategic oversight of the organization’s third‑party vendor portfolio. You will serve as the primary relationship manager for strategic partners, ensuring vendors deliver against objectives, SLAs, contracts, and regulatory requirements.

You will develop governance frameworks, drive scorecards, manage escalations, and partner with Legal, Risk, Compliance, and Procurement to

Qualifications

• 6 to 8 years of experience in vendor governance, SLA management, and escalation frameworks.
• Experience developing multi-dimensional vendor scorecards and QBR programs.
• Working knowledge of third‑party risk management (TPRM) frameworks, including NCUA third‑party guidance.
• Proficiency in vendor performance management platforms and GRC tools.
• Strong executive communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in field relevant to role (or 4 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree).

Responsibilities

• Lead governance and relationship management activities for strategic and critical vendor partners.
• Develop, Build and manage vendor scorecards, performance metrics, and executive reporting using automation.
• Conduct regular business reviews and ensure vendor performance meets contractual commitments and SLAs.
• Lead vendor issue escalations, corrective action plans, and remediation efforts to drive accountability.
• Monitor vendor risks including operational, financial, cybersecurity, concentration, and compliance risks.
• Partner with Legal, Compliance, Risk, Information Security, and business stakeholders to support effective third‑party oversight.
• Coordinate audit, regulatory, and examination support activities, ensuring documentation is complete and audit ready.
• Analyze vendor portfolio trends, spending, and dependencies to support risk management and executive decision making.
• Oversee complex or high‑impact vendor relationships, ensuring consistent delivery of services aligned with organizational standards and objectives.
• Lead negotiation and management of service level agreements, performance metrics, and operational expectations.
• Analyze vendor performance trends, identify risks or inefficiencies, and develop actionable improvement strategies. Resolve complex vendor issues and service gaps by leading cross‑functional problem‑solving efforts.
• Ensure adherence to contractual obligations, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies.
• Influence vendor strategy and decision‑making by providing insights on performance, cost, and service delivery outcomes.
• Lead vendor‑related initiatives, including onboarding, integration, optimization, and process improvements.
• Partner with stakeholders across the organization to align vendor services with business needs and priorities.
• Support contract renewals and strategic planning by preparing performance analyses and recommendations.
• Provide guidance or mentorship to less experienced team members on vendor management practices.

Skills

Vendor governance

SLA management

Escalation frameworks

Executive communication

TPRM frameworks

GRC tools

Stakeholder management

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Education

Bachelor’s degree in field relevant to role

4+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree

Tools

Vendor performance management platforms

GRC tools

Job description

First Tech Federal Credit Union seeks a Staff Vendor Relations Manager to lead governance, performance management, and strategic oversight of the organization’s third‑party vendor portfolio. You will serve as the primary relationship manager for strategic partners, ensuring vendors deliver against objectives, SLAs, contracts, and regulatory requirements.

You will develop governance frameworks, drive scorecards, manage escalations, and partner with Legal, Risk, Compliance, and Procurement to