Transaction Banking, Vendor Management, Vice President

Job Summary and Responsibilities

The Vendor Manager is responsible for strategically managing the organization's relationships with key vendors, ensuring optimal value, performance, and compliance. This role encompasses the full lifecycle of vendor engagement, from selection and contract negotiation to performance monitoring, risk mitigation, and technology integration.

• Contract Management: Oversee the entire contract lifecycle for Information Technology vendors (software, hardware, and IT professional services), including drafting, review, negotiation, execution, and renewal of vendor agreements. Ensure all contracts align with organizational policies, legal requirements, and business objectives. Monitor contract compliance, terms, and conditions, identifying and addressing any deviations or breaches. Maintain a centralized repository of vendor contracts and related documentation.
• Negotiation & Relationship Management: Lead and execute complex negotiations with vendors to secure favorable terms, pricing, service level agreements (SLAs), and performance metrics. Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key vendors, acting as the primary point of contact. Conduct regular business reviews with vendors to assess performance, discuss strategic initiatives, and address issues. Drive continuous improvement and innovation through vendor partnerships.
• Vendor Technology Management: Evaluate vendor capabilities and technological offerings to ensure alignment with the organization's strategic technology roadmap and business needs. Collaborate with IT and business units to assess the integration, scalability, and security of vendor technologies. Stay abreast of market trends and emerging technologies relevant to vendor services, recommending strategic adjustments as needed. Manage vendor-provided software, hardware, and service solutions, ensuring they meet operational requirements.
• Business Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate potential business risks associated with vendor relationships, including operational, financial, security, data privacy, compliance, and reputational risks. Develop and implement vendor risk assessment frameworks and due diligence processes. Ensure vendors adhere to the organization's security policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical standards. Develop contingency plans and exit strategies for critical vendor services.
• Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Define, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) and SLAs for all managed vendors. Analyze vendor performance data to identify trends, areas for improvement, and opportunities for cost savings. Prepare and present regular reports on vendor performance, risk posture, and strategic initiatives to senior management.
• Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Support: Collaborate with procurement teams on vendor selection processes, including RFI/RFP development and evaluation. Contribute to the development of vendor management strategies and policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Information Technology, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in Information Technology vendor management, procurement, contract management, or a related strategic sourcing role.
• Proven track record of successful negotiation and contract execution. Experience managing technology vendors and understanding IT service delivery models.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing vendor risk management frameworks.
• Exceptional negotiation and communication (written and verbal) skills. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen eye for detail.
• Proficiency in contract law principles and best practices. Solid understanding of IT infrastructure, software, and service delivery models.
• Able to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus.

About Goldman Sachs

At Goldman Sachs, we commit our people, capital and ideas to help our clients, shareholders and the communities we serve to grow. Founded in 1869, we are a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm. Headquartered in New York, we maintain offices around the world. We believe who you are makes you better at what you do. We're committed to fostering and advancing diversity and inclusion in our own workplace and beyond by ensuring every individual within our firm has a number of opportunities to grow professionally and personally, from our training and development opportunities and firmwide networks to benefits, wellness and personal finance offerings and mindfulness programs.