Vendor Risk Manager [AQ-11746]

About the Role

Aquent is seeking a professional to join the Risk and Controls team, specifically focusing on Corporate Vendor Management for a prominent leader in the financial services industry. In this role, you will be instrumental in shaping and executing comprehensive third-party risk management strategies, directly impacting the firm's ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, mitigate potential risks, and ensure the seamless operation of critical vendor services.

What You'll Do

• Execute a robust third-party risk management framework, conducting risk assessment and oversight activities to effectively assess, monitor, and mitigate vendor risks.
• Consistently apply established risk assessment methodologies to evaluate third-party vendors across key areas such as criticality, compliance, cybersecurity, operational resilience, and financial stability.
• Collaborate seamlessly with cross-functional teams, including Legal, Cybersecurity, Compliance, and Finance, to ensure a holistic and integrated approach to risk management.
• Drive the timely completion of risk assessments, proactively identifying and addressing any obstacles that may impact contracting or the continuation of relationships with third parties.
• Ensure that all risk assessment reviews are thorough and confirm the completion of due diligence processes prior to agreement signatures.
• Guarantee that all activities and efforts align with firm policies, guidelines, and relevant regulatory guidance.
• Participate actively in identifying necessary policy and procedure adjustments to address the evolving risk environment and emerging risks associated with third-party vendors, both onshore and offshore.
• Tackle complex problems of diverse scope, requiring the evaluation of a variety of tangible and intangible factors through data analysis.
• Ensure that third-party risk management practices consistently comply with industry regulations, internal policies, and best practices.
• Stay continuously updated on evolving regulatory landscapes affecting third-party risk, recommending necessary program adjustments to maintain compliance and effectiveness.
• Establish and implement effective risk mitigation strategies specifically for high-risk vendors.
• Conduct regular risk reporting and promptly escalate critical vendor risks to leadership to ensure timely awareness and action.
• Leverage advanced third-party risk management tools and technology to streamline and enhance all aspects of risk reporting.
• Drive automation and efficiency improvements within team processes to optimize operations.
• Develop and deliver engaging brown bag risk discussions and quarterly risk awareness sessions for internal stakeholders.
• Take responsibility for adhering to third-party risk metrics, ensuring the completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of all third-party risk activities.
• Assist with acquiring necessary data and providing essential information during Internal Audit Reviews and Regulatory Examinations.
• Act as a trusted advisor to peers, applying a broad range of knowledge, skills, and experiences within your area of risk expertise.

What You'll Bring

• 7+ years of professional experience, ideally in vendor management, risk management, or internal audit.
• 2+ years of experience working within a highly regulated financial services environment.
• A strong understanding of risk frameworks, regulations, and best practices.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management abilities.
• Professional certification(s) applicable to risk management, such as the CTPRP or CRVPM.
• Ability to work independently with close attention to detail and a proven record of tracking and measuring results.
• Demonstrated ability to handle ambiguity while effectively implementing new requirements.
• Must be able to build positive relationships throughout the organization.
• Knowledge of emerging vendor risks, including AI ethics, ESG risks, geopolitical risk, and digital assets.
• Knowledge of internal controls, financial/banking regulations, operational risk, and/or vendor risk assessments.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience is required.
• Proficiency in third-party risk management tools and technology solutions.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Experience with specific third-party risk management software or cloud-based procurement solutions.

Benefits

• Subsidized health, vision, and dental plans
• Paid sick leave
• Retirement plans with a match
• Free online training through Aquent Gymnasium