Vendor Risk Manager [AQ-12499]

Aquent, a trusted partner to a prominent and innovative leader in the financial services industry, is seeking exceptional talent to directly contribute to safeguarding the firm’s operations and ensuring robust vendor relationships.

About the role

In this dynamic and evolving environment, you will step into a pivotal role within the Risk and Controls team, specifically focusing on Corporate Vendor Management. This is an exciting opportunity to drive significant change, enhance oversight, and protect the firm’s interests. 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. Your contributions will directly strengthen the firm’s resilience and operational integrity.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• 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

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium.