Director, Vendor Relations

The Director, Vendor Relations provides enterprise-level leadership for the credit union’s vendor relationships and outsourced service delivery, shaping and advancing strategies that support long-term organizational objectives. This role ensures partners meet quality, performance, and contractual expectations while driving value, managing risk, and enabling scalable operations across the organization.

• Sets the vision and direction for vendor management practices across the organization, ensuring alignment with business priorities and long-term operational goals
• Leads multiple teams and leaders responsible for vendor oversight, fostering accountability, consistency, and high performance across functions and service areas
• Establishes and evolves enterprise-wide vendor strategies, frameworks, and governance models to support effective selection, onboarding, performance management, and lifecycle oversight
• Oversee complex and high-impact vendor negotiations, influencing contract structures, service expectations, and commercial models to optimize value and mitigate risk
• Provides executive-level direction in addressing significant vendor performance, service, and operational issues, including those requiring cross-functional coordination and escalation
• Partners with senior leadership and stakeholders to align vendor capabilities with evolving business needs, enterprise initiatives, and strategic priorities
• Guide the development and execution of vendor performance management programs, ensuring consistent measurement, insights, and continuous improvement across services
• Ensures enterprise adherence to policies, regulatory requirements, and risk management standards related to third-party relationships, while strengthening governance and oversight practices
• Leads the advancement of vendor management tools, processes, and capabilities to improve visibility, efficiency, scalability, and decision-making across the organization
• Oversee financial planning and resource allocation for vendor services, shaping budgets, forecasting needs, and identifying opportunities to optimize spend and maximize return
• Influences enterprise practices, standards, and decision-making related to vendor engagement, helping to drive consistency and maturity across business units

• Minimum 8+ years of experience in Vendor Performance and Risk Management
• Minimum 4+ years of experience leading a diverse team including hiring, coaching and performance management
• Demonstrated success leading enterprise vendor strategies and managing complex, high-value supplier relationships
• Deep experience negotiating and structuring complex agreements, including performance-based and risk-sharing arrangements
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities with experience addressing highly complex, cross-functional issues
• Proven ability to lead through other leaders, build organizational capability, and drive alignment across diverse teams
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and guide decision-making
• Expertise in vendor governance, risk management, compliance, and performance management practices
• Experience managing budgets, financial planning, and cost optimization initiatives related to vendor services
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, actionable insights
• Required
  
  Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in field relevant to role (or 4 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree), advanced degree preferred.

Hillsboro Corporate Office | Hillsboro OR 97124 OR Marlborough Corporate Office | Marlborough, MA

$146,500 to 176,000 base pay + Annual Bonus

What makes First Tech different?  to learn more!

Every great journey begins with a bold idea—and ours is no different. First Tech and DCU were founded on the belief that financial solutions should put people first. That belief has fueled decades of innovation and service, rooted in the tech sector and expanding to support members from all walks of life.

• Traditional medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Generous 401(k) match
• Paid Time…