Senior Manager, Vendor Management

Overview

When you join Sallie Mae, you become a champion for all students. We’re on a mission to power confidence as students begin their unique journey, help them plan education, finish their studies, and prepare for life after school. This role supports that mission by transforming how we manage vendor relationships.

• Identify potential vendors, assess capabilities, and evaluate suitability for partnership.
• Collaborate with legal and procurement teams to review and finalize contracts, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and policies.
• Proactively identify and address vendor‑related issues, resolve conflicts, and mitigate risks.
• Monitor vendor costs, track expenditures, and identify opportunities for cost optimization.
• Collaborate with internal teams such as procurement, legal, IT, and business units to align vendor management processes with organizational needs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance vendor management processes and practices.

• Strong knowledge of vendor management principles, best practices, and industry trends.
• Excellent negotiation, contract management, and vendor relationship building skills.
• Sound understanding of legal and regulatory requirements related to vendor management.
• Demonstrated ability to drive cost optimization initiatives and achieve measurable results.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a data‑driven decision approach.
• Exceptional communication, influencing, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proven track record of successfully managing multiple vendors and projects simultaneously.

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 6+ years experience in vendor management, procurement, or strategic sourcing, with at least 3 years in a senior management role.

• Competitive base salaries and bonus incentives.
• Generous PTO, floating holidays, and 12 federal holidays observed.
• Support for financial well‑being and retirement (401(k) with employer match).
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance, and more.
• Employer‑paid short‑term/long‑term disability and basic life insurance.
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
• Paid parental leave and adoption reimbursement programs.
• Free access to on‑site staffed fitness centers (Delaware) and gym subsidy (other locations).
• Confidential counseling support (EAP), health advocacy services, and wellness program with financial incentives.
• Tuition reimbursement and family scholarship programs.
• Career development and training opportunities.

Sallie Mae is proud to be an equal opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination by employers, in compensation and employment opportunities, against qualified individuals with disabilities who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of a job.