About the Role
The AVP of Vendor Management will lead the execution of Cardworks’ vendor management strategy across the full lifecycle—from sourcing and contracting to performance monitoring and renewal/offboarding. This role ensures compliance with governance standards, optimizes vendor relationships for cost efficiency and risk mitigation, and partners with business stakeholders to deliver strategic value. The AVP will serve as a key liaison between operational teams, risk management, legal, and finance, while driving process standardization and continuous improvement.
Essential Functions
Vendor Lifecycle Management
Oversee end-to-end vendor lifecycle: need identification, market research, RFx execution, negotiation, contracting, onboarding, performance monitoring, and renewal/offboarding.
Ensure adherence to Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) requirements and governance protocols.
Maintain vendor data integrity in Archer and other systems, including contract details, SLA metrics, and performance reviews.
Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation
Develop sourcing strategies and lead negotiations for high-value vendors (> $300K annual spend) in partnership with the Vendor Management Team (VMT).
Apply category strategies and leverage tools (RFP templates, benchmarking, sourcing levers) to optimize cost and value.
Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify opportunities for savings and innovation.
Governance & Compliance
Ensure compliance with legal, risk, and regulatory requirements across all vendor engagements.
Partner with Legal on contract drafting and review; ensure SLA and performance standards are embedded in agreements.
Coordinate with Risk teams (1st and 2nd line) for vendor classification, risk assessments, and remediation tracking.
Performance Management
Drive Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) for critical vendors (Class I & II) and monitor SLA adherence.
Escalate performance issues and lead corrective action plans in collaboration with stakeholders.
Track and report vendor KPIs to ensure alignment with business objectives.
Stakeholder Engagement & Leadership
Act as a trusted advisor to business units on vendor strategy and decision-making.
Provide guidance to Vendor Relationship Owners (VROs) and Vendor Engagement Leads (VELs) on process compliance and best practices.
Champion continuous improvement initiatives to enhance vendor management efficiency and effectiveness.
Requirements
Education And Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or related field; MBA preferred.
- 7+ years of experience in vendor management, procurement, or strategic sourcing within financial services or a regulated industry.
Summary Of Qualifications
- Strong negotiation skills and experience managing complex, high-value vendor relationships.
- Knowledge of risk management frameworks (TPRM), contract law, and regulatory compliance.
- Proficiency in vendor management tools (e.g., Archer) and sourcing methodologies (RFx, benchmarking).
- Understanding of financial analysis for vendor cost modeling.
- Ability to present vendor strategies and risk assessments to senior leadership and regulatory bodies.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.
- Strategic thinking and analytical problem-solving.
- Ability to influence and drive change across cross-functional teams.
- Detail-oriented with strong governance and compliance mindset.
- Results-driven with a focus on cost optimization and risk mitigation.
About the Company
At CardWorks, we aim to help people connect with possibility and opportunity using our financial servicing expertise. Building meaningful, long-term relationships with consumers, our employees, and our clients is what matters most.
Who We Are
CardWorks, Inc. is a diversified consumer finance service provider and parent company of CardWorks Servicing, LLC, Merrick Bank and Carson Smithfield, LLC.
CardWorks Servicing, LLC provides end-to end operational servicing functions for credit cards, secured cards, and installment loans. We service consumer and small business loans across the credit spectrum and offers backup servicing and due diligence services to capital providers and trustees.
Merrick Bank is an FDIC-insured Utah Industrial Loan Bank. Merrick operates three main business lines: credit cards, recreational lending, and merchant services.
Carson Smithfield, LLC provides a variety of post-charge-off debt recovery services, including digital self-service, IVR, live agent, and external agency management.