Vendor Management Oversight Manager

At Vanguard, we believe in doing what's right for our clients-and for the long term. Our mission driven culture, collaborative environment, and commitment to innovation create an opportunity to do meaningful work that has real impact. As Vanguard continues to evolve its business and technology capabilities, the Office of the General Counsel plays a critical role in supporting responsible growth while navigating complex legal and compliance challenges.

Vanguard is seeking a Vendor Management Oversight (VMO) Manager to join its Office of the General Counsel and enable the division's priorities. This role will lead the VMO team, oversee end to end vendor data governance, outside counsel program, e-billing review and processing, and timely resolution of vendor inquiries, while ensuring adherence to internal controls, policies, and compliance frameworks. The VMO Manager partners closely with cross functional stakeholders to drive vendor performance, manage risk, and support disciplined operations across a diverse global vendor portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Hires, evaluates, and supervises crew. Provides guidance and training as necessary to develop crew. Sets performance standards, reviews performance, and makes informed compensation decisions in accordance with all applicable Human Resources policies and procedures.
• Leads the management of vendor relationships of moderate to high scope and complexity. Maintains active positive relationships with designated points of contact with key vendors at the appropriate levels to escalate, discuss and resolve issues relative to the supply of goods and services.
• Establishes and maintains vendor relationships, negotiates favorable pricing, and reports on vendor performance.
• Manages the comparative evaluations of vendors, both before and after contract negotiations, to ensure that Vanguard obtains the highest value and expected return for its investment in vendor contracts.
• Develops and maintains best practices for developing RFPs for specific services or products. Reviews proposals for compliance with the RFP requirements and requests supplemental information as required.
• Evaluates financial, operational, and performance reputation of the vendor to ensure that they will make a suitable partner to the organization. Leads the monitoring of post contract performance of the vendor relative to product or service delivery and performance and may make change recommendations.
• Conducts reviews of vendor invoices relative to their compliance with agreed contract terms prior to their release for payment.
• Assists in resolving conflicts and problems that have been referred by others and provides guidance to less seasoned crew to ensure an effective implementation of Vanguard's vendor management strategy.
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains and updates centralized global vendor databases in accounts payable or internal financial systems to ensure timely invoice processing.
• Ensures strict adherence to internal policies, controls, and governance frameworks while managing vendor records and transactions.
• Responds to and resolves vendor queries within defined turnaround timelines to maintain service-level expectations and partner satisfaction.
• Performs regular updates of vendor and partner information across global supplier systems.

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree, JD or MBA preferred
• Minimum 5 to 8 years of relevant experience in legal operations, vendor management, legal finance, procurement, or a related corporate function.
• At least three years of experience specifically in managing vendor relationships and performance.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving abilities are essential for success in this role.

• Experience working with e billing and matter management platforms (e.g., SimpleLegal, Team Connect, Coupa, or similar).
• Familiarity with enterprise supplier management, third party risk management, and procurement governance models.
• Preferred certifications: Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).
• Experience overseeing vendor relationships beyond law firms, including technology and subscription based providers.
• Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, analyze vendor data for insights, and implement vendor governance best practices under deadlines.