Vendor Governance Manager

We are seeking a Vendor Governance Manager to own the performance management and accountability framework for our strategic delivery partners.

The Innovation & Technology organization relies on dedicated partner resources across engineering, architecture, quality, and delivery functions. This role ensures those partners deliver on their commitments by defining SLAs, publishing performance scorecards, conducting operational reviews, and managing escalations. You will be the single point of accountability for vendor performance - the person who knows whether our partners are delivering what they promised and drives corrective action when they’re not. This is a hands-on leadership role in a fast-moving environment. We value leaders who lead from the front - setting direction while staying close to the details. You’ll build the governance framework yourself before you have a team to delegate to.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• SLA Framework: Define, negotiate, and manage Service Level Agreements with strategic delivery partners. Ensure SLAs cover resource quality, retention, delivery performance, response times, and escalation procedures.
• Scorecard Management: Design and publish monthly vendor performance scorecards. Track metrics including sprint commitment rates, defect escape rates, resource retention, knowledge transfer milestones, and SLA compliance. Make performance visible to leadership.
• Operational Reviews: Conduct monthly operational reviews with each delivery partner. Review scorecard results, address performance trends, resolve open issues, and align on upcoming capacity needs.
• Escalation Management: Serve as the primary escalation point for vendor performance issues. When a delivery partner is underperforming, drive corrective action plans with clear timelines and accountability. Escalate to the Director of Delivery Governance and VP I&T when issues cannot be resolved at the operational level.
• Contract Compliance: Monitor delivery partner compliance with contractual obligations including dedicated resource commitments, non-rotation requirements, and security/compliance standards. Partner with legal on contract interpretation and enforcement when needed.
• Resource Quality: Track the quality and readiness of partner resources. Monitor onboarding milestones (30/60/90 day readiness), knowledge transfer validation, and resource substitution requests. Ensure replacement resources meet the same quality bar as the original assignment.
• Multi-Partner Coordination: Manage governance across multiple strategic partners simultaneously. Make sure all partners are held to the same standards, SLAs, and quality expectations regardless of their scope or size. Maintain fairness and consistency in how partners are evaluated.
• Risk Management: Identify and track vendor-related risks - resource retention concerns, capability gaps, contractual disputes, performance degradation trends. Maintain a vendor risk register and present risk status to leadership monthly.
• Reporting: Provide regular vendor performance reporting to the Director of Delivery Governance and VP I&T. Translate complex vendor data into clear, actionable insights for executive decision-making. • Continuous Improvement: Analyze vendor performance trends over time. Identify systemic issues and work with delivery partners to implement process improvements. Benchmark partner performance against industry standards.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

Education and Work Authorization

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Information Systems, Supply Chain Management, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Must be authorized to work int he United States without sponsorship (U.S. Citizen or Green Card Holder)

Experience

• Minimum 5+ years in vendor management, supplier governance, strategic partnership management, or IT outsourcing management roles.
• Demonstrated experience defining SLAs, building vendor scorecards, and conducting formal operational reviews with technology delivery partners.
• Experience managing multiple vendor relationships simultaneously with clear performance frameworks. • Strong analytical skills - you can build scorecards, interpret performance data, and translate metrics into actionable recommendations.
• Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills - you can hold partners accountable while maintaining productive working relationships.
• Strong communication skills at all organizational levels - comfortable presenting vendor performance to executives and having tough conversations with partner leadership.
• Experience with technology delivery models including dedicated resource teams, staff augmentation, and blended delivery approaches.
• Familiarity with contract management, SOW structures, and SLA frameworks in technology services. • Demonstrated player/coach leadership style - you set the strategy AND roll up your sleeves to execute. You’re comfortable building the first version of a scorecard, process, or report yourself rather than waiting for your team to be in place.
• Insurance or financial services industry experience is a plus.
• ITIL, PMP, or vendor management certifications are a plus but not required.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU:

Join Our Team & Make an Impact! At Orion180, we don’t just meet expectations, we exceed them. If you’re ready to take your career to the next level and be part of a growing, forward-thinking company, apply today!

• Dynamic Environment: On-site role with a fast-paced and collaborative team culture. Results-driven office where your contributions make a real impact.
• Compensation: Competitive base pay and performance bonuses.
• Career Growth: Mentorship, growth tracks, and professional development.
• Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401k, paid holidays, PTO and more!

REQUIRED Action: As part of our hiring process, we ask applicants to complete a brief assessment designed to provide insight into work style preferences and alignment with the role and our team. The assessment takes approximately 20 minutes and request that you complete this prior to your scheduled screening time of your choice. You can access the assessment here: TRAITS Assessment

The office environment is fast-paced and collaborative.  An employee must be willing and able to work their regularly assigned work schedule onsite, and in times of need, be able to work an extended schedule depending on company or departmental needs, project requirements, or customer demands. 

While performing general duties for this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and/or walk around (including the use of stairs). Other demands include the ability to openly communicate with others by talking, listening, comprehending, and reading; being able to lift light objects (<25 lbs); and using standard office equipment such as computers, printers, and phones.  In addition, there is an occasional need to bend, twist, or squat down to open/close cabinets and reach for files or other standard office-type objects.  

Orion180 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. 

Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities during the application process. Applicants who need accommodations may email hr@orion180.com to request assistance.