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Vendor Management Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DPR Construction

Vendor Management Support

Houston, TX · On-site

The role works closely with the Vendor Management Lead and other teams to maintain smooth operations and accurate documentation. Responsibilities will include but may not be limited to the following:

Primerica

Vendor Management Operations Lead

Duluth, GA · Hybrid

About this Position The Strategic Vendor Management Operations Lead serves as the operational right-hand leader to the SVP, Strategic Vendor Management. This role is responsible for orchestrating day ...

Ensono

Director Vendor Management

The Director of Vendor Management leads Ensono's Vendor Management Office (VMO) within Procurement ... Lead contract governance for the firm - repository ownership and folder hygiene, template ...

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How much do vendor management lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for vendor management lead in the United States is $46.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.09 and $57.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Vendor Management Lead?

A Vendor Management Lead is a professional responsible for overseeing and managing relationships with third-party suppliers or vendors. Their main duties include selecting vendors, negotiating contracts, ensuring compliance with company policies, and monitoring vendor performance to optimize value and minimize risk. They act as a liaison between the company and its vendors to ensure business needs are met efficiently and cost-effectively. Vendor Management Leads often work closely with procurement, legal, and operations teams to align vendor services with organizational goals.

What are some common challenges faced by a Vendor Management Lead, and how can they be effectively addressed?

Vendor Management Leads often encounter challenges such as ensuring consistent vendor performance, managing contractual compliance, and navigating communication across diverse suppliers. To address these, it's important to establish clear performance metrics, maintain regular review meetings, and foster strong relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders. Proactive risk assessment and transparent communication are key strategies for overcoming these challenges and ensuring successful partnerships.

What is the difference between Vendor Management Lead vs Vendor Relationship Manager?

AspectVendor Management LeadVendor Relationship Manager
CredentialsTypically requires procurement, supply chain, or business management certificationsOften holds certifications in vendor management or client relationship management
Work EnvironmentWorks within procurement or supply chain teams, managing vendor strategiesFocuses on maintaining and enhancing vendor relationships, often in client-facing roles
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large corporations, government agencies, and consulting firmsPrevalent in service industries, IT, and consulting sectors
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare to understand leadership roles in vendor managementOften compared to grasp relationship management responsibilities

The Vendor Management Lead primarily oversees vendor strategies and procurement processes, focusing on managing vendor performance and compliance. In contrast, the Vendor Relationship Manager emphasizes building and maintaining strong vendor relationships to ensure service quality and client satisfaction. Both roles require strong communication and negotiation skills but differ in scope and focus within vendor management functions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Vendor Management Lead, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Vendor Management Lead, you need expertise in procurement, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management, usually backed by a degree in business or supply chain management. Proficiency with vendor management systems (VMS), procurement software, and knowledge of compliance standards or relevant certifications like CPM or CPSM are highly valued. Strong communication, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills help foster productive partnerships and resolve issues efficiently. These skills and qualifications are critical for optimizing vendor performance, ensuring compliance, and supporting organizational goals through effective supplier collaboration.
More about Vendor Management Lead jobs
What cities are hiring for Vendor Management Lead jobs? Cities with the most Vendor Management Lead job openings:
What job categories do people searching Vendor Management Lead jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Vendor Management Lead jobs are:
Vendor Management Lead jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vendor Management Lead job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,121 per year, or $46.2 per hour.
Vendor Management Lead

Vendor Management Lead

Willis Towers Watson

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Willis Towers Watson rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 138 rated financial services

Job description

Job Description
Vendor Management Lead - Benefits Accounts
As the Vendor Management Lead, you will serve as the strategic point of contact for all supplier-related activities within the Benefits Accounts business. This role is critical in ensuring strong vendor performance, contractual compliance, operational excellence, and effective cross-functional alignment. You will partner closely with Information Security, Legal, Data Privacy, Procurement, Finance, and Operations to ensure vendors deliver high-quality, compliant, and cost-effective services.
Note: Employment-based non-immigrant visa sponsorship and/or assistance is not offered for this specific job opportunity.
The Role
Vendor Relationship Management
  • Serve as the primary liaison between vendors and internal stakeholders.
  • Oversee day-to-day vendor operations and ensure timely, high-quality service delivery.
  • Lead regular business reviews, performance evaluations, and risk assessments.
  • Present vendor performance insights and recommendations to senior leadership.
  • Mentor junior team members supporting vendor coordination and operations.
  • Proactively address vendor issues and drive cross-functional resolution.

Supplier Sourcing & Onboarding
  • Lead end-to-end sourcing activities including RFIs, RFPs, vendor evaluations, and selection.
  • Partner with Procurement and business leaders to identify new supplier opportunities.
  • Drive strategic sourcing initiatives to optimize service delivery and cost efficiency.
  • Oversee onboarding activities and ensure seamless transitions for new vendors.

Contract Management & Contract Oversight
  • Own the full contract lifecycle for all Benefits Accounts vendors, including drafting, negotiation, execution, renewal, and amendments.
  • Ensure contract terms accurately reflect scope, pricing, SLAs, KPIs, and regulatory requirements.
  • Partner with Legal, Procurement, and Data Privacy to assess and mitigate contractual risk.
  • Maintain a centralized contract repository and ensure timely renewals and governance reviews.
  • Monitor contract performance and drive corrective actions when deviations occur.

Compliance & Risk Management
  • Conduct due diligence and information security assessments for all third-party vendors.
  • Ensure adherence to internal compliance standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Partner with Legal and Data Privacy to manage contractual, regulatory, and operational risk.
  • Identify compliance gaps and coordinate remediation with internal teams and vendors.

Financial Oversight
  • Monitor vendor spend and provide detailed reporting to leadership.
  • Manage monthly billing cycles, validate invoices, and resolve discrepancies.
  • Identify cost-saving opportunities and negotiate improved commercial terms.
  • Collaborate with Finance to resolve billing, payment, or allocation issues.

Performance Monitoring
  • Develop and maintain SLAs and KPIs aligned to vendor services.
  • Track performance metrics and initiate corrective actions when needed.
  • Leverage vendor management tools to ensure transparency and accountability.
  • Support team members in interpreting performance data and driving continuous improvement.

Governance & Process Improvement
  • Support operational governance and contribute to initiatives that enhance vendor efficiency and value delivery.
  • Lead cross-functional efforts to strengthen vendor governance frameworks and long-term planning.
  • Troubleshoot vendor-related project challenges and ensure timely resolution.
  • Drive continuous improvement across vendor processes, documentation, and controls.

Qualifications
The Requirements
Qualifications & Skills
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
  • 3-5 years of experience in benefits administration, vendor management, procurement, or supply chain management
  • Strong understanding of employee benefits programs, compliance, and vendor governance
  • Proven ability to manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and interpret performance data
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and cross-functional collaboration skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Technical knowledge of reimbursement account administration (HSA, FSA, HRA, commuter, tuition, wellness/incentive programs)
  • Experience leading teams, providing feedback, and supporting performance management

This position will remain posted for a minimum of three business days from the date posted or until sufficient/appropriate candidate slate has been identified.
Compensation and Benefits
Base salary range and benefits information for this position are being included in accordance with requirements of various state/local pay transparency legislation. Please note that base salaries may vary for different individuals in the same role based on several factors, including but not limited to location of the role, individual competencies, education/professional certifications, qualifications/experience, performance in the role and potential for revenue generation.
Compensation
The base salary compensation range being offered for this role is $55,000-$65,000 USD per year.
This role is also eligible for an annual short-term incentive bonus.
Company Benefits
WTW provides a competitive benefit package which includes the following (eligibility requirements apply):
  • Health and Welfare Benefits: Medical (including prescription coverage), Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Commuter Account, Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Group Accident, Group Critical Illness, Life Insurance, AD&D, Group Legal, Identify Theft Protection, Wellbeing Program and Work/Life Resources (including Employee Assistance Program)
  • Leave Benefits: Paid Holidays, Annual Paid Time Off (includes paid state/local paid leave where required), Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Other Leaves (e.g., Bereavement, FMLA, ADA, Jury Duty, Military Leave, and Parental and Adoption Leave), Paid Time Off (Washington State only)
  • Retirement Benefits: Contributory Pension Plan and Savings Plan (401k).

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
At WTW, we trust you to know your work and the people, tools and environment you need to be successful. The majority of our colleagues work in a "hybrid" style, with a mix of remote, in-person and in-office interactions dependent on the needs of the team, role and clients. Our flexibility is rooted in trust and "hybrid" is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
We understand flexibility is key to supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce and so we encourage requests for all types of flexible working as well as location-based arrangements. Please speak to your recruiter to discuss more.
EOE, including disability/vets

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