What is vendor risk management?

A Vendor Risk Management (VRM) job involves assessing, monitoring, and mitigating risks associated with third-party vendors and suppliers. Professionals in this role evaluate vendor security, compliance, and operational risks to protect their organization from potential disruptions, data breaches, or regulatory violations. They work closely with procurement, legal, and IT teams to establish risk management frameworks and ensure vendors meet contractual and security standards. Their responsibilities often include conducting risk assessments, reviewing vendor contracts, and developing risk mitigation strategies. Effective VRM helps organizations reduce exposure to risks while maintaining productive vendor relationships.