Vendor Management Specialist

Connexus Credit Union - Who We Are:

Serving members across all 50 states, Connexus Credit Union is a member-focused cooperative that is proud to return profits to member-owners through high yields for checking accounts and deposit products, as well as competitive rates on our loans. We are a remote first employer with the majority of our employees residing in the upper Midwest.

As an employer we foster collaboration and high performance to achieve excellence. We holistically care for and develop our employees to thrive personally and professionally. We are proud to share our success with our employees and those we serve.

Connexus offers an Amazing Benefits package:

• 20 days of paid time off and 8 paid holidays

• 16 hours of paid Volunteer Time Off

• 401K Retirement with up to 6% employer match

• Excellent Health, Dental, Vision insurance, including multiple plan options

• Health Savings Account with generous employer contributions

• Employer paid Life insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

• Tuition Reimbursement from $4,000 - $7,000 per calendar year

• Robust Learning and Development program that includes an annual professional development stipend

About the Role:

A Vendor Management Specialist is responsible for reviewing contracts, ensuring compliance with company policies, and procedures, and off boarding vendors. This role requires exceptional attention to detail to identify risks, negotiate favorable terms, and maintain accurate records. A successful Vendor Management Specialist is a self-starter who proactively identifies risks to the organization, builds strong vendor relationships, and supports organizational goals through strategic contract review practices.

Responsibilities:

• Execute contract lifecycle management through eGRC platform.

• Monitor and ensure adherence to contract governance including contract management workflows, signing authority, procedures, and templates while maintaining reviews and revisions of the contracts.

• Read assigned contracts and create abstracts of the documents so that material terms and any variances to Connexus standards are easy to find.

• Initial contract review to highlight important terms and document the same in eGRC platform.

• Advise of contract requirements, obligations, and risks and investigate/follow-up on contracted related issues.

• Manage new vendor onboarding.

• Serve as TPRM representative for contract negotiations with new vendors.

• Act as primary contact for internal stakeholders to request and receive contracts and related documents.

• Ensure all contract details are current, accurate, and timely updated.

• Facilitate discussions with cross-functional teams to ensure all contractual obligations are understood and met.

• Engage with vendors to negotiate terms, resolve disputes, and clarify contract specifications.

• Manage accurate vendor details for prospective and current vendors.

• Assist with TPRM Program Manager with requests such as letters, reports, and project documentation.

• With support of People Leader, ensure proper completion and deliverables for exam management.

• Own vendor off-boarding process (termination letters, data destruction, etc.).

• Collaborate with finance teams to align contract terms with budgetary goals and cost structures.

• Develop and improve contract templates, negotiation strategies, and best practices tailored to Connexus strategies and risk appetite.

Position Requirements:

• This position is Remote.

• Associates Degree, or commensurate experience is Required.

• 3+ years of related experience as a Vendor Management Specialist, Vendor Management Associate, or Contract Management is Required.

• Knowledge of contract management principles, along with knowledge of accounting, finance, and business procedures and practices as they relate to contracts.

• Demonstrated strong contract development skills including the development and implementation of risk mitigation and performance standards and measures.

Connexus Credit Union's Employer Recognitions:

• 2024 Best in Class Employer, Gallagher

• 2025 Best Place to Work in IT, Computer World

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans/41 CFR 60-1.4, 41 CFR 60-1.35