Vendor Risk Manager

Join a prominent and innovative leader in the financial services industry, where your expertise will directly contribute to safeguarding the firm's operations and ensuring robust vendor relationships. Our client is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of compliance and risk management, fostering a secure and efficient environment for all stakeholders.

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Vendor Risk Manager for the Risk and Controls team within Corporate Vendor Management. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in shaping and executing comprehensive third-party risk management strategies. Your work will directly impact the firm's ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, mitigate potential risks, and ensure the seamless operation of critical vendor services. This is an exciting opportunity to drive significant change, enhance oversight, and protect the firm's interests in a dynamic and evolving environment.

What You'll Do

• Execute a robust third-party risk management framework to assess, monitor, and mitigate vendor risks through risk assessment and oversight activities.
• Consistently follow risk assessment methodologies to evaluate third-party vendors based on criticality, compliance, cybersecurity, operational resilience, and financial stability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., Legal, Cybersecurity, Compliance, Finance) to ensure a holistic approach to risk.
• Drive completion of risk assessments and identify obstacles to contracting or continued relationships with third parties.
• Ensure risk assessment reviews are thorough and confirm completion of due diligence prior to agreement signature.
• Ensure that all activities and efforts are consistent with firm policies and guidelines and in alignment with regulatory guidance.
• Participate in the identification of policy and procedure adjustments to address the evolving risk environment and emerging risks related to third-party vendors both onshore and offshore.
• Work on complex problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of a variety of tangible and intangible factors.
• Ensure third-party risk management practices comply with industry regulations, internal policies, and best practices.
• Stay updated on evolving regulatory landscapes affecting third-party risk and recommend necessary program adjustments.
• Establish risk mitigation strategies for high-risk vendors.
• Conduct regular risk reporting and escalate critical vendor risks to leadership.
• Leverage third-party risk management tools and technology to streamline all aspects of risk reporting.
• Drive automation and efficiency improvements in team processes.
• Develop and deliver brown bag risk discussions and quarterly risk awareness discussion for internal stakeholders.
• Responsible for adhering to third-party risk metrics supporting completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of third-party risk activities.
• Assists with acquiring data and providing information during Internal Audit Reviews and Regulatory Examinations.
• Acts as an advisor to peers by applying broad range of knowledge, skills, and experiences within the area of risk expertise.

What You'll Bring

• 7+ years professional experience ideally in vendor management, risk management, or internal audit.
• 2+ years of experience working in a highly regulated financial services environment.
• Strong understanding of risk frameworks, regulations, and best practices.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management abilities.
• Professional certification(s) applicable to risk management such as the CTPRP or CRVPM.
• Ability to work independently with close attention to detail with a record of tracking and measuring results.
• Demonstrated ability to handle ambiguity, while implementing new requirements.
• Must be able to build positive relationships throughout the organization.
• Knowledge of emerging vendor risks such as AI ethics, ESG risks, and geopolitical risk, digital assets.
• Knowledge of internal controls, financial/banking regulations, operational risk, and/or vendor risk assessments.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience is required.
• Proficiency in third-party risk management tools and technologies solutions.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Experience with specific third-party risk management software or cloud-based procurement solutions.

About Aquent Talent:

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match.

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.

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