Senior Manager, Vendor Management

When you join Sallie Mae, you become a champion for all students.

We’re on a mission to power confidence as students begin their unique journey. To help them plan their higher education, successfully finish, and prepare for life after school. To help them Start smart. Learn big.

Students need guidance navigating this important time in their life. They need someone who acknowledges that their education path is unique. They need a partner willing to evolve and not only meet but surpass their expectations. We’re changing. Because students need a better way.

We’re looking for people who are excited to drive this transformation. To break barriers and think of new ways to adapt, help, and create better experiences for students—and for each other.

This is where diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives matter. It’s where you’re empowered to bring your authentic self to work.

Feeling your best allows you to do your best. Our benefits take care of the whole you—from physical and mental to financial and professional. You’ll get opportunities to further your education and career, support for you and your family (including your pets!), paid time off to volunteer for the things that matter to you, and more.

We’re obsessed with impact and making a real difference. For us, that means putting relationships first, asking “why not?” when tackling challenges, and continuously learning new skills.

Come do more than join something, change something. For students, for future generations, for the future of education.

What You'll Contribute

The Senior Manager, Vendor Management will be responsible for managing and optimizing our vendor relationships to drive operational efficiency, cost savings, and ensure the delivery of high-quality goods and services.

What You'll Do

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with agencies, serving as the primary point of contact for agency-related matters.

• Collaborate with agencies to understand their capabilities, align expectations, and build partnerships based on mutual trust and transparency.

• Conduct regular agencies performance evaluations and provide feedback to drive continuous improvement.

• Assign monthly recovery goals for all agencies.

• Implement risk mitigation strategies, agency risk assessments, and ensure adherence to risk management policies and procedures.

• Collaborate with internal teams such as procurement, legal, IT, and business units to align vendor management processes with organizational needs.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance vendor management processes and practices.

• Proactively identify and address vendor-related issues, resolving conflicts, and mitigating risks.

• Monitor vendor costs, track expenditures, and identify opportunities for cost optimization.

The above information is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job; it is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees in this role.

What You Have

Minimum education, skills and experience required.

• Strong knowledge of vendor management principles, best practices, and industry trends.

• Excellent negotiation, contract management, and vendor relationship building skills.

• Sound understanding of legal and regulatory requirements related to vendor management.

• Demonstrated ability to drive cost optimization initiatives and achieve measurable results.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions.

• Exceptional communication, influencing, and stakeholder management abilities.

• Proven track record of successfully managing multiple vendors and projects simultaneously.

• High school diploma or equivalent; some college coursework in business or related fields is preferred.

• 2+ years of experience in collections or related customer service roles, preferably in a financial or credit environment.

• Proficiency in using collections software, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Ability to deliver presentations to senior leaders and large groups

Preferred education, skills, and experience.

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).

• 6+ years experience in vendor management, procurement, or strategic sourcing, with at least 3 years in a senior management role.

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