Vendor Management Specialist

Job Overview

As a Vendor Management Specialist, you will support the Manager of Global Vendor Partnership and business stakeholders responsible for managing supplier relationships. Your work will include maintaining the contract pipeline, monitoring supplier activity, supporting renewal and termination plans, and helping ensure vendor records and contractual requirements remain accurate.

You will also analyze vendor activity and spending, support regulatory and audit requests, and recommend process improvements that strengthen supplier oversight and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain oversight of the supplier contract pipeline, including upcoming renewals and terminations.
• Support regular business reviews that evaluate supplier performance, address concerns, and plan for the supplier lifecycle.
• Track renewal and termination plans, monitor progress, and escalate issues when deadlines or requirements are at risk.
• Communicate termination notices to suppliers and confirm that both parties understand and meet contractual obligations.
• Add new supplier contracts to the appropriate tracking and oversight processes.
• Help business stakeholders understand contract terms, permitted activities, and contractual restrictions.
• Escalate complex contract questions or concerns to the vendor partnership manager when necessary.
• Respond to requests for supplier information related to audits, regulatory reporting, and internal business needs.
• Confirm that business requirements are accurately documented before contract renewals or terminations.
• Maintain accurate contract records and supporting documentation.
• Help develop vendor-management practices, templates, and standardized processes.
• Coordinate with category-management teams to identify potential savings, cost efficiencies, and appropriate renewal timelines.
• Track and report vendor activity, contract status, spending, and supplier-related performance information.
• Recommend practical improvements to vendor-management workflows and controls.

Required Qualifications

• Professional experience managing supplier relationships, contracts, or vendor operations.
• Post-agreement contract management experience, including monitoring compliance with contractual terms.
• Experience managing a broad portfolio of IT contract renewals.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate across legal, sourcing, finance, operational risk, and business teams.
• Proven ability to influence colleagues, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and complete work independently within established deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills and close attention to detail.
• Analytical and problem-solving ability, including interpreting data and identifying performance trends.
• Understanding of commercial and financial principles related to supplier and contract management.
• Ability to identify cost efficiencies and additional value through effective contract oversight.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and the development of new operational processes.

Core Focus Areas

• Supplier relationship management.
• Contract renewals and terminations.
• Vendor performance reviews.
• Contract compliance.
• IT supplier portfolios.
• Spend and activity reporting.
• Audit and regulatory support.
• Cost-efficiency opportunities.
• Process improvement.
• Cross-functional stakeholder coordination.

Work Arrangement

• Full-time position.
• Remote work is available within the contiguous United States and Alaska.
• Sun Life follows a flexible work model that combines virtual work with collaboration based on business needs.
• The role involves regular communication with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

Compensation

The annual base salary range for this position is $53,800 to $80,700.

The final salary will be determined using factors such as relevant skills, qualifications, professional experience, education, and geographic location. The position is also eligible for a discretionary annual incentive based on individual and business performance.

Benefits

• Medical coverage.
• Company-paid life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
• Disability programs.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• Paid family, parental, and adoption leave.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Employer-funded retirement account.
• Employee stock-purchase options.
• Partially paid sabbatical program.
• Flexible and collaborative work environment.
• Career development opportunities.