Vendor Manager (Fixed Income)

Summary This role is responsible for managing a large portfolio of vendors (200+) and contracts, leading negotiations, and ensuring vendors deliver against performance, cost, and risk expectations. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and brings a strong balance of commercial acumen, risk awareness, and relationship management.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Manage a portfolio of vendor contracts and service-level agreements (SLAs), including negotiation, execution, and ongoing oversight Lead complex contract negotiations, including pricing, terms, and performance standards, ensuring alignment to business needs and risk considerations Monitor vendor performance, ensuring service delivery meets contractual obligations and business expectations; proactively address issues and drive remediation Identify, assess, and manage vendor-related risks, escalating concerns as appropriate Partner closely with business stakeholders to understand evolving needs, prioritize initiatives, and deliver solutions on time Manage departmental budgets related to vendor spend, including forecasting, tracking, and cost optimization opportunities Coordinate the end-to-end vendor lifecycle, from vendor selection and onboarding through payment and ongoing management Develop and deliver clear, tailored communications and reporting for stakeholders across varying levels of the organization Manage multiple projects simultaneously in a dynamic environment with shifting priorities Meet with suitable vendors to assess their products, inquire about their services, negotiate pricing, and communicate any product or service-related concerns. Conduct research on available vendors to determine which vendors offer the best pricing and product quality. Knowledge of Financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control Financial markets and products Contract law Skill in Strong contract negotiation skills with experience managing high-volume vendor relationships Proven experience administering and monitoring vendor services against contractual agreements Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail Excellent organizational and time management skills; Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences Ability to: Balance commercial objectives with risk management considerations influence and build consensus across stakeholders with differing priorities Deliver on tight deadlines Balance conflicting resource and priority demands Partner with other functional areas to accomplish objectives Facilitate meetings, ensuring that all viewpoints, ideas and problems are addressed. Incorporate needs, wants and goals from different business unit perspectives into operational processes Work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment The ability to multitask effectively Evaluate products and services to continually drive quality of customer experience Education Bachelor’s: Business Administration (Required) Work Experience General Experience - 6 to 10 years Certifications Travel Workstyle Resident The total compensation for this position includes base salary or wages, and may include components such as additional compensation (cash or equity), discretionary bonuses, or commissions. This position is eligible for a benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision; life insurance; critical illness insurance and accident insurance; disability benefits; retirement savings; paid time off (including vacation, holidays, and sick leave); and parental leave.  Eligibility for benefits and specific offerings may vary based on position and employment status. To view more details of the benefits offered, visit Myrjbenefits.com.     At Raymond James our associates use five guiding behaviors (Develop, Collaborate, Decide, Deliver, Improve) to deliver on the firm's core values