Director of Vendor Onboarding and Risk Management

Harbor is seeking a Director, Vendor Onboarding & Risk Management in our Vendor Governance & Sourcing (VGS) solutions team.  Our consultants deliver strategic, technological, and operational services to clients in the legal, professional, and financial services sectors. This highly skilled group brings a unique blend of legal expertise across various disciplines. 

The VGS team is dedicated to assisting clients in procuring goods and services, optimizing business processes, reducing costs, and enhancing stakeholder value. As a member of the Harbor VGS team, you will lead efforts to identify, assess, and manage clients' vendor onboarding & risk management processes and procedures. This role will ensure that client vendor management processes align with organizational risk tolerance and compliance requirements. 

The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of vendor management practices, supplier relationship management, and risk mitigation strategies. 

This is a fully remote position that can be based anywhere in the U.S., with minimal travel required.

Responsibilities: 

• Collaborate closely with project teams and client personnel to lead the Vendor Onboarding & Risk Management Operational Pillar within the Vendor Governance & Sourcing (VGS) practice group 
• Develop and implement procurement-specific vendor onboarding & risk management framework to ensure consistent practices across client organizations 
• Work with project teams to recommend and deploy vendor onboarding & risk management technology 
• Partner with Vendor Governance teams to integrate vendor onboarding & risk management practices into supplier selection, evaluation, contract review and onboarding processes 
• Establish success criteria and key performance indicators (KPIs) to effectively manage service delivery and evaluate performance 
• Identify opportunities for enhancements to the overall program and make informed recommendations 
• Provide subject matter expertise and thought leadership to enhance the function’s effectiveness 
• Deliver training and guidance to Vendor Governance staff on best practices and tools, promoting a culture of risk awareness within the vendor management function  
• Recognize and communicate potential obstacles, offering solutions to achieve desired outcomes; actively engage to influence positive results 
• Establish & nurture strategic, long-term relationships with senior-level client personnel 
• Cultivate and maintain positive working relationships with various internal stakeholders while leading initiatives that promote a safe, open, respectful and inclusive work environment  

Qualifications: 

• 7 - 10 years of experience in a professional services organization or related industry  
• In-depth knowledge & expertise of vendor onboarding, supply chain risk management, cybersecurity, and data privacy issues related to third-party vendors 
• Familiarity with risk management tools and procurement software  
• Demonstrates the ability to effectively engage with senior leadership across client organizations, including General Counsel, CFO, COO, and key members of Information Security, Data Security, and Compliance teams. 
• Proven ability to manage and lead project teams and engage stakeholders effectively 
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with managers, internal clients, vendors, colleagues and support staff 
• Excellent organizational and project management skills 
• Highly responsive and customer-focused, demonstrating effectiveness through appropriate follow-up and follow-through 
• Advanced proficiency in computer skills including Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint  
• Professional certifications (e.g., CIPS, CRISC, CTPRP) are a plus 

About Us

Harbor is the preeminent provider of expert services across strategy, legal technology, operations, and intelligence. Our globally integrated team of 800+ strategists, technologists, and specialists navigate alongside our clients – leading law firms, corporations, and their law departments – to provide essential resources and invaluable insights. Anchored in a rich heritage of deep knowledge, steadfast relationships, and mutual respect, our unwavering dedication lies in shaping the future of the legal industry and fostering enduring partnerships within our community and ecosystem.

Harbor is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, national origin, ancestry, age, parental status, disabled status, veteran status, or any other legally protected classification, in accordance with applicable law.