Hybrid Assistant Vice President, Vendor Relations chez Conning

Conning is a leading global investment management firm with a long history of serving the insurance industry.

We develop customized investment strategies that address our clients’ unique objectives, requirements and tolerance for risk. We develop solutions by leveraging Conning’s risk management tools and utilizing a highly disciplined investment process that relies on fundamental analysis.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Vendor Relations Manager to support Conning’s enterprise risk and vendor management initiatives, with a focus on market data providers and other critical third-party relationships. This role will assist in managing the full vendor lifecycle—from sourcing and contract review to performance monitoring and billing oversight—ensuring alignment with business goals and risk standards. This position offers broad exposure across departments and regions, providing a strong foundation for future leadership opportunities in enterprise risk and operations. Operations with moderate autonomy under the guidance of the Head of Enterprise Data Management. Decisions made in this role directly impact vendor performance, cost control, and operational risk. Errors in contract oversight or billing could result in financial exposure or service disruption. ​

Responsibilities:
•    Support the vendor management function with a focus on market data service providers.
•    Assist in contract negotiations and renewals, ensuring favorable terms and risk mitigation.
•    Coordinate vendor selection processes, emphasizing value, innovation, and scalability.
•    Collaborate with legal, compliance, and business units to align vendor activities with corporate objectives.
•    Monitor vendor performance and assist in issue resolution and service quality tracking.
•    Contribute to cost optimization efforts through vendor consolidation and renegotiation.
•    Manage vendor billing, disbursements, and budget tracking for a portfolio exceeding $20 million annually.
•    Maintain strong working relationships with over 65 approved vendors.

Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, finance, business administration, or a related field.
5–7 years of experience in vendor management, procurement, or contract administration.
Familiarity with the investment management industry strongly preferred.
Experience reviewing contract terms and managing vendor relationships required.
Strong communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Teams; experience with Power BI is a plus.
Project management experience preferred.

Conning is an equal opportunity employer. Our company embraces the principles of inclusion; our employees can bring the best version of themselves to work every day. We thrive in an environment where everyone’s voice is heard, every idea counts, and the differences of our employees are valued. We provide reasonable accommodations to those who need them.

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact us to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Applicants must exhibit a strong commitment to meet compliance obligations reflecting Conning's core values of honesty and integrity; must accept responsibility for compliance in each role and comply with all applicable rules, regulations, and legal requirements.