Technology Vendor Manager

At Associated Bank we strive to create an inclusive culture where different perspectives are valued and recognized as strengths critical to our success. If you thrive in an environment where your growth and development are encouraged and supported, then Associated Bank may be the right place for you.

Associated Bank requires you to directly represent yourself and your own experiences during the recruiting and hiring process. Associated Bank conducts a thorough background check on all new hires.

Responsible for providing oversight on vendor selection (RFIs / RFPs when appropriate), due diligence, contract negotiation, and vendor relationship management for the Operations & Technology group. These activities will involve managing across multiple internal stakeholder groups (Legal, Information Security, Compliance, and the sponsoring business unit), reviewing vendor financial information, negotiating Non-Disclosure Agreements, negotiating contracts, monitoring service level agreements (SLAs) preparing and validating reports, and create and communicate to Senior and Executive Management a variety of complex departmental projects and presentations.

Role Summary

As a Vendor Management Lead within our Operations & Technology organization, you'll oversee the full contract lifecycle-from due diligence and negotiation to ongoing vendor performance and compliance. You'll play a key role in optimizing vendor partnerships, reducing risk, and driving efficiency across the bank's technology operations. This is a great opportunity to lead strategic vendor initiatives while collaborating with cross-functional partners.

Key Accountabilities

Coordinate all stages of the vendor and contract lifecycle, including RFP development, negotiation, renewal, and termination.

Manage vendor relationships to ensure compliance with contractual terms, Third-Party Management standards, and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

Partner with Legal, Risk, and Procurement teams to align business needs with risk management and regulatory requirements.

Lead and develop a vendor management team focused on efficiency, compliance, and relationship excellence.

Monitor and report on vendor performance metrics, preparing management updates and compliance documentation.

Collaborate with the Ops & Tech Finance team to forecast vendor-related expenses and track savings opportunities.

Develop and implement guidelines and best practices for vendor risk management and governance across Operations & Technology.

Stay current on industry trends to continuously improve vendor management strategies and tools.

Education & Experience

Required :

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Business, Banking, Vendor Management, or Paralegal.

2+ years of experience in vendor, contract, sourcing, or project management.

Preferred :

3+ years of vendor management, negotiation, or banking experience.

Why You'll Love Working Here

At Associated Bank, you'll join a collaborative team that values innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement. We invest in your growth with learning opportunities, career advancement, and the chance to make an impact across our technology and operations ecosystem. Apply today to help shape how we manage and deliver exceptional vendor partnerships.

In addition to core traditional benefits, we take pride in offering benefits for every stage of life.

Retirement savings including both 401(k) and Pension plans.

Paid time off to volunteer in your community.

Opportunities to connect with others through our diversity-focusedColleague Resource Groups.

Competitive salaries with professional development and advancement opportunities.

Bonus benefits including well-being programs and incentives, parental leave,anemployee stock purchase plan, military benefits and much more.

Personal banking, loan, investmentand insurance benefits.

Associated Bank serves more than 120 communities throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri and we consider our colleagues critical to our continued success. See why our colleagues continually vote us a best place to work in the Midwest.Join our community on Facebook , LinkedIn and X .

Compliance Statement

Associated Bank is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse workforce. We support a work environment where colleagues are respected and given the opportunity to perform to their fullest potential. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status, among other factors.

Fully complies with all applicable enterprise policies and procedures. Acts in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations as outlined in training materials, including but not limited to Bank Secrecy Act. Responsible for reporting suspicious activity to Financial Intelligence. Responsible to report all customer complaints as prescribed and procedure violations to management or HR.

Responsible to report ethical concerns as needed to Associated Bank's anonymous Ethics Hotline.

Associated Bank provides additional assistance throughout the application, interview and hiring process. Please contact leavesandaccommodations@associatedbank.com if you need an accommodation at any time during the process.

Associated Banc-Corp participates in the E-Verify Program. E-Verify Notice English or Spanish . Know Your Right to Work English or Spanish .

Associated Bank isPay Transparency compliant.

The pay range represents anticipated base pay for this role. Actual pay may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, work location, skills, experience, education, and qualifications for the role.

$73,990.00 - $126,840.00 per year