Vendor Management Specialist

At Kind Lending, our family of diverse and talented Kind Ambassadors drives the new approach to the mortgage experience. They are the heart and soul of the organization, embodying our "People Before Profits" mentality in every department. Kind Lending is growing and seeks top mortgage professionals who value opportunity, lasting business partnerships, and live out our KIND mindset. The company is dedicated to providing the best service while offering a great selection of products to enhance the buying experience.

Backed by trusted leadership, Kind Lending’s professional model turns the "fun" in funding.

Position Summary The Vendor Management Specialist supports the Vendor Manager by executing the operational components of the Vendor Management Program. This role ensures vendor records, ongoing due diligence, spend and utilization data, and renewal intent are accurate, complete, and up to date. By managing these essential day‑to‑day responsibilities, the Specialist enables the Vendor Manager to focus on high‑level strategic work. Success in this role requires strong follow‑through, effective communication skills, and the ability to work confidently in a growing and evolving organization.

• Ongoing Vendor Oversight & Due Diligence – conduct ongoing due diligence reviews of vendors to ensure continued compliance with standards and regulatory requirements, ensuring timely completion.
• Coordinate directly with vendors to request and follow up on required documentation and responses.
• Conduct ongoing risk reviews of vendors on a frequency schedule determined by each vendor’s assigned risk level.
• Update vendor profiles and evidence in the Vendor Risk system.

• Assess profiles for completeness (due diligence, risk review, certificates of insurance, contact information).
• Maintain up‑to‑date vendor records.
• Manage annual and ongoing vendor data breach attestations, including completion by new vendors at onboarding.
• Coordinate the execution and filing of MNDAs for prospective vendors and partners.

• Support the Vendor Manager in collaborating with Finance, vendors and business stakeholders to gather and validate actual spend for vendor contracts.
• Conduct a utilization audit for each contract, prioritizing completion three months prior to the contract notification dates.
• Obtain business owner contract renewal intent.
• Prepare summary reports for Vendor Manager review.

• Support the Vendor Manager in initiating and tracking vendor performance reviews.
• Coordinate with business owners to ensure reviews are completed based on vendor tier and review frequency.
• Summarize findings for Vendor Manager escalation or follow‑up.

• Assist in monitoring and responding to inquiries in the Vendor Management group email inbox.
• Provide support on ad hoc projects and vendor‑related initiatives as assigned by the Vendor Manager.
• Participate in process improvements, documentation updates, and system enhancement projects.

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in business, compliance, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• 2–4+ years in vendor management, procurement, financial services or mortgage operations.
• Understanding of contracts and due diligence.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Confidence initiating outreach with unfamiliar stakeholders.
• Thrives in an evolving organizational environment and navigates changing processes confidently.
• Strong organizational and follow‑up skills; detail oriented.
• Experience with vendor systems preferred.

Pay Disclosure The starting base salary range for this position is $70k annually. The actual base is dependent on many factors such as work experience, business needs, market demands, and other compensation components. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

Work Authorization Must be able to verify identity and employment eligibility to work in the U.S. without visa sponsorship.

Other Duties This job profile is not intended to be all‑inclusive. Additional duties may be assigned to meet the needs of the organization.

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