Head of Portfolio Vendor Relations

The Head of Portfolio Vendor Relations leads the section responsible for the procurement, contracting and governance of external partners (law firms, bailiffs, DnCs) in support of portfolio acquisitions. The role oversees supplier relationships, contract management and the allocation of responsibilities across partners, while managing the team and keeping senior management informed, to ensure the servicing readiness of acquired portfolios.Main AccountabilitiesLeads the Portfolio Related Buyers team, setting priorities, allocating workload, and coaching and evaluating team membersOversees the end-to-end Procurement process for Portfolio Related Buying, ensuring compliance with Procurement policies, procedures and approval frameworksOwns the relationship with law firms, bailiffs, DnCs and other external partners, including selection and performance reviewDefines the scope of work of each law firm and partner, and monitors that it is delivered as agreedSupervises contract management, including negotiation, signing, renewals and legal ratecards, in cooperation with Corporate Legal and ProcurementManages key stakeholders (SLA, Frontline, Judicial, Collection, Operations, Legal) and resolves escalated issues and data or documentation gapsReviews reporting and MI on onboarding status, partner performance and risk flags, and informs senior management on progress and decisions neededEnsures audit-ready documentation and an up-to-date Outsourcing Register, and drives process improvements and automation opportunitiesRequirementsEducation, Experience and Technical SkillsBachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Statistics or a related disciplineMaster's degree is considered an advantageMinimum 8-10 years of professional experience in loan portfolio servicing, asset transfers, vendor or law firm management, or procurement and contract management within financial services, including at least 3 years in a team leadership roleStrong understanding of loan lifecycle concepts, portfolio attributes, legal processes and regulatory requirementsProven people management and coaching skillsStrong contract negotiation and supplier management skillsExcellent stakeholder management and communication skills, including reporting to senior managementProficiency in MS Office (especially Excel and PowerPoint for reporting and presentations)Fluency in English and Greek, both written and spokenCompetenciesExcellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectivelyStrong Negotiation and Influencing skillsSolid business acumen combined with financial analysis skillsResults orientation with achievement drive BenefitsHere's what you can look forward to as part of the #CepalTeam:Competitive Compensation : We offer an attractive salary, annual performance-based bonuses, and a monthly meal allowance through our ticket restaurant cardHealth: Private medical insurance is provided for you and your familyFamily Support: Monthly financial allowance for early education (nursery) and coverage of expenses for children with neurodiversity or disabilities—including therapeutic swimming, music therapy, horse riding, and parental supportFlexible Work Model: Our hybrid approach offers a level of remote work flexibility that supports work-life balance while preserving strong collaboration and team spiritModern Workspaces: Contemporary offices designed to support comfort, health, and productivity, with fully equipped workstations, quiet areas, on-site restaurant, and group fitness sessions Lifelong Learning: Cepal supports continuous learning through access to e-learning platforms and structured professional development programsCareer Progression: We are committed to your growth, offering a clear development path supported by feedback, mentoring, and personalized learning plansMake a Difference: Get involved in regular wellbeing, ESG and volunteering initiatives that reflect our values and foster a sense of purpose and community. At Cepal, we believe that inclusion is more than a value, it's a way of thinking and acting. As members of the Diversity Charter Greece, we are committed to fostering a workplace where every individual feels respected, empowered, and free to contribute meaningfully.All applications are treated fairly, confidentially, and based solely on qualifications and merit.