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 Accountabilities

• Leads the Portfolio Related Buyers team, setting priorities, allocating workload, and coaching and evaluating team members.
• Oversees the end-to-end Procurement process for Portfolio Related Buying, ensuring compliance with Procurement policies, procedures and approval frameworks.
• Owns the relationship with law firms, bailiffs, DnCs and other external partners, including selection and performance review.
• Defines the scope of work of each law firm and partner, and monitors that it is delivered as agreed.
• Supervises contract management, including negotiation, signing, renewals and legal ratecards, in cooperation with Corporate Legal and Procurement.
• Manages key stakeholders (SLA, Frontline, Judicial, Collection, Operations, Legal) and resolves escalated issues and data or documentation gaps.
• Reviews reporting and MI on onboarding status, partner performance and risk flags, and informs senior management on progress and decisions needed.
• Ensures audit-ready documentation and an up-to-date Outsourcing Register, and drives process improvements and automation opportunities.

Requirements

Education, Experience and Technical Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Statistics or a related discipline.
• Master’s degree is considered an advantage.
• Minimum 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 role.
• Strong understanding of loan lifecycle concepts, portfolio attributes, legal processes and regulatory requirements.
• Proven people management and coaching skills.
• Strong contract negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, including reporting to senior management.
• Proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel and PowerPoint for reporting and presentations).
• Fluency in English and Greek, both written and spoken.

Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively
• Strong Negotiation and Influencing skills
• Solid business acumen combined with financial analysis skills
• Results orientation with achievement drive

Benefits

Here’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 card.

• Health: Private medical insurance is provided for you and your family.

• Family 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 support.

• Flexible Work Model: Our hybrid approach offers a level of remote work flexibility that supports work-life balance while preserving strong collaboration and team spirit.

• Modern 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 programs.

• Career Progression: We are committed to your growth, offering a clear development path supported by feedback, mentoring, and personalized learning plans.

• Make 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.