Critical Vendor Manager - Operational Readiness

About Riot Platforms

Riot’s (NASDAQ: RIOT) vision is to be the world’s most trusted platform for powering and building digital infrastructure. Riot’s mission is to empower the future of digital infrastructure by positively impacting the sectors, networks, and communities that we touch. We believe that the combination of an innovative spirit and strong community partnership allows us to achieve best-in-class execution and create successful outcomes.

Who we are

At Riot, we’re building the future of digital infrastructure. Our team members have unparalleled opportunities to work on groundbreaking initiatives. Through technical excellence and strategic execution, Riot has positioned itself as a leader in the industry driving advancements that continue to set new benchmarks in digital infrastructure. 

We are trailblazers. Problem solvers. People who thrive in fast paced environments, communicate clearly, and bring relentless focus to efficiency and execution.

About the role

Riot is seeking a Critical Vendor Manager to own the vendor relationship program for Riot's maintenance and repair critical vendors — the trade vendors (electrical, mechanical, fire/life safety, water treatment, and similar categories) that perform maintenance and repair work across the data center portfolio. 

You will design and run the vendor performance management program: KPI tracking and scorecarding in both directions — Riot's assessment of vendors, and a defined path for vendors to provide constructive feedback on Riot — continuous-improvement tracking, and program-level effectiveness evaluation. Day-to-day vendor relationship management sits with site teams; this role owns the program framework, standards, and metrics they operate within. You will execute and assure against the Vendor Management Standard, own vendor qualification, and maintain the Approved Vendor List.

This position is remote/hybrid, with regular travel to the Rockdale or and Riots sites.

What you'll do

• Own the vendor relationship program for maintenance and repair critical vendors across the portfolio — setting program structure, governance, and performance metrics, and evaluating program effectiveness at the portfolio level 
• Design and maintain vendor performance scorecards and KPI tracking for maintenance and repair critical vendors, covering quality, safety, schedule adherence, and conformance to the Vendor Management Standard 
• Build and run the reciprocal feedback process — vendors formally scoring Riot's performance as a partner, with a defined path for vendors to provide constructive feedback 
• Set and track continuous-improvement metrics in partnership with vendors, driving shared improvement initiatives rather than one-directional scorekeeping 
• Serve as the escalation intermediary for site teams raising vendor performance or coverage issues, working the issue to resolution or to a documented corrective action 
• Execute vendor selection evaluations and onboarding verification for maintenance and repair critical vendor scopes, in partnership with site Critical Operations Managers and per the Vendor Management Standard 
• Own vendor qualification and Approved Vendor List administration by maintaining the performance data and evidence that qualification reviews depend on 
• Own contract renewal timing and coverage-gap tracking for critical vendors — flagging warranty and contract expirations before they become coverage lapses 
• Partner with the Maintenance Strategy Manager on which maintenance scopes are vendor-performed, ensuring vendor statements of work stay aligned to the governing equipment strategy 
• Maintain vendor performance and nonconformance records as audit-ready evidence supporting SOC 2 scope 

What you'll have

• 7+ years of experience in vendor/supplier management, contract management, or vendor performance management within data center, industrial, or other critical infrastructure environments 
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered 
• Ability to travel 50% of the time 
• CPSM or a similar procurement/vendor management certification, strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience building or running a vendor scorecard/KPI program, ideally with a reciprocal (two-way) feedback component 
• Experience with critical infrastructure trade vendor categories — electrical, mechanical, fire/life safety, water treatment, or similar 
• Strong negotiation and relationship-management skills; comfortable serving as an escalation point between internal teams and external vendors 
• Familiarity with vendor risk/compliance screening (insurance, safety program review) and SOC 2 or similar compliance frameworks a plus 

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive Salary: $150,000-$165,000 (commensurate with experience) + bonus + sign-on equity grant. 
• Long-Term Growth: Eligible to participate in Riot’s equity incentive programs and share in the success you help build. 
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Incudes a generous company match. 
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Multiple medical plan options, including 100% company-paid plans. 
• Wellness & Lifestyle Perks: Enjoy free gym memberships, pet insurance, childcare discounts, and more to support your life both in and out of work. 

Riot is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.