Job Information
The Hartford Assistant Director Category Management in Hartford, Connecticut
AD Category Mgmt - FP07BE
We’re determined to make a difference and are proud to be an insurance company that goes well beyond coverages and policies. Working here means having every opportunity to achieve your goals – and to help others accomplish theirs, too. Join our team as we help shape the future.
The Hartford is a strong company with a powerful brand and a bright future. The Strategic Sourcing & Real Estate (SSRE) department plays a critical role in The Hartford’s future by operating as a trusted business advisor with deep expertise that advances The Hartford’s business objectives and delivers exceptional customer experiences. SSRE is structured with three category management teams, Professional and Corporate Services, Technology & Outsourcing and Claims, complemented by sourcing delivery teams. We operate as advisors with our customers to positively impact business strategy, while optimizing the way we use third parties to meet enterprise and business unit objectives comprehensively.
OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE:
The Assistant Director, Category Management, Software Category is responsible and accountable for developing, managing and executing the category and sourcing strategy for software for the business segments; Marketing, Digital Experience, and Corporate Business Applications (Finance, HR, Legal, Tax, HIMCO, Sales), managing annual spend of approximately $25M-$75M. This role works closely with business partners / stakeholders and business leaders in assigned departments, requires knowledge and experience of software vendor relationships, and experience building and driving enterprise-wide sourcing strategies. This role is also responsible to develop category best practices, and initiatives that support aggressive improvements in supplier quality, total cost effectiveness, enhanced service levels, improved coordination, delivery, pricing, lead-times, payment, risk compliance and other areas as identified. The Assistant Director of Software Category shall lead competitive assessments and contract negotiations and draft resulting contracts. This role will report to the AVP of Software, on the Technology Management Team.
This role can have a Hybrid or Remote work arrangement. Candidates who live near one of our office locations in Hartford, CT or Morristown, NJ will have the expectation of working in an office 3 days a week (Tuesday through Thursday). Candidates who do not live near an office will have a remote work arrangement, with the expectation of coming into an office as business needs arise.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
This role functions as a trusted advisor for senior leaders in corporate functions, such as Marketing, Sales, Legal, Human Resources, Legal through the category management and sourcing journey
Drive significant reductions in cost within this category, focusing on all levers that drive value including demand and supply opportunities
Develop and implement best practices within this category
Responsible for delivery of all sourcing events, develop supplier negotiation strategies that optimize spend, reflect and maximize The Hartford’s buying power, focus on service quality/performance and minimize risk exposure.
Brings thought leadership and experience of working with software companies, consultants, and advisory services to not only drive cost reductions but also focus on bringing business value to our customers.
Lead complex, highly visible negotiations with major vendors, negotiating key terms, and working with various stakeholders from legal, information protection, risk management, etc, to draft and execute contracts.
Drives sourcing model maturity based on industry best practices and The Hartford’s operating model changes
Utilizes Procurement technology to facilitate the end-to-end Procurement Lifecycle
Manages strategic category supplier relationships
Manages new & existing legacy contracts and will drive standards/best practices for assigned spend
Evaluates and introduces new suppliers with innovative, cost cutting or disruptive technologies
Aggressively manages category performance by adhering to internal savings goals and reviewing financial models for commodity type items.
Functions as a trusted advisor to business & finance leaders to define best practices, introduce demand & supply-side opportunities and establish targets
Engages with customers to ensure a high standard of service
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum of 5 years of experience in category strategy, sourcing and negotiating agreements within the software category including significant experience and expertise leading strategic sourcing process
Successful track record in Procurement with significant experience developing and executing category strategies and reviewing, analyzing and negotiating contracts
Demonstrated strong strategic and analytical skills with ability to solve long-term and analytical problems
Experience in leading market analysis and intelligence gathering across relevant categories to support successful strategy development
Extensive negotiation skills and best practices in contracting
Excellent relationship management skills including the ability to work collaboratively with senior leadership in Procurement and across multiple Businesses and Corporate Functions
Exceptional ability to influence stakeholders and drive groups with divergent opinions toward effective, collaborative decisions
Exceptional supplier relationship and contract/conflict management skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Outcome-oriented with experience driving results in an environment of change
Strong packaging and presentation skills with the ability to analyze and explain pricing models and contract terms
Significant experience with integrating data & analytics with strategy development & sourcing execution (market analysis, cost modeling, benchmarking, should cost analysis, etc.)
Strong strategic mindset
Self-motivated and entrepreneurial
Ability to work within an agile & collaborative environment
Knowledge of change management principals and methodologies
Strong focus on customer engagement and service
Experience dealing with ambiguity through effective influence and collaboration at multiple levels of the organization
Needs to be comfortable challenging current-state thinking, with evidence and recommend alternative approaches to solving a problem
High level of creativity with the ability to analyze and challenge conventional thinking and norms
Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point is a must.
Coupa skills are a plus.
Experience in project management a plus
Bachelor’s degree required along with relevant experience. Advanced degree (JD, Master’s degree in procurement/supply chain, business, engineering or related field) or equivalent experience a plus
Compensation
The listed annualized base pay range is primarily based on analysis of similar positions in the external market. Actual base pay could vary and may be above or below the listed range based on factors including but not limited to performance, proficiency and demonstration of competencies required for the role. The base pay is just one component of The Hartford’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include short-term or annual bonuses, long-term incentives, and on-the-spot recognition. The annualized base pay range for this role is:
$95,280 - $142,920
Equal Opportunity Employer/Females/Minorities/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity or Expression/Religion/Age
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Human achievement is at the heart of what we do.
We believe that with the right encouragement and support, people are capable of achieving amazing things.
We put our belief into action by ensuring individuals and businesses are well protected, and by going even further – making an impact in ways that go beyond an insurance policy.
Nearly 19,000 employees use their unique talents in careers that span a variety of disciplines – from developing the latest technology to creating and promoting our products to evaluating future financial risks.
We’re also committed to programs that drive education and support volunteerism, which put human beings first. We do it because it’s the right thing to do, and because when our customers, communities and employees succeed, we all do.
About Us (https://www.thehartford.com/about-us)
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