Assistant Director Category Management

The Hartford

  • Hartford, CT
  • $95,280-142,920 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 2 months ago
AD Category Mgmt - FP07BEWe’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 individual contributor role is based in our Hartford, CT Home Office on a hybrid basis.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 journeyDrive significant reductions in cost within this category, focusing on all levers that drive value including demand and supply opportunitiesDevelop and implement best practices within this categoryResponsible 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 changesUtilizes Procurement technology to facilitate the end-to-end Procurement LifecycleManages strategic category supplier relationshipsManages new & existing legacy contracts and will drive standards/best practices for assigned spendEvaluates and introduces new suppliers with innovative, cost cutting or disruptive technologiesAggressively 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 targetsEngages with customers to ensure a high standard of serviceQUALIFICATIONS: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 processSuccessful track record in Procurement with significant experience developing and executing category strategies and reviewing, analyzing and negotiating contractsDemonstrated strong strategic and analytical skills with ability to solve long-term and analytical problemsExperience in leading market analysis and intelligence gathering across relevant categories to support successful strategy developmentExtensive negotiation skills and best practices in contractingExcellent relationship management skills including the ability to work collaboratively with senior leadership in Procurement and across multiple Businesses and Corporate FunctionsExceptional ability to influence stakeholders and drive groups with divergent opinions toward effective, collaborative decisionsExceptional supplier relationship and contract/conflict management skillsExcellent written and oral communication skillsOutcome-oriented with experience driving results in an environment of changeStrong packaging and presentation skills with the ability to analyze and explain pricing models and contract termsSignificant experience with integrating data & analytics with strategy development & sourcing execution (market analysis, cost modeling, benchmarking, should cost analysis, etc.)Strong strategic mindsetSelf-motivated and entrepreneurialAbility to work within an agile & collaborative environmentKnowledge of change management principals and methodologiesStrong focus on customer engagement and serviceExperience dealing with ambiguity through effective influence and collaboration at multiple levels of the organizationNeeds to be comfortable challenging current-state thinking, with evidence and recommend alternative approaches to solving a problemHigh level of creativity with the ability to analyze and challenge conventional thinking and normsKnowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point is a must.Coupa skills are a plus.Experience in project management a plusBachelor’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 plusCompensationThe 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 - $142,920Equal Opportunity Employer/Females/Minorities/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity or Expression/Religion/Age| | |

The Hartford