The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc

Assistant Director - Category Management, Software and Infrastructure

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc • $113K — $170K *
Boston, MA 02115In-Person
Enterprise Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Minimum 5 years of category management, strategic sourcing, and contract negotiation experience within the software category.
  • Proven experience developing and executing category strategies.
  • Experience leading market analysis and intelligence gathering.
  • Extensive negotiation and contracting expertise.
  • Bachelor's degree required, preferably in procurement, supply chain, finance, or business; advanced degree or equivalent experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

  • Develops and executes category strategies aligned to enterprise objectives.
  • Conducts market analysis to understand trends, cost drivers, risks, and opportunities.
  • Functions as a trusted advisor for senior leaders throughout the sourcing journey.
  • Drives cost reductions while optimizing value through demand and supply opportunities.
  • Identifies and mitigates risks within assigned categories, including supplier and compliance risks.

Benefits

  • Hybrid or remote work arrangement, with flexibility based on location.
  • Opportunity for collaboration with senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
  • Engagement with emerging tools and AI-enabled capabilities in category management.
  • Commitment to a high-performing, inclusive team culture.
  • Access to modern procurement technologies and data-driven approaches.
Full Job Description
AD Category Mgmt - FP07BE

The Assistant Director, Software and Infrastructure Category Management is responsible for developing and executing category strategies for complex, high-value spend categories. Reporting to the AVP, Category Lead for Software & Infrastructure, this role manages categories typically ranging from $40M-$75M in annual spend and plays a critical role in translating enterprise procurement strategy into actionable category plans and measurable business outcomes.

Location

This role can have a hybrid or remote work arrangement. Candidates who live near Hartford will have an expectation of working in an office in alignment to our hybrid work schedule (currently three days per week (Tuesday through Thursday)). Candidates who live near other office locations may have a similar expectation or may have a remote work arrangement depending on location. 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.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develops and executes category strategies aligned to enterprise objectives
  • Conducts market analysis to understand trends, cost drivers, risks and opportunities
  • Establishes category level objectives
  • Functions as a trusted advisor for senior leaders through the category management and sourcing journey, providing clear recommendations and insights supported by data.
  • Drives significant reductions in cost while optimizing value through demand- and supply-side opportunities.
  • Identifies and mitigates supplier, commercial, operational, and compliance risks within assigned categories.
  • Develops and implements category best practices.
  • Leads end-to-end sourcing initiatives
  • Develops negotiation strategies and leads supplier negotiations for commercial, risk and service outcomes.
  • Drafts and negotiates contracts of varying complexity in partnership with Legal when needed, ensuring compliance with business, regulatory and risk requirements.
  • Brings software market expertise to deliver both cost savings and business value.
  • Ensures consistent contract quality, documentation standards and adherence to procurement policies.
  • Uses spend analytics, performance dashboards, and sourcing insights to inform decisions and prioritize opportunities.
  • Utilizes procurement technology to support the end-to-end procurement lifecycle and drive efficiency, transparency and value.
  • Manages strategic supplier relationships and contract portfolios.
  • Ensures accuracy and integrity of sourcing, supplier, and contract data within enterprise systems.
  • Partners with business and functional stakeholders to align sourcing strategies with operational and strategic needs.
  • Identifies opportunities to apply emerging tools and AI-enabled capabilities to category management activities.
  • Maintains a high standard of customer engagement and service.
  • Models enterprise leadership principles by driving results with accountability and integrity, partnering effectively across functions with an enterprise mindset, using data and insights to inform decisions, continuously improving how work gets done, contributing to a high-performing, inclusive team culture, embracing change and helping others adapt to evolving priorities and tools.


Qualifications

Experience
  • Minimum 5 years of category management, strategic sourcing, and contract negotiation experience within the software category.
  • Proven experience developing and executing category strategies.
  • Experience leading market analysis and intelligence gathering.
  • Extensive negotiation and contracting expertise.


Education
  • Bachelor's degree required, preferably in procurement, supply chain, finance or business. Advanced degree or equivalent experience a plus.


Skills and Capabilities
  • Strong strategic and execution mindset with knowledge of category management and sourcing best practices
  • Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret spend data, market insights and performance metrics.
  • Demonstrated success negotiating and structuring commercial agreements.
  • Excellent stakeholder influence and relationship management skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong project management skills, including leading cross-functional sourcing initiatives.
  • Knowledge of change management and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Strong customer-service orientation.
  • Ability to manage ambiguity through influence and collaboration.
  • Knowledge of source-to-pay processes
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications; Coupa experience a plus.
  • Innovative, curious mindset with an interest in modern procurement technologies and data-driven approaches.


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:

$113,600 - $170,400

About The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc

The Hartford is an industry leading provider of property and casualty insurance, group benefits and mutual funds. Throughout our rich history of more than 200 years, countless businesses and individuals, including Robert E. Lee, Abraham Lincoln and Babe Ruth, have turned to our company for protection. The Hartford celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2010.

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. Careers

Join the esteemed team at The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., a leader in investment and insurance, where we offer more than just job opportunities—we provide a platform for professional growth and innovation. As one of the most respected names in the financial services industry, The Hartford is dedicated to fostering a culture of diversity, leadership, and continuous development.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career with The Hartford and contribute to our mission of helping customers achieve amazing financial outcomes. You will have the chance to work alongside a team of experts who are not only skilled in their fields but are also passionate about making a difference.

Transform Your Career

At The Hartford, we believe in nurturing talent through comprehensive training programs and robust career development opportunities. Our commitment to professional growth is evident in our dynamic leadership and diversity training programs that prepare you for the future.

Innovate with Us

Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at The Hartford. Join us and bring your unique perspective to help shape the future of financial services. Our collaborative environment encourages creativity and is the perfect place to advance your skills in groundbreaking ways.

Be Part of a Great Team

The Hartford is not just a company; it's a community. We pride ourselves on a workplace culture that upholds the values of inclusivity and teamwork. By joining us, you’ll work on diverse teams that value your insights and encourage networking and mutual support.

Future-Proof Your Career

With a wide range of job opportunities, from internships to full-time positions, The Hartford offers a path for everyone. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, we provide the tools and support needed to succeed. Our benefits package is designed to ensure that our team members are well taken care of, not only at work but in all aspects of life.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Whether you're polishing your resume, preparing for an interview, or seeking to enhance your employment experience, The Hartford has a position to match your skills and ambitions. We are continuously hiring and looking for new talent to join our thriving team.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interest at The Hartford. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players.

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Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. Join us at The Hartford—where careers thrive and futures are made.
Learn more about The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc
Size
18,500 employees
Market Cap
$24.1 billion
Industry
Finance & Insurance
Net Income
$1.7 billion
Founded
1810
5 Year Trend
+6.5%
Revenue
$20.5 billion
NASDAQ
HIG
* Ladders Estimates

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