Director Category Management, Software Category

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The Director, Software Category Management is a senior leader within the Strategic Sourcing & Real Estate organization (SSRE) 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 $75M-$150M in annual spend and plays a critical role in translating enterprise procurement strategy into actionable category plans and measurable business outcomes.

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 multi‑year category strategies aligned to enterprise objectives.

• Conducts market analysis to understand trends, cost drivers, risks, and opportunities.

• Identifies and delivers value across cost savings, risk mitigation, resilience, service, and innovation.

• Establishes category‑level objectives, KPIs, and value‑tracking mechanisms to measure performance.

• Leads end‑to‑end sourcing initiatives for complex, high‑impact spend areas.

• Develops negotiation strategies and leads supplier negotiations for commercial, risk, and service outcomes.

• Drafts and negotiates complex contracts in partnership with Legal when needed, ensuring compliance with business, regulatory, and risk requirements.

• 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.

• Leverages procurement technologies (e.g., sourcing platforms, CLM, analytics tools) to drive efficiency, transparency, and value.

• Ensures accuracy and integrity of sourcing, supplier, and contract data within enterprise systems.

• Identifies opportunities to apply emerging tools and AI‑enabled capabilities to category management activities.

• Partners with business and functional stakeholders to align sourcing strategies with operational and strategic needs.

• Serves as a trusted advisor to CIO, CDO and other senior leaders, providing clear recommendations and insights supported by data.

• Supports change initiatives and new ways of working, maintaining engagement and accountability.

• 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:

• 8+ years of experience in category management and strategic sourcing within a complex corporate environment.

• Proven experience managing complex software categories, including leading the sourcing process as well as drafting and negotiating agreements within the software category.

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in procurement, supply chain, finance or business.  MBA or equivalent business-related experience preferred.

Skills & Capabilities:

• Strong strategic and execution mindset with deep knowledge of category management and sourcing best practices.

• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to interpret spend data, market insights, and performance metrics.

• Demonstrated success negotiating and structuring complex commercial agreements.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at multiple levels.

• Strong project management skills, including leading cross‑functional sourcing initiatives.

• Knowledge of source‑to‑pay processes and strong attention to detail.

• Familiarity with change management and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).

• Innovative, curious mindset with an interest in modern procurement technologies and data‑driven approaches.

• Ability to operate effectively in a matrixed environment and manage ambiguity through collaboration and influence.

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:

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