DIRECTOR, VENDOR STRATEGY & GOVERNANCE (HYBRID)

Company: The Hartford
Location: Hartford
Posted on: October 29, 2024

Job Description:

To be considered for an interview, please make sure your application is full in line with the job specs as found below.
Dir IT Program Management - BT06AE
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.
Department Overview
The Office of the CIO provides critical services and capabilities in support of The Hartford's Technology, Data, and Cyber (IT) organization. These services include Chief of Staff & Communication, Agile Financial Transformation, Tech Currency Portfolio Management, Vendor Strategy & Governance, Learning & Talent Development Programs, and Service Governance.
Position Summary
If you're looking for a fast-paced, challenging atmosphere where you can grow your skills and career, consider joining the Office of the CIO. The Director, Vendor Strategy & Governance will align to the Vendor Strategy & Governance Team within the Office of the CIO. The primary accountabilities of the role include cultivating and maintaining relationships with key IT vendors, acting as the primary point of contact of key vendors for IT, partnering with IT Leaders to define vendor strategy, building requirements to align vendors to that strategy, and monitoring overall vendor performance. This position is highly collaborative and will work directly with vendor account executives, IT Leadership, IT Portfolio Leads, IT Finance, Business Resiliency Office, and Procurement.
This role will have a Hybrid work arrangement, with the expectation of working in Hartford, CT 3 days a week (Tuesday through Thursday). Candidate must be able to work in the US without company sponsorship.
Responsibilities

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• Build and maintain strong relationships with key vendors and internal stakeholders to foster collaborative, transparent, and long-term value; be trusted advisor and primary point of contact for IT vendors, and act as liaison to IT Leaders.
  
• Manage a vendor portfolio of $250M of cost.
  
• Develop and implement a comprehensive vendor strategy that aligns with business objectives and industry best practices.
  
• Optimize vendor relationship in terms of cost and performance, reduce risk, and increase value to organization.
  
• Deliver cost-efficiency by managing appropriate use of vendor rate cards and other pricing models, managing credit agreements, and driving cost savings ideas.
  
• Monitor overall vendor performance (e.g., financial, workforce); partner closely with vendors to define and develop credible metrics; partner with stakeholders to identify performance gaps and drive improvement plans.
  
• Facilitate monthly governance meetings with vendors and business partners to review metrics, discuss upcoming work engagements, and track & monitor issues.
  
• Organize and facilitate annual or semi-annual Strategic Business Reviews with senior IT and vendor leadership; vendors highlight overall engagement, discuss feedback, and present cutting-edge technologies.
  
• Maintain working knowledge of contractual terms and conditions to hold vendors accountable and keep business partners informed.
  
• Stay apprised of risk related policies and ensure vendors and IT maintain compliance to those policies; manage any mitigation efforts related to policy breaches.
  
• Facilitate on-boarding process for new vendors or new vendor locations (e.g., Delivery Center set-up, network connectivity).
  
• Partner with Procurement in leading new vendor deals that balance price and business need.
  
• Partner closely with Business Resiliency Office on Disaster Recovery Planning.
  
• Respond to audit, compliance reviews, and security breaches.
  
• Providing overall support to vendor governance team as needed.
  
  Qualifications
  
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  • Bachelor's degree.
    
  • 8+ years of experience.
    
  • Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization; experience presenting complex and detailed information in a clear, executive format.
    
  • Aptitude for translating insights into action; make recommendations and/or influence decision making by leveraging facts and data.
    
  • Ability to confidently address challenging issues head-on, negotiate outcomes, and seek resolution.
    
  • Strong financial acumen.
    
  • Operate in a highly collaborative work environment.
    
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
    
  • Manage multiple simultaneous priorities of varying degrees of complexity with superior detail and quality.
    
  • Operate with a sense of urgency and maintain confidentiality with highly sensitive data.
    
  • Proficient in Microsoft EXCEL and PowerPoint.
    
    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: $134,800 - $202,200.
    Equal Opportunity Employer
    Females/Minorities/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity or Expression/Religion/Age.
    
    #J-18808-Ljbffr
    Remote working/work at home options are available for this role.

Keywords: The Hartford, New Haven , DIRECTOR, VENDOR STRATEGY & GOVERNANCE (HYBRID), Executive , Hartford, Connecticut