AVP, Software Engineering, Employee Benefits

The Hartford; Hartford (CT); Hybrid; USD 182,000 - 273,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hartford in Hartford, CT is seeking an AVP Software Engineering to lead Employer Benefits technology strategy and delivery. You will own end-to-end execution of critical roadmaps, drive AI-first practices, and advance cloud-native, API-driven solutions across platforms with a focus on productivity, quality, and business impact.

This senior leader will build and mentor high-performing teams, partner with business and product leaders, and shape the engineering culture through DevSecOps, agile

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in technical software solution development and engineering leadership.
• Experience leading large-scale transformations and legacy-to-cloud migrations.
• Excellent communicator with ability to influence executive stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end technology strategy and modernization for the Employer Benefits value stream.
• Lead AI-first engineering practices to improve productivity, quality and delivery speed.
• Drive cloud-native, API-driven solutions in partnership with architecture teams.
• Build and lead high-performing engineering teams with talent development programs.
• Establish DevSecOps practices to improve reliability, security, and developer experience.
• Translate technology concepts for business leaders and drive measurable outcomes.

Skills

Engineering leadership

AI adoption

Cloud-native engineering

Strategic thinking

Executive communication

Job description

AVP Software Engineering - IE05FE VP IT Management - IM04AE 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's Employee Benefits organization is looking for a dynamic and forward‑thinking IT leader to drive transformational investments and modernization of core policy, billing, as well as the digital experience supporting employers. Reporting to the CIO of Employer Benefits Technology, this position will be accountable for end-to-end ownership of critical technology roadmap priorities for a critical part of The Hartford's $6B Employee Benefits business. This senior leadership role will lead the Employer Experience technology strategy and roadmap, driving delivery of critical business capabilities through agile engineering practices. The role is accountable for technology execution, engineering excellence, and the continued advancement of agile ways of working and adoption of AI to improve productivity, code quality, and improved business outcomes. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of solid software engineering expertise, people leadership, executive presence, and a passion for leading teams through transformation.

Job Responsibilities:

• Accountable for the end-to-end technology strategy, execution, and continuous transformation of Group Benefits engineering, embedding AI-first practices across product delivery, software development, operations, and decision-making.
• Accountable for the end-to-end technology strategy, delivery, and continuous modernization of the Employer Experience value stream Partner with business and product leaders to define and execute a technology and AI roadmap that aligns with business priorities and enhances employer experience
• Lead adoption of AI-first engineering practices, leveraging AI-assisted development, testing, automation, and operations to improve productivity, quality, and speed to market.
• Drive scalable, cloud-native, and API-driven technology solutions in partnership with Enterprise and Solution Architecture teams.
• Ensure data, analytics, and AI capabilities are aligned to business objectives, enabling trusted insights and intelligent business processes.
• Establish modern engineering and DevSecOps practices that improve reliability, security, resilience, and developer experience.
• Use outcome-based metrics and engineering productivity measures to provide transparency, predictability, and continuous improvement
• Build and lead high-performing engineering teams through strategic workforce planning, effective organization design, AI-enabled skill transformation, and focused talent development.
• Champion a culture of engineering excellence, innovation, customer focus, and responsible AI adoption.
• Continuously evaluate emerging AI and technology trends, translating them into practical capabilities that deliver measurable business value
• Continuous learning mindset to keep in touch with advances in AI, helping to translate emerging capabilities into practical business and technology outcomes.

Qualifications:

• 12+ years of experience in technical software solution development and engineering leadership.
• Employee Benefits and/or insurance industry experience preferred but not required.
• Hands on experience leading complex portfolios through transformation such as digital or large platforms replacement.
• Demonstrated engineering track record of sustainable technical solution design with a focus on driving productivity, efficiency, and innovation.
• Experience leading legacy to modern application transitions, including migration of applications to cloud and continued technical innovation in the cloud.
• Experienced people leader with the ability to build and develop future-ready technology talent, fostering a culture of engineering excellence, accountability, innovation, and growth.
• Excellent communicator who can effectively translate technology concepts into business language and adjust as needed to target audience.
• Strategic thinker, problem solver and collaborator with the ability to engage executive level leaders across organizational boundaries to influence decisions and drive results.
• Global experience with onshore and offshore teams (US and India) and managing vendor resource strategy.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to effectively prioritize competing priorities and deadlines.
• Passion for learning, excellent customer focus with a positive attitude.

Location and Travel Requirements:

This role may have a hybrid or remote work arrangement. Candidates located near one of our office locations (Hartford, CT; Charlotte, NC; Columbus, OH; or Chicago, IL.) may be expected to work in the office multiple days per week. Up to 40% travel will be required depending on location.

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: $182,000 - $273,000 The posted salary range reflects our ability to hire at different position titles and levels depending on background and experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Sex/Race/Color/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity or Expression/Religion/Age

About Us | Our Culture | What It's Like to Work Here | Perks & Benefits

Every day, a day to do right. Showing up for people isn't just what we do. It's who we are - and have been for more than 200 years. We're devoted to finding innovative ways to serve our customers, communities and employees-continually asking ourselves what more we can do. Is our policy language as simple and inclusive as it can be? Can we better help businesses navigate our ever-changing world? What else can we do to destigmatize mental health in the workplace? Can we make our communities more equitable? That we can rise to the challenge of these questions is due in no small part to our company values that our employees have shaped and defined. And while how we contribute looks different for each of us, it's these values that drive all of us to do more and to do better every day.