Strategic Software & Infrastructure Category Lead

The Hartford; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 113,600 - 170,400; Full time

Job summary

The Hartford is seeking an Assistant Director, Software and Infrastructure Category Management to design and drive category strategies for high‑value software spends. You will lead market analysis, set objectives, and guide negotiation efforts with suppliers, partnering with Legal where needed to ensure compliant contracts across the enterprise.

This role supports hybrid/remote work with an expectation of some office visits; you will translate procurement strategy into actionable plans, monitor

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.

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.
• Leads end-to-end sourcing initiatives.
• Develops negotiation strategies and leads supplier negotiations for commercial outcomes.
• Drafts and negotiates contracts of varying complexity in partnership with Legal when needed.

Skills

Category management

Strategic sourcing

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Project management

Change management

Procurement tools

AI capabilities

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Coupa

MS Office

Job description

The Hartford is seeking an Assistant Director, Software and Infrastructure Category Management to design and drive category strategies for high‑value software spends. You will lead market analysis, set objectives, and guide negotiation efforts with suppliers, partnering with Legal where needed to ensure compliant contracts across the enterprise.

This role supports hybrid/remote work with an expectation of some office visits; you will translate procurement strategy into actionable plans, monitor