Technology Expense Strategy Lead

Northwestern Mutual; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 108,000 - 162,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern Mutual is seeking an Assistant Director, Technology Expense Optimization to shape how we invest in and simplify technology while balancing cost discipline with innovation. You will partner across Technology, Finance, Sourcing & Procurement, and business leaders to increase transparency, efficiency, and reinvestment in our technology portfolio.

You’ll lead high-impact initiatives, turn data into insight, and influence decisions that drive transformation and strategic priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Technology, or a related field.
• 6–12 years of experience in technology, business, strategy, or consulting.
• Experience managing or influencing large, complex workstreams.
• Strong analysis, storytelling, and executive communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Help drive technology expense strategy and cost optimization.
• Lead components of Northwestern Mutual’s technology expense optimization strategy.
• Translate strategy into actionable multi-year plans balancing run costs with transformation investments.
• Deliver financial insight and transparency across labor, vendors, software, cloud, and infrastructure.
• Partner with Technology leaders to optimize application portfolios, cloud usage, and platform investments.
• Support vendor negotiations, renewals, and rationalization efforts with Procurement and Legal.

Skills

Financial analysis

Executive communication

Strategic planning

Vendor management

Cloud cost management

Cost optimization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Technology, or related field

Job description

Northwestern Mutual is seeking an Assistant Director, Technology Expense Optimization to shape how we invest in and simplify technology while balancing cost discipline with innovation. You will partner across Technology, Finance, Sourcing & Procurement, and business leaders to increase transparency, efficiency, and reinvestment in our technology portfolio.

You’ll lead high-impact initiatives, turn data into insight, and influence decisions that drive transformation and strategic priorities.