Category Management Director (IT Services and Operations Outsourcing)

Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc., (SGA), is searching for a Category Management Director (IT Services and Operations Outsourcing) for a contract assignment with one of our premier Insurance clients in Hartford, CT.

Responsibilities :

• Responsible for developing, managing, and executing the category and sourcing strategy for IT, Data, and Operations spend areas, overseeing an annual spend of over $100M. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong leadership abilities and a proven history of managing large-scale IT and Business Process Outsourcing transformation programs. This role involves close collaboration with senior leadership, including CIOs and Operations leaders. Experience with Data and Analytics is a plus. This position reports to the AVP, Category Lead for Professional Services and Claims.
• Developing, managing, and executing the category and sourcing strategy for IT, Data, and Operations spend areas
• Experience running IT and Business Process Outsourcing transformation programs.
• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies for IT Services outsourcing that align with business objectives and drive value.
• Collaborate with the CIO, CDO, and Operations senior leaders to understand business direction and requirements. Define and execute sourcing strategies to ensure alignment with business goals and optimize cost, quality, and service delivery.
• Partner with strategic vendors and senior leadership to identify and execute technology-led opportunities to transform Business Operations, boost efficiency, and improve customer experience.
• Lead sourcing events and develop supplier negotiation strategies that optimize spend, leverage The firm's buying power, focus on service quality/performance, and minimize risk exposure.
• Conduct complex, high-visibility negotiations with major vendors, negotiate key terms, and work with various stakeholders from legal, information protection, risk management, etc., to draft and execute contracts.
• Drive sourcing model maturity based on industry best practices and The firm's operating model changes.
• Manage relationships with key vendors and ensure compliance with service level agreements.
• Conduct market analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and risks in the IT outsourcing space.
• Monitor and report on the performance of outsourcing arrangements, ensuring continuous improvement and value delivery.
• Utilize Procurement technology to facilitate the end-to-end Procurement Lifecycle.

Required Skills:

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (JD, Master's degree in procurement/supply chain, business, engineering, or related field) or equivalent experience is a plus.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in strategic sourcing, specifically in the IT and BPO Outsourcing category.
• Proven track record in Procurement with significant experience developing and executing category strategies, reviewing, analyzing, and negotiating contracts.
• Strong strategic and analytical skills with the ability to solve long-term and complex problems.
• Experience in leading market analysis and intelligence gathering across relevant categories to support successful strategy development.
• Extensive negotiation skills and best practices in contracting, including drafting and negotiating contract terms.
• Excellent relationship management skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with senior leadership in Procurement and across multiple Businesses and Corporate Functions.
• Exceptional ability to influence stakeholders and drive groups with divergent opinions toward effective, collaborative decisions.
• Exceptional supplier relationship and contract/conflict management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Outcome-oriented with experience driving results in an environment of change.
• Strong packaging and presentation skills with the ability to analyze and explain pricing models and contract terms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is a must

Preferred Skills:

• Coupa skills are a plus.
• Experience in IT Delivery and project management is a plus.

SGA is a technology and resource solutions provider driven to stand out. We are a women-owned business. Our mission: to solve big IT problems with a more personal, boutique approach. Each year, we match consultants like you to more than 1,000 engagements. When we say let's work better together, we mean it. You'll join a diverse team built on these core values: customer service, employee development, and quality and integrity in everything we do. Be yourself, love what you do and find your passion at work. Please find us at .

SGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of Race, Color, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Religion, National Origin, Disability, Veteran Status, Age, Marital Status, Pregnancy, Genetic Information, or Other Legally Protected Status. We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, and our services, programs, and activities. Please visit our company to request an accommodation or assistance regarding our policy.