AVP Corporate Services Category Lead

The Hartford•Hartford, CT

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

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 Assistant Vice President (AVP), Corporate Services Category Lead is a senior leader within the Procurement organization, responsible for developing and executing enterprise-wide category strategies for highly complex, high-value spend categories. This role leads a team of category managers and sourcing professionals and oversees the full lifecycle of assigned spend. The AVP serves as a strategic partner to senior business, finance, legal, and functional leaders, balancing cost, risk, innovation, and service outcomes in a dynamic environment. The role typically manages categories exceeding $150M in annual spend. This role can have a hybrid or remote work arrangement within the northeast region. Candidates who live near Hartford will have an expectation of working in an office in alignment to our hybrid work schedule (currently three days per week (Tuesday through Thursday)). Candidates who live near other office locations may have a similar expectation or may have a remote work arrangement depending on location. Candidates who do not live near an office will have a remote work arrangement, with the expectation of coming into an office as business needs arise.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive experience in category management and strategic sourcing within a complex corporate environment.
Demonstrated expertise in navigating and managing the evolving landscape of traditional non-IT categories—including HR Services, Benefits, Real Estate, Corporate Services, Legal, Banking, and Marketing—as they are increasingly transformed by technology, including AI/GenAI. Proven experience adapting strategies and processes, and negotiating contract terms, to address these changes.
Excellent communication and consultative skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
5+ years of experience leading and developing teams including highly skilled sourcing professionals.
Proven experience managing large, complex categories with enterprise-wide impact.
Strong strategic and operational mindset with deep category management expertise.
Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills; comfortable using data and AI-enabled tools.
Extensive experience negotiating, structuring and drafting complex agreements.
Strong program, project, and change leadership capabilities.
Knowledge of source-to-pay processes and procurement best practices.
Innovative, curious mindset with an understanding of emerging procurement technologies.
Proven ability to lead in a matrixed environment and navigate ambiguity through influence and collaboration.
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain/Procurement or related field required
Ability and willingness to travel as needed; for candidates outside of the Hartford, CT, Home Office this will be approximately 25% of the time, initially more time (~50%) in Home Office will be required.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute multi-year category strategies for Business Services categories of spend, including HR Services, Benefits, Real Estate, Corporate Services, Legal, Banking and Marketing aligned to enterprise objectives and evolving business needs.
Use market intelligence, supplier insights, and demand analytics to identify cost, risk, resilience, and innovation opportunities.
Establish clear category goals, KPIs, and value-tracking mechanisms to measure outcomes.
Lead complex, high-impact sourcing initiatives and negotiations for enterprise-critical programs.
Oversee the development and negotiation of complex contracts that meet business, legal, regulatory, and risk management requirements.
Ensure consistent contract quality, negotiation rigor, and compliance across the team.
Encourage data-driven decision making and leverage spend analytics, predictive insights, and AI-enabled tools to inform decision-making and improve outcomes.
Champion adoption of modern procurement technologies, including sourcing platforms, contract lifecycle management, and analytics tools.
Ensure accuracy and integrity of sourcing, supplier, and contract data.
Model enterprise thinking and act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, translating procurement strategy into business results.
Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing, inclusive and future-ready team of category managers and sourcing professionals, balancing high performance standards with support, coaching and development.
Foster an environment where accountability, collaboration, curiosity, and continuous improvement are core expectations while building future-ready capabilities through coaching, mentorship, and continuous learning.
Lead teams through change, new ways of working, and technology adoption with clarity and empathy, maintaining engagement and momentum during periods of change.