AVP, Technical Sourcing & Procurement

Nationwide•Columbus, OH

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

If you’re passionate about being part of a dynamic organization that enables a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales to drive innovation and adopt new technologies that deliver business results, then Nationwide’s Technology team could be the place for you! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care. Addendum: In addition to the core qualifications outlined in the job description, the ideal candidate will demonstrate deep, hands-on experience with large enterprise software suppliers and ecosystems, including: Large Enterprise Software Supplier Experience Direct responsibility for enterprise-scale software portfolios, including major platform and infrastructure providers (e.g., core business platforms, enterprise resource planning/financials, productivity suites, customer relationship management, service management, and cloud providers). Proven track record leading negotiations and renewals for: Enterprise-wide license agreements Multi-year SaaS subscriptions and cloud consumption agreements Complex support/maintenance contracts and true‑ups Experience consolidating and rationalizing software suppliers to reduce complexity, improve leverage, and drive standardization of platforms and tools. Commercial, Licensing, and Audit Expertise Deep understanding of software licensing models (perpetual, subscription, SaaS, usage-based, feature/seat-based, and hybrid constructs), including regional/global implications. Demonstrated success managing: Co‑terming and contract structuring to optimize renewal timing, discounting, and risk allocation Price protection, benchmarking, and cost transparency for large software and cloud deals Experience working with complex pricing constructs (e.g., tiered pricing, committed spend, ramp schedules, and value-based pricing). Strategic Relationship Management & Governance Responsibility for executive‑level relationships with strategic software suppliers, including regular quarterly business reviews/ executive business reviews, joint road mapping, and executive escalation/issue resolution. Proven ability to shape supplier strategy and product roadmaps in partnership with internal Technology leaders and supplier executives. Experience designing and operating governance frameworks (e.g., steering committees, scorecards, balanced performance and innovation metrics) for top-tier software partners. Delivery, Transformation, and Risk Experience supporting large-scale technology transformations (e.g., migrations to cloud/SaaS, modernization of core platforms, digital and data/analytics initiatives) through effective software sourcing and supplier strategy. Demonstrated ability to balance innovation, speed, and risk in software decisions, working closely with Information Security, Risk, and Legal on: Data protection and privacy Resiliency and business continuity Exit strategies and vendor lock‑in mitigation Experience integrating third‑party risk and regulatory expectations into software supplier selection and contracting. Leadership, Scale, and Executive Influence Demonstrated success leading large, diverse sourcing and procurement teams supporting enterprise software, hardware, and related services across multiple business lines and geographies. Proven ability to influence at the EVP and C‑suite level, including: Framing strategic options and trade‑offs for major software investments Gaining alignment on platform and vendor consolidation strategies Presenting outcome‑based recommendations that connect software decisions to business results, risk posture, and financial impact. Demonstrated executive presence and communication skills, with the ability to represent Nationwide credibly with senior executives at major software suppliers and internal executive stakeholders. #LI-MM1 If you're passionate about leading and delivering Procurement Solutions for a company that provides extraordinary care to its customers, then Nationwide Mutual Insurance is a place for you. Nationwide's industry leading workforce embraces a collaborative culture to deliver outstanding solutions and results. As the Technology Sourcing & Procurement leader, you’ll be responsible for driving Technology sourcing excellence for the organization. You’ll partner across Technology, Finance, Security, Legal, and enterprise business areas to deliver cost savings, optimize supplier performance, and enable digital transformation. You’ll lead a team of category sourcing and procurement professionals with a strong focus on large‑scale technology categories including software, cloud, infrastructure, telecom, cybersecurity, and professional services.

Requirements

Undergraduate studies in finance, accounting, economics, procurement, supply chain management or related field preferred. An advanced degree in business administration is desired.
Ten or more years’ experience in technology procurement, sourcing, supply chain, purchasing, or vendor management.
Five or more years’ leadership experience leading high‑performing teams.
Proven experience with technology category management (software, cloud, telecom, cybersecurity), procurement systems/tools, lean processes, and continuous improvement.
Demonstrated experience managing complex supplier relationships and negotiating high‑value enterprise technology agreements.
Strong executive presence and communication skills, with the ability to influence and drive decisions at the most senior executive levels.
Deep understanding of technology commercial models (perpetual and subscription licensing, SaaS, cloud consumption, hardware procurement, support/maintenance).Experience building and operating highly reliable production environments.
Experience leading quality improvement programs such as Lean, TQM, BPR or Six Sigma.
Strong leadership, project management, contract negotiation, and category strategy skills.
Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with cross‑functional Technology and enterprise teams.
Strong communication, relationship building, and influencing skills.
Ability to navigate and manage global and cross‑cultural supplier relationships.

Nice To Haves

Large Enterprise Software Supplier Experience Direct responsibility for enterprise-scale software portfolios, including major platform and infrastructure providers (e.g., core business platforms, enterprise resource planning/financials, productivity suites, customer relationship management, service management, and cloud providers).
Proven track record leading negotiations and renewals for: Enterprise-wide license agreements Multi-year SaaS subscriptions and cloud consumption agreements Complex support/maintenance contracts and true‑ups
Experience consolidating and rationalizing software suppliers to reduce complexity, improve leverage, and drive standardization of platforms and tools.
Deep understanding of software licensing models (perpetual, subscription, SaaS, usage-based, feature/seat-based, and hybrid constructs), including regional/global implications.
Demonstrated success managing: Co‑terming and contract structuring to optimize renewal timing, discounting, and risk allocation Price protection, benchmarking, and cost transparency for large software and cloud deals Experience working with complex pricing constructs (e.g., tiered pricing, committed spend, ramp schedules, and value-based pricing).
Responsibility for executive‑level relationships with strategic software suppliers, including regular quarterly business reviews/ executive business reviews, joint road mapping, and executive escalation/issue resolution.
Proven ability to shape supplier strategy and product roadmaps in partnership with internal Technology leaders and supplier executives.
Experience designing and operating governance frameworks (e.g., steering committees, scorecards, balanced performance and innovation metrics) for top-tier software partners.
Experience supporting large-scale technology transformations (e.g., migrations to cloud/SaaS, modernization of core platforms, digital and data/analytics initiatives) through effective software sourcing and supplier strategy.
Demonstrated ability to balance innovation, speed, and risk in software decisions, working closely with Information Security, Risk, and Legal on: Data protection and privacy Resiliency and business continuity Exit strategies and vendor lock‑in mitigation Experience integrating third‑party risk and regulatory expectations into software supplier selection and contracting.
Demonstrated success leading large, diverse sourcing and procurement teams supporting enterprise software, hardware, and related services across multiple business lines and geographies.
Proven ability to influence at the EVP and C‑suite level, including: Framing strategic options and trade‑offs for major software investments Gaining alignment on platform and vendor consolidation strategies Presenting outcome‑based recommendations that connect software decisions to business results, risk posture, and financial impact.
Demonstrated executive presence and communication skills, with the ability to represent Nationwide credibly with senior executives at major software suppliers and internal executive stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Responsible for developing and implementing technology sourcing strategies that align with enterprise Technology goals and enable innovation, agility, and operational excellence.
Leads category management for key technology spend areas, including software licensing, cloud and infrastructure services, telecommunications, cybersecurity solutions, and related technology services.
Partners in the development and execution of key technology supplier relationship management strategies to strengthen collaboration, mitigate risk, and improve performance across strategic technology suppliers.
Drives continuous improvement initiatives to optimize procurement operations, leveraging lean methodologies, procurement analytics, and process improvement strategies.
Analyzes technology procurement data to identify trends, cost‑saving opportunities, and areas for operational enhancement.
Responsible for monitoring, reporting, and communicating progress on procurement transformation initiatives, including cost optimization, risk reduction, and supplier innovation.
Provides expert leadership on technology related contracts, negotiations, licensing models, and complex enterprise agreements to ensure favorable business outcomes.
Leads and builds a high‑performing team of procurement professionals; responsible for performance management, salary planning, skill development, hiring, and disciplinary decisions.
Fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Oversees the sourcing, selection, and management of technology suppliers, ensuring high service quality, competitive pricing, and timely delivery.
May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

medical/dental/vision
life insurance
short and long term disability coverage
paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date
nine paid holidays
8 hours of Lifetime paid time off
8 hours of Unity Day paid time off
401(k) with company match
company-paid pension plan
business casual attire