Consultant, Procurement Category Management | Third-Party Data

Nationwide•Columbus, OH

16h•$97,000 - $180,000•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible for sourcing third-party data used in insurance underwriting and claims, including development and execution of category strategies. Data categories include but are not limited to credit reports, motor vehicle records, loss history, and other external risk signals that support informed business decisions. The role partners closely with underwriting, claims, legal, privacy, and technology teams to understand business needs, evaluate supplier capabilities, negotiate service levels and usage rights, and support compliance with regulatory and policy requirements. Third-party data is critical to accurate risk assessment, operational efficiency, and profitable growth. Procuring goods and services necessary to successfully run and grow our business is critical. Whether working to enable the processes that support buying decisions or finding the best supplier, price or contract terms, we bring expertise, skill and talent to the task. If you are collaborative, a top-level communicator, highly ethical and have the ability to manage key relationships by providing outstanding service, we want to know more about you! As a Consultant, you'll be responsible for the procurement and acquisition of goods and services for Nationwide that deliver near and long term sourcing value. We'll count on you to enhance processes and drive efficiency. You'll have opportunities to advise business units on the acquisition of complex, specialized and highly technical products and services, including SAAS software licenses, offshore outsourcing, Marketing, Employee Benefits and more.

Requirements

Experience purchasing and managing third-party data used in underwriting, claims, or risk management.
Strong knowledge of data licensing agreements, usage rights, and contractual obligations related to external data.
Experience negotiating with data providers and managing supplier performance.
Understanding of regulatory, privacy, and compliance considerations associated with third-party data.
Ability to evaluate data sources and align data acquisition strategies with business objectives.
Undergraduate degree in supply chain, procurement, business, finance, accounting, management information systems, economics or related fields preferred.
Procurement, purchasing, or project management designations, as applicable.
Typically, eight or more years of experience in all aspects of supply chain management including relationship management; or equivalent professional experience in other closely related industries.
Specialized knowledge of principles, practices and procedures of supply chain management or other related industry.
In-depth knowledge of the legal environment to analyze impact of major/complex initiatives on the company.
In-depth understanding of the enterprise structure and business objectives.
Knowledgeable in financial controls, insurance business concepts, systems and data processing concepts, and financial planning/analysis.
Excellent verbal, and written communication skills and math skills required to negotiate with suppliers.
Ability to develop and maintain strong supplier relationships.
Ability to conceptually think of new projects and lead project teams towards a common objective.
Ability to influence with limited authority.
Ability to train others on most complex and technical procurement policies, practices, and processes.
Proficiency in common office software like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.
Regularly and consistently demonstrates Nationwide Values.

Responsibilities

Partners and collaborates with Business Partners, Finance, Technology and other Procurement team members to manage new sourcing requests, current contract pipelines for multimillion dollar categories and vendor agreements.
Works with reporting teams to develop data analytics and suggests revisions to Procurement policy and procedures to ensure a predictable, easy-to-follow and efficient procurement process.
Conducts advanced, continuous industry research and benchmark analysis within a defined spend category.
Establishes a category strategy for a highly technical domain, monitors purchasing trends and identifies top suppliers and innovations within the category.
Works with Business Partners to manage Business Unit and Procurement relationship by building forecasts of demand, service levels requirements, Total Cost of Ownership models, contractual and other risk requirements (by category domain, actual and forecasted spend), identifying cost reduction opportunities, and developing recommendations.
Acts as a Project Manager with business partners, Finance, Technology as needed.
Facilitates moderately complex to complex competitive bid activity, including requests for proposal (RFP), quote (RFQ) or information (RFI), where applicable.
Negotiates the terms of the contract, including conditions, clauses, and service level agreements.
Documents achieved savings for Finance approval.
Assesses supplier risk prior to contract and collaborates with applicable risk partners, including Information Risk Management, Technology Review Boards, Privacy etc., for additional specialized assessments or necessary contract provisions.
Analyzes and aligns Category goals and objectives to maximize usage of approved suppliers and best practices in Sustainability.
Mentors and trains new associates on Procurement policy, processes and helps them develop Sourcing Skills.
May perform other responsibilities as assigned.