Director, Strategic Sourcing

Job Responsibilities Serve as a people leader responsible for identifying, designing, and implementing third-party vendor solutions that enable Claims strategy and operational excellence. Act as a trusted advisor to Claims leadership, proactively presenting innovative solutions, emerging capabilities, and market insights to enhance customer outcomes, improve efficiency, and drive competitive advantage. Partner closely with business leaders across all phases of sourcing and contracting—from project planning through execution—to ensure alignment with strategic priorities. Develop and execute category strategies, incorporating a deep understanding of Claims business objectives to influence supplier selection, solution design, and contractual decisions. Provide procurement and contract expertise, including data-driven insights and guidance, and collaborate with Procurement for all large and strategic commercial engagements. Leverage internal performance data and external market intelligence to evaluate vendor value, inform renewal strategies, and continuously optimize the supplier portfolio. Balance rigorous vendor performance management with forward-looking innovation, ensuring the organization manages existing partners effectively while introducing new capabilities that position Claims for future success. Lead stakeholder management efforts by engaging and influencing business leaders through the delivery of strategies and initiatives that create measurable value, strengthen partnerships, and advance Claims transformation objectives. Direct the work activities and hold full management responsibility for the performance, coaching, and development of the sourcing team. Communicate and share pertinent and timely information with employees through team meetings, regular one-on-one discussions, and shared access to company processes and protocols. Lead research, gather market intelligence, and perform benchmarking analysis to understand supply markets and cost trends, then develop annual savings targets for assigned business groups and categories. Establish and lead cross-functional teams of key stakeholders to define business requirements, develop strategic category plans, and execute initiatives that create value and reduce risk. Develop and drive negotiating sourcing strategies across assigned business units and categories, selecting the most appropriate strategy for the service or commodity. Identify, develop, and lead the execution of sourcing strategies and improvement initiatives to reduce cost, improve quality, and minimize risk. Present category strategy analysis and recommendations to senior leadership. Coordinate with the legal function for the negotiation of large agreements, ensuring favorable contractual terms and alignment with risk mitigation policies. Partner with an outsourced third-party provider to provide strategic sourcing and contract management services to CNA as needed. Build strategic relationships with business leaders and external suppliers/agencies to drive results and influence business decisions, positioning CNA as a trusted advisor. Leverage a robust understanding of enterprise strategies and purchase requirements across assigned categories to seize sourcing and contracting opportunities that create maximum value. Influence business leaders to enable the Procurement team to conduct successful sourcing events, including combining multiple business needs into a single enterprise sourcing event, standardizing across suppliers and services where applicable. Key Qualifications Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop a team. Proven track record of achieving results by taking a proactive, long-term view of business goals and objectives. Senior-level knowledge in providing direction, consultation, and recommendations in strategic sourcing and contracting. Seasoned supplier and stakeholder influence and negotiation skills, including balanced negotiations when a third party serves as both a supplier and customer. Experience leveraging auction tools and strategies for best outcomes. Recognized as a collaborative leader with internal and external partners. Ability to build consensus based on compelling, data-driven analyses aligned with business requirements and organizational imperatives. Capability to develop tactical and long-term strategies. Excellent written and oral communication, presentation skills, and the ability to clearly and succinctly convey information to all levels within the organization and external audiences. Strong project management, negotiation, and change management skills. Excellent problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills. Results-driven mindset with the ability to recognize commitments and organize the team to deliver against assigned targets. Education & Experience Bachelor's Degree with Master's preferred in Business, Operations Management, Computer Science, or a related discipline. Typically a minimum of ten years of related work experience. Salary & Benefits In certain jurisdictions, CNA is legally required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. In District of Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Washington, the national base pay range for this job level is $97,000 to $189,000 annually. Salary determinations are based on various factors, including but not limited to relevant work experience, skills, certifications, and location. CNA offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to help employees – and their family members – achieve their physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing goals. For a detailed look at CNA’s benefits, please visit cnabenefits.com. Accommodations CNA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please email View email address on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr