Vice President of Strategy & Innovation

VP Strategic Initiatives - NS04AE

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 Vice President of Strategy and Innovation is a pivotal leadership role responsible for connecting the strategic direction and transformation agenda of the Data, AI, and Operations organization. The VP will work closely with the Chief Data, AI, and Operations (DAIO) Officer and the DAIO executive leadership team to ensure the organization's strategy is effectively executed, aligning resources, processes, and initiatives to deliver measurable outcomes. This position combines expertise in strategic planning, innovation, organizational transformation, and operational execution.

This role can have a Hybrid or Remote work arrangement. Candidates who live near one of our office locations (Hartford CT, Charlotte NC, Chicago IL, Columbus OH) will have the expectation of working in an office 3 days a week (Tuesday through Thursday). 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. Candidates must be authorized to work in the US without company sponsorship.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Execution:

• Develop and lead the organization's strategic roadmap, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and market opportunities.
• Translate high-level business goals into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.
• Facilitate planning sessions with executive leadership to define priorities and focus areas.
• Monitor progress of strategic initiatives, address roadblocks, and ensure timely execution.

Transformation Leadership:

• Oversee the broad portfolio of transformation initiatives, including process optimization, technology modernization, organizational efficiency, and cultural alignment.
• Ensure thoughtful introduction and implementation of new tools, frameworks, and best practices to support scalable growth and continuous improvement.
• Promote, develop, and implement mechanisms to cultivate a culture of innovation and adaptability, encouraging teams to embrace new methodologies.

Financial Oversight:

• Oversee budget planning, forecasting, and resource allocation in collaboration with enterprise finance partners.
• Analyze financial performance metrics and ensure initiatives meet fiscal goals.
• Provide insights and recommendations to enhance ROI on strategic investments.

Performance Management:

• Establish and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the success of DAIO's operating plan, invest portfolios, and other strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with DAIO leadership to regularly evaluate operational/departmental performance and report results to the EVP and Executive Team Lead.
• Develop dashboards and reports to track progress and identify areas for improvement.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communications:

• Serve as a central communications hub, ensuring alignment and transparency across internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage relationships with external partners, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Partner with the executive to craft executive-level presentations, reports, letters, and strategic narratives for leadership forums and governance bodies.
• Own and execute a comprehensive communications strategy to advance the organization's transformation and strategic initiatives.
• Build strong relationships across business units to ensure cohesive and collaborative execution of strategic goals.
• Act as a key spokesperson for strategic initiatives and transformation efforts, building credibility and trust across the organization.

Risk Management & Compliance:

• Partner with compliance and risk teams to identify and mitigate potential risks associated with transformation initiatives.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory standards and organizational policies.

LEAN Process Improvement:

• The LEAN process improvement practice focuses on making workflows faster, more efficient, and customer-focused, with as little waste as possible.
• Partner with Operations and Technology leaders to identify improvement opportunities to shape departmental strategies and multi-year roadmaps. Act as a central point between data, analytics, operations, and executive leadership to align improvements with business goals and tracking of ROI.
• Ensure DAIO is leveraging methods (journey maps, service blueprints, etc.) to identify and document process improvement opportunities focused on streamlining workflows and standardizing tasks to enhance efficiency and predictability.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred. 10+ years of leadership experience in strategy, transformation, or related roles with a strong technology acumen, preferably within the insurance or financial services industry.

Proven track record driving large-scale transformations with measurable results. Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on data-driven decision-making. Experience managing cross-functional teams, working within a complex, matrixed environment. Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving clarity in dynamic business scenarios.

Preferred Skills & Behaviors:

Deep understanding of strategic planning processes and frameworks. Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and ROI analysis. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint to create strategic visuals. Ability to adapt to changing priorities and remain results-oriented in a fast-paced environment. A continuous improvement mindset with a focus on operational excellence.

Compensation: The listed annualized base pay range is primarily based on analysis of similar positions in the external market. Actual base pay could vary and may be above or below the listed range based on factors including but not limited to performance, proficiency, and demonstration of competencies required for the role. The base pay is just one component of The Hartford's total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include short-term or annual bonuses, long-term incentives, and on-the-spot recognition. The annualized base pay range for this role is:

$204,000 - $306,000

Equal Opportunity Employer/Sex/Race/Color/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity or Expression/Religion/Age