Director, Strategic Partnerships

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director, Strategic Partnerships

🔹 Company: The Hartford

🔹 Location: Hartford, Connecticut, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Financial Services

🔹 Date Posted: April 10, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 7-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Strategic leadership and management of approximately 50 TPA and Service Vendor relationships
• Development and implementation of strategies to align with organizational goals and industry best practices
• Overseeing operational performance, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and timely delivery of services
• Collaboration with internal teams to align procedures with company objectives
• Negotiation of services, contracts, and service level agreements for all TPAs

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic thinker with excellent communication skills to foster strong relationships with TPAs, Vendors, and internal operational teams. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in successfully negotiating services, formulating contracts with appropriate performance guarantees, establishing and managing operating expense budgets, and ensuring adherence to service level agreements and operating guidelines.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Provide strategic oversight of the Strategic Partnerships Organization, managing relationships with approximately 50 TPA and Service Vendors

✅ Develop and implement TPA strategies to align with the organization's goals and industry best practices

✅ Stay informed about industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies to ensure the TPA remains competitive and compliant

✅ Oversee the TPA's operational performance, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and timely delivery of services

✅ Report out TPA results to senior leadership and external auditors on a periodic basis

✅ Act as cyber focal for all cyber events, manage corrective actions, and provide executive level debriefs

✅ Develop business resiliency plans based on risk exposure profiles

✅ Lead, mentor, and motivate a team of TPA / Vendor Management professionals and support staff

✅ Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, and identify training needs to enhance team skills and capabilities

✅ Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that promotes teamwork and productivity

✅ Develop and implement best practices for management across all TPAs

✅ Build and maintain strong relationships with internal/external partners, understanding their needs and expectations

✅ Conduct regular audits of TPA operations to ensure compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements

✅ Provide expert guidance on complex claims and support TPAs in the resolution of high-exposure cases

✅ Collaborate with internal teams, including sales, underwriting, actuarial, product, legal, claims, and operations to align all procedures with company objectives

✅ Act as a primary point of contact for internal/external partners, addressing their inquiries and resolving issues

✅ Provide regular updates to internal/external partners on the performance of the TPAs / Vendors

✅ Identify and mitigate potential risks associated with TPA / Vendor operations

✅ Work with legal and compliance teams to address any issues that may arise

✅ Review and approve authority levels for claims settlements, ensuring they are in line with company policies

✅ Strive to incorporate AI/automation to enhance current processes

✅ Manage key relationships with senior leaders at the TPAs / Vendors to ensure all processes are being handled in line with service level agreements and quality expectations

✅ Lead executive level stewardship meetings to discuss performance metrics, areas for improvement, and strategic planning

✅ Manage the TPAs / Vendors expense budgets and ensure financial performance aligns with the organization's goals

✅ Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the TPA's performance and identify areas for improvement

✅ Analyze data to identify trends, areas of risk, and opportunities for cost savings

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of TPA management, claims handling processes, and operational strategy from both an operational and technical perspective. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of effectively managing TPAs and improving claims handling processes.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field. An advanced degree in a related field is preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years of TPA Management / front-end sales / back-end claims handling background working directly for a TPA or managing a carrier/program/TPA relationship is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Claims operations experience with the ability to drive process, best practices, and operational strategy from both an operational and technical perspective
• Strong critical thinking skills, with the ability to influence others when needed
• Excellent organizational, desk management, and prioritization skills with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Must be positive, self-motivated, and possess strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
• Solution-oriented team player with a strong relationship management skill set working with both internal and external stakeholders and customers
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to travel as needed

Preferred Skills:

• Proven track record of effectively managing TPAs and improving claims handling processes

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully managing TPAs and improving claims handling processes. They will also possess strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $136,000 - $204,000 per year

Benefits:

• Short-term Bonuses
• Long-term Incentives
• On-the-spot Recognition

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: 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.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: The Hartford is a leading provider of insurance, group benefits, and mutual funds, with a focus on doing more and doing better for their customers every day.

Company Size: The Hartford has over 10,000 employees and is a publicly traded company.

Founded: The Hartford was founded in 1810 and is headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut, United States.

Company Description:

• The Hartford is committed to showing up for people, not just as an insurance company, but as a company that truly cares about its customers, communities, and employees.
• The company offers a wide range of insurance products and services, including property and casualty insurance, mutual funds, and group benefits.
• The Hartford is focused on innovation and continuously strives to improve its products, services, and processes to better serve its customers.

Company Specialties:

• Property and Casualty Insurance
• Mutual Funds
• Group Benefits

Company Website: https://www.thehartford.com

ASSUMPTION: The Hartford is a well-established and reputable company in the financial services industry, with a strong commitment to its customers, communities, and employees.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, requiring a high degree of strategic thinking, leadership, and decision-making.

Reporting Structure: The Director, Strategic Partnerships will report directly to the Head of Product and Underwriting Shared Services.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the potential for occasional travel as needed.

Growth Opportunities:

• This role offers the opportunity to work with a wide range of internal and external partners, fostering strong relationships and driving strategic initiatives.
• The Hartford provides opportunities for professional development and career growth within the organization.
• This role offers the chance to make a significant impact on the company's strategic partnerships and operational performance.

ASSUMPTION: This role provides a unique opportunity for an experienced professional to take on a strategic leadership position within a well-established and reputable company in the financial services industry.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The Hartford's headquarters is a modern, professional office environment.

Office Location(s): 690 Asylum Avenue, Hartford, CT 06155, US and One Griffin Road North, Windsor, CT 06095, US

Geographic Context:

• Hartford, Connecticut, is the capital of the state and is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
• The Hartford is centrally located in the Northeast United States, providing easy access to major cities and transportation hubs.
• The region offers a diverse range of housing options, from urban apartments to suburban homes, with a cost of living that is generally lower than other major metropolitan areas in the Northeast.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule for this role is Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the potential for occasional overtime or flexible scheduling as needed.

ASSUMPTION: The Hartford's office environment is professional and collaborative, with a strong focus on teamwork and productivity. The company offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities for professional development and growth.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• The application process typically involves submitting a resume and cover letter through the company's careers website.
• Candidates who meet the qualifications for the role will be contacted for a phone or video screening.
• Successful candidates will be invited to an in-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other key stakeholders.
• Finalists may be required to complete a background check and provide references.

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Leadership and team management skills
• Industry knowledge and experience with TPA management and claims handling processes

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with TPA management, claims handling processes, and operational strategy from both an operational and technical perspective.
• Demonstrate your ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong organizational, desk management, and prioritization skills.
• Showcase your ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal/external partners, understanding their needs and expectations.
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your experience with strategic leadership, team management, and operational management.

ATS Keywords: TPA Management, Strategic Partnerships, Claims Handling, Operational Strategy, Team Leadership, Internal/External Relationships, Data Analysis, Budget Management, Compliance, AI Integration, Mentoring

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, leadership, and team management skills, as well as their industry knowledge and experience with TPA management and claims handling processes.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, JIRA)
• Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with Microsoft Office Suite, data analysis and visualization tools, project management tools, and communication and collaboration tools. Familiarity with industry-specific tools and technologies may also be beneficial.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity: We act with honesty, fairness, and respect in all our interactions
• Customer Focus: We put our customers at the center of everything we do
• Innovation: We continuously seek new and better ways to serve our customers
• Teamwork: We work together to achieve our goals and support each other's success
• Accountability: We take responsibility for our actions and deliver on our commitments

Work Style:

• The Hartford values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, with a strong focus on teamwork and productivity.
• The company encourages open communication, active listening, and continuous learning and development.
• The ideal candidate will be a self-motivated, positive team player with strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you align with The Hartford's values of integrity, customer focus, innovation, teamwork, and accountability?
• Are you comfortable working in a collaborative and inclusive work environment, with a strong focus on teamwork and productivity?
• Do you possess strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team?

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be a strong cultural fit for The Hartford, with a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a commitment to the company's values and mission.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• This role requires a high degree of strategic thinking, leadership, and decision-making, which can be challenging and stressful at times.
• The role involves managing a large number of TPA and Service Vendor relationships, which can be complex and time-consuming.
• The ideal candidate will have experience managing multiple stakeholders and navigating complex organizational structures.
• The role may require occasional travel, which can be disruptive to personal and family life.

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be able to manage their time effectively, prioritize their workload, and maintain a healthy work-life balance despite the demands of the role.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other senior management positions in the financial services industry, such as Vice President, Strategic Partnerships or Director, Vendor Management.
• However, this role is unique in its focus on the strategic oversight of TPA and Service Vendor relationships within the employee benefits sector.
• Career paths for this role may include progression to executive-level positions within the company or transition to similar roles in other organizations.

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience in a similar role or a related field, with a strong understanding of the unique aspects of this position and the industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a new TPA onboarding process to streamline the integration of new vendors into the company's ecosystem
• Conducting a comprehensive review of the company's TPA portfolio and recommending strategic adjustments to optimize performance and reduce costs
• Leading a cross-functional team to develop and launch a new claims handling platform, incorporating AI/automation to enhance current processes

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience managing similar projects and driving strategic initiatives within a complex organizational environment.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the company's strategic vision for the TPA portfolio and how this role fits into that vision?
• How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees in this role?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does the company measure the success of its TPA relationships, and what metrics are most important to track?
• What is the company's approach to innovation and AI integration within the TPA portfolio?

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be proactive in seeking out information about the company's strategic vision, growth opportunities, and priorities for this role.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through The Hartford's careers website
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, with a focus on your experience with TPA management, claims handling processes, and operational strategy from both an operational and technical perspective.
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your experience with strategic leadership, team management, and operational management.
• If selected for an interview, be prepared to discuss your experience with data analysis, budget management, and compliance, as well as your ability to work with internal/external partners to ensure all processes are being handled in line with service level agreements and quality expectations.
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of your interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.