Director, Technology Innovation Consulting

Nationwide•Columbus, OH

22h•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. This role will work a hybrid schedule coming into the Columbus, Ohio or Des Moines, Iowa office 2 days per week on Mondays & Tuesdays. Why this role matters Nationwide’s Commercial Lines businesses are in the middle of a multi‑year transformation – modern platforms, new products, and a heavy focus on AI, data, and digital experiences. Commercial Lines Technology needs a hands‑on business architect and planning leader who can connect strategy to action: framing the bets we make, shaping the solutions, and proving out the value we deliver. If you enjoy solving complex business problems with technology, influencing senior leaders, and turning loosely formed ideas into clear, fundable initiatives, this role is built for you. In this role, you will be a trusted advisor to Commercial Lines business and technology leaders, with a focus on Small Commercial and Middle Market businesses. You will: Shape the roadmap Translate business strategies into clear technology opportunities, outcomes, and multi‑year roadmaps for Commercial Lines. Connect the dots across products, operations, data, AI, and shared platforms to identify where technology can create disproportionate value. Collaborate on business case and ideation Facilitate ideation and discovery sessions with business, architecture and delivery teams to frame problems, explore options, and converge on recommended solutions. Build compelling business cases (problem, options, value, cost, risk) that support funding decisions and prioritization across the CLS portfolio. Analyze trends and portfolio signals Continuously scan technology, insurance, and commercial market trends (e.g., AI, cloud, digital underwriting, data & analytics) and translate them into practical opportunities for Commercial Lines. Make work “build‑ready” Partner with technology architects, delivery leaders, and product owners to move work from idea to “ready for build” – clarifying scope, dependencies, sequencing, and success metrics. Help streamline intake for small projects and enhancements so agile lines get the right work, at the right fidelity, at the right time. Drive measurable outcomes Define and track KPIs and value measures tied to major CLS investments (benefits, savings, experience, risk reduction). Provide clear, concise storytelling and reporting to senior leaders on progress, risks, and realized value. Influence and collaborate Build strong relationships with Commercial Lines leaders, underwriters, operations, architecture, data/AI, and finance partners. Represent Commercial Lines Technology in cross‑P&C or enterprise innovation forums, bringing a CLS lens to broader technology initiatives. #LI-AC1 Job Description Summary If you’re enthusiastic about delivering secure technology solutions to support a company providing extraordinary care to its customers, then Nationwide Technology is the place for you. Nationwide's industry-leading technology workforce embraces an agile work environment and a collaborative culture to deliver outstanding solutions and results. If that sounds like something you aspire to, we want to hear from you! As a Technology Innovation Consulting Leader, you’ll hire, coach, deploy and re-deploy both associate and contractors serving as Technology Analysis Innovation staff. You may be asked to oversee other Analysis roles as well. You’ll also enable effective and efficient software delivery through technology readiness and mature practices. You’ll ensure the right resources are aligned with the right work and are focused on building and implementing best practices across the Technology Analysis Innovation & Strategy Analysis domains. Aligning business area needs with technology solutions is key to your success.

Requirements

Undergraduate studies in computer science, management information systems or a related field is preferred.
More than 10 years of experience in a technology or management consulting field (i.e., Accenture, Deloitte, etc.).
Extensive career experience building, marketing and managing effectiveness of products, processes and services in a technology environment.
Participation developing large programs a must.
Formal training covering project management, business transformation planning, and business process management preferred.
Five years leading strategic planning and roadmap development and three years of management experience is preferred.
Excellent communication and facilitation skills.
Ability to influence, build relationships, negotiate and set priorities needed.
Strong executive presence.

Nice To Haves

Technology certifications or designation are not required but encouraged.
Insurance/financial services industry knowledge a plus.

Responsibilities

Hires and develops internal Technology Analysis talent, provides consistent coaching and feedback and assigns talent with project and planning initiatives.
Manages quality of work delivered by Technology Analysis professionals and deals effectively with performance issues in a timely manner.
Responsible for applying secure software and systems engineering practices throughout the delivery lifecycle to ensure our data and technology solutions are protected from threats and vulnerabilities.
Acts as a source of direction for other teams and technology professionals.
Provides leadership and governance to their team and line of business.
Drives the introduction of innovation practices and tools, training and capability practices.
Develops and manages complex technology innovation and related analysis metrics.
Designs, creates and executes value stream and business capability roadmaps related to technology innovation analysis practices supporting technology delivery and planning.
Conducts technology planning within a line or lines of business, executing integrated planning definition and bridging strategy with business and technology execution.
Establishes and tracks key performance indicators related to technology investments, ensuring that business outcomes and business value tied to an investment are achieved.
Oversees a smooth transition from plan to build and influences build efforts to deliver desired business value.
Serves as the primary contact with business partners related to technology planning.
Manages supplier relationships with staff augmentation and strategic partners to ensure that talent management, onboarding and transition management are performed consistently.
Builds and develops relationships with Application Product Managers and senior business partners for resource staffing and performance management of staff.
Ensures integration of business and technology planning.
Leads initial business case development, framing needed investment and associated business value.
Identifies opportunities for adjacent and disruptive innovation, to support business and technology strategies.
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