Associate Director - Lead Negotiator & Strategy

EY; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 179,000 - 354,000; Full time

Job summary

EY seeks a Lead Negotiator – Associate Director to drive complex, large-scale deals from negotiation through close. You will lead the deal team, coordinate with client leads, and craft contract terms that protect EY’s interests while achieving value-based outcomes.

You’ll bring 10+ years of negotiation experience, 7+ years as a first chair, and strong leadership. Travel is expected; the firm offers a comprehensive rewards package and a culture committed to building a better working world.

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience of negotiation and contract drafting in the tech services industry.
• Approximately 7+ years of previous “first chair” negotiation experience in consulting/managed services.
• MBA or master’s degree preferred; strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead the actual negotiation process as a first chair with the client’s lead to close engagements.
• Collaborate with EY sales leads on relationship mapping and issue a close plan.
• Draft contracting language and advise pursuit teams on commercial models for large deals.
• Activate and implement negotiation strategies across EY regions.
• Lead training and knowledge sharing on best practices in negotiation.

Skills

Negotiation

Contract drafting

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Project management

Training

Education

MBA

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Word

PowerPoint

Job description

EY seeks a Lead Negotiator – Associate Director to drive complex, large-scale deals from negotiation through close. You will lead the deal team, coordinate with client leads, and craft contract terms that protect EY’s interests while achieving value-based outcomes.

You’ll bring 10+ years of negotiation experience, 7+ years as a first chair, and strong leadership. Travel is expected; the firm offers a comprehensive rewards package and a culture committed to building a better working world.