Lead, Data & AI Strategic Sourcing

Sidley Austin LLP; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 107,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago, IL seeks a Strategic Sourcing Lead focused on Data and AI to drive category strategies, lead complex sourcing events, and negotiate pivotal technology agreements. You will collaborate with IT, Privacy, Legal, and business leaders to optimize value and manage risks across the Data/AI vendor landscape.

The role requires strong stakeholder engagement, analytical skills, and ability to translate technical and commercial information into actionable recommendations for

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, IT or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of strategic sourcing, procurement or category management experience, including complex tech/contracts.
• Experience negotiating complex, high-value technology contracts and commercial arrangements.
• Experience evaluating technology pricing and licensing models (subscription, consumption-based, enterprise).
• Ability to develop sourcing strategies, run competitive sourcing events, perform financial/supplier analysis, and lead negotiations.
• Working knowledge of Data and AI technologies and the supplier landscape for enterprise Data/AI capabilities.
• Ability to partner with technical and non-technical stakeholders, including senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives and develop category strategies for Data and AI products/services.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define requirements and address security, privacy, governance, and supplier risks.
• Lead RFPs/RFI processes and conduct market analysis to identify solutions and opportunities.
• Analyze vendor proposals, pricing, licensing models, and terms to improve value and cost predictability.
• Evaluate Data and AI pricing structures (subscription, usage-based, enterprise licenses).
• Recommend contract structures and negotiate key agreements with Legal, Privacy, IT Security, and stakeholders.
• Support negotiations on Data/AI data use, ownership, confidentiality, IP, and security terms.
• Develop knowledge of the Data/AI supplier marketplace and trends; monitor risks.
• Manage strategic vendor relationships and opportunities for consolidation or renegotiation.
• Communicate project status, risks, and issues to stakeholders; suggest solutions.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Negotiation

Financial analysis

Vendor management

Stakeholder collaboration

Data & AI tech knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago, IL seeks a Strategic Sourcing Lead focused on Data and AI to drive category strategies, lead complex sourcing events, and negotiate pivotal technology agreements. You will collaborate with IT, Privacy, Legal, and business leaders to optimize value and manage risks across the Data/AI vendor landscape.

The role requires strong stakeholder engagement, analytical skills, and ability to translate technical and commercial information into actionable recommendations for