Senior Deal Architect & Negotiations Lead

EY; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 179,000 - 386,000; Full time

Job summary

EY is seeking a Lead Negotiator – Associate Director to manage holistic negotiation strategies for the firm’s largest, most complex deals. The role requires high business acumen, leadership, and emotional intelligence to drive a collaborative, value-based outcome.

In this position you will lead negotiations, provide causal guidance to pursuit teams, and train others on best practices in negotiation. Travel is moderate to frequent. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of negotiation and contract drafting experience in commercial and legal terms.
• Experience leading high-stakes negotiations with clients and internal pursuit teams.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams without formal authority.

Responsibilities

• Lead the negotiation process as the first chair with client leads to close engagements.
• Collaborate with EY sales and pursuit leads on relationship mapping and tiering.

Skills

Negotiation leadership

Contract drafting

Stakeholder management

Financial analysis

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

MBA preferred

Job description

EY is seeking a Lead Negotiator – Associate Director to manage holistic negotiation strategies for the firm’s largest, most complex deals. The role requires high business acumen, leadership, and emotional intelligence to drive a collaborative, value-based outcome.

In this position you will lead negotiations, provide causal guidance to pursuit teams, and train others on best practices in negotiation. Travel is moderate to frequent. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential.