Head of Strategic Sourcing - Services
WFA Digital Insight
The demand for strategic sourcing specialists is growing rapidly, with a 25% increase in job postings over the past year alone. As companies navigate complex global supply chains, the need for skilled professionals who can drive commercial discipline and scalable partnerships has never been greater. Openai, a pioneer in AI technology, is seeking a Head of Strategic Sourcing to define and drive sourcing strategy across a broad portfolio of services categories. With the company's commitment to innovation and execution, this role offers a unique opportunity for a seasoned professional to make a meaningful impact. Before applying, candidates should be aware that this role requires experience building and scaling sourcing capabilities in fast-moving environments, as well as strong collaboration and communication skills to partner with senior leaders across the organization.
Job Description
About the Role
The Head of Strategic Sourcing - Services at Openai plays a critical role in enabling the company to deliver impact across research, product development, technology infrastructure, and services. This involves partnering closely with teams across Openai to translate rapidly evolving business needs into scalable, compliant, and economically sound external partnerships. The successful candidate will be responsible for defining and driving sourcing strategy across a broad portfolio of services categories, guiding key decisions on supplier strategy and commercial models, and building the capabilities needed to scale this domain over time.As the company continues to grow at pace, services sourcing is becoming increasingly strategic across the organization. Every business unit relies on external service providers in different ways — to extend capacity, access specialized expertise, support operations, and accelerate execution. Done well, procurement becomes a source of trust and momentum, helping Openai move faster with the right partners, stronger commercial outcomes, and the right level of protection.
The Head of Strategic Sourcing - Services will report into the Vice President of Procurement and will be based in San Francisco, CA. Openai uses a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office per week and offers relocation assistance to new employees.
What You Will Do
- Lead sourcing strategy across a broad services portfolio that supports teams across Openai
- Partner across every business unit to shape sourcing strategies for professional services, ensuring teams can access the capabilities they need with the right balance of speed, value, and governance
- Serve as a trusted advisor to senior and executive leadership on services strategy, supplier ecosystems, commercial tradeoffs, and risk
- Define category strategies, supplier segmentation approaches, negotiation playbooks, and commercial frameworks that improve speed, consistency, and leverage
- Engage early on high-impact services decisions to shape supplier selection, deal structures, and commercial outcomes in the areas that matter most to Openai’s speed, resilience, and stewardship
- Guide high-stakes sourcing decisions across a diverse set of services categories, including areas such as Real Estate and Workplace services
- Build supplier strategies that drive value beyond cost, including speed, service quality, resilience, flexibility, and access to critical capabilities
- Leverage market insight and supplier intelligence to inform strategy, strengthen negotiations, and improve business outcomes
- Independently prioritize and lead multiple highly complex workstreams across a fast-evolving services landscape
- Build scalable sourcing models, governance mechanisms, and automation-enabled ways of working that improve decision quality and increase leverage across the organization
What We Are Looking For
- Experience building and scaling sourcing capabilities in fast-moving environments
- Strong collaboration and communication skills to partner with senior leaders across the organization
- Proven track record of driving commercial discipline and scalable partnerships
- Expertise in category management, supplier segmentation, and negotiation strategies
- Ability to engage early on high-impact services decisions and guide high-stakes sourcing decisions
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to leverage market insight and supplier intelligence to inform strategy
- Experience working with cross-functional teams, including Finance, Legal, Security, People, and GTM
- Strong proficiency in Excel and other relevant tools
- Ability to work in a hybrid work environment and travel as needed
Nice to Have
- Experience working in the technology industry, particularly in AI or related fields
- Familiarity with GTM strategies and commercial models
- Knowledge of procurement best practices and industry trends
- Certification in procurement or a related field, such as CPSM or CSCP
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive compensation package
- Equity in a leading AI technology company
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
- Generous PTO and holiday schedule
- Remote stipend and flexible work arrangements
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Access to cutting-edge technology and tools
- Collaboration with a talented and diverse team of professionals
How to Stand Out
- Tip: Make sure to highlight your experience with category management, supplier segmentation, and negotiation strategies in your application and during interviews.
- Tip: Familiarize yourself with Openai's products and services, as well as the company's mission and values, to demonstrate your passion for the industry and role.
- Tip: Be prepared to provide specific examples of how you have driven commercial discipline and scalable partnerships in previous roles.
- Tip: Showcase your ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and prioritize multiple complex workstreams.
- Tip: Consider creating a portfolio that demonstrates your expertise in procurement and sourcing, including any relevant certifications or training.
- Tip: Prepare to discuss your experience working with cross-functional teams and your ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders.
This is a remote position listed on WFA Digital, the platform for professionals who work from anywhere. Browse more remote jobs across all categories.