Strategic Sourcing Leader, Go-to-market

OpenAI OpenAI · AI Frontier · San Francisco, CA · Finance

This role is for a Strategic Sourcing Leader focused on Go-to-Market (GTM) activities at OpenAI. The leader will develop and execute sourcing strategies for media, creative, production, influencer, agency, sponsorship, analytics, communications, and event suppliers. They will manage a team, negotiate commercial agreements, partner with cross-functional stakeholders, and ensure compliance and cost optimization. The role requires extensive experience in procurement, particularly within marketing and GTM functions, and strong leadership and negotiation skills.

What you'd actually do

  1. Develop and execute sourcing strategies across GTM, Brand, Global Affairs, Events, Growth, and Partnership activities—spanning both B2B and B2C channels—that align with our mission and business objectives.
  2. Lead the strategic sourcing, procurement, and supplier relationship management of key partners across media planning and buying, creative and production, creator/influencer, agencies, communications, sponsorships, partnerships, events, research, and analytics.
  3. Lead and develop a lean, high-performing team of direct reports and contractors while remaining deeply hands-on in complex negotiations and high-volume deal execution; accountable for team output, execution quality, stakeholder experience, and scaling the function effectively.
  4. Negotiate high-value and high-visibility commercial agreements that optimize cost, improve flexibility, and support time-sensitive launches, campaigns, placements, and partnerships.
  5. Partner closely with Marketing , Creative & Production, Growth, Partnerships, Finance, Legal, and other cross-functional stakeholders to understand business priorities and align sourcing strategies accordingly.

Skills

Required

  • Progressive procurement experience
  • Strategic sourcing experience across marketing, advertising, communications, media, creator/influencer, sponsorships, partnerships, production, and events
  • People leadership experience
  • Deep knowledge of B2B and B2C GTM channels, supplier landscapes, and commercial dynamics
  • Experience supporting large and fast-growing GTM budgets
  • Experience managing a broad GTM supplier landscape
  • Strong negotiation skills
  • Cross-functional stakeholder management skills
  • Analytical abilities

What the JD emphasized

  • rapidly evolving business needs
  • scale responsibly
  • strong commercial discipline
  • speed-enabling
  • scalable commercial engine
  • strong governance
  • fast-moving environment
  • high-impact global initiatives
  • high-value and high-visibility commercial agreements
  • time-sensitive launches
  • fast, informed decision-making
  • compressed timelines
  • evolving business requirements
  • fast-growing GTM budgets
  • enabling high-impact campaigns, partnerships, activations, and events rapidly and effectively
  • ambiguous and fast-moving environments