Technology Procurement Category Director (AI, Cloud, and Data Centers)

JLL • Chicago, IL

11d • Remote

About The Position

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way . Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward. The Technology Procurement Category Director, AI, Cloud, and Data Centers is a senior procurement leadership role responsible for developing, managing, and executing global category sourcing strategies across artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data center domains. This position partners directly with CIOs, CTOs, and senior technology leaders across all three JLL regions (Americas, EMEA, and APAC) to align sourcing strategies with business objectives, drive measurable value, and ensure JLL has access to market-leading technology and services. This role owns end-to-end category management for the following sub-categories: AI Platforms & Services (large language models, generative AI, conversational AI, AI-as-a-service, and related platform subscriptions) Public Cloud & IaaS (hyperscaler platforms, private cloud, hybrid cloud, and managed cloud services) Data Centers (co-location facilities, interconnection, power and cooling, and related data center services) Cloud Data Platforms (data lakes, data warehouses, analytics platforms, and data pipeline services) AI Data Services (training data platforms, data labeling, synthetic data, and annotation services) Cloud Security & Governance (cloud-native security tools, access management, and compliance platforms) Cloud Cost Management & Marketplaces (FinOps tooling, cloud spend optimization, marketplace procurement, and committed-use agreements) Cloud & AI Professional Services (implementation, migration, optimization, and managed services)

Requirements

• Minimum 7 years of strategic indirect sourcing experience, with the majority in AI, cloud computing, data centers, or related technology categories.
• Demonstrated experience managing global category strategies across multiple regions.
• Proven ability to lead complex, high-value procurement projects from strategy through execution.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in contract negotiation, TCO analysis, and supplier performance management.
• Ability to build and sustain relationships with C-level technology leaders and senior business executives.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams across procurement, IT, finance, and operations.
• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in a relevant field such as Business, Supply Chain, Information Technology, or related discipline.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with major hyperscaler cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), AI/ML service offerings, and cloud commercial models.
• Working knowledge of data center operations, co-location services, and cloud infrastructure architecture.
• Experience with AI/ML platforms, GPU compute procurement, and data platform sourcing.
• Understanding of AI governance, cloud FinOps, and data center sustainability practices.
• MBA or relevant advanced degree.
• CPSM, CIPS, or equivalent procurement certification.
• Experience in corporate real estate, facilities management, or professional services environments.

Responsibilities

• Strategy & Planning Develop and maintain short-, mid-, and long-term global category strategies for AI, Cloud, and Data Centers, aligned with JLL’s overall business strategy and technology roadmap.
• Build and manage internal demand plans across all sub-categories, identifying consolidation opportunities, AI adoption trajectories, and emerging technology trends.
• Partner with CIOs, CTOs, and senior business stakeholders across all three regions to ensure category strategies reflect local requirements and global efficiency targets.
• Proactively identify and execute new sourcing opportunities, including AI adoption, cloud migration, data center optimization, and emerging technology initiatives.
• Supplier & Market Management Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers and industry leaders across AI platforms, cloud providers, data center operators, and related technology markets.
• Rationalize the supply base and maintain a clear strategic supplier framework, ensuring JLL has access to best-in-class service provision and innovation.
• Conduct regular supplier performance reviews, manage scorecards, and ensure compliance with contractual obligations and service levels.
• Stay current on market trends, pricing models, and emerging technologies to inform sourcing decisions and provide expert guidance to the business.
• Execution & Delivery Lead end-to-end procurement events including RFP development, bid management, commercial evaluation, recommendation, and contract execution.
• Drive delivery of financial targets including cost savings, cost avoidance, and value-add outcomes across all sub-categories.
• Manage the category project calendar, ensuring timely execution of sourcing events and contract renewals.
• Prepare and present contract documents and recommendations in line with JLL’s Delegation of Authority.
• Governance & Reporting Maintain an accurate and current savings tracker across all regions, providing clear visibility of value delivered to internal stakeholders.
• Serve as the category ambassador for best practice, process improvement, and adoption of sourcing tools and technology.
• Ensure all sourcing activity complies with JLL procurement policies, ethical standards, and governance frameworks.

Benefits

• JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health.
• Some of these benefits may include:
• 401(k) plan with matching company contributions
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care
• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees