DoorDash is seeking to enable responsible adoption and maximize value from AI investments while ensuring careful risk management, by hiring a Manager of Global Strategic Sourcing & Category Management – Software (AI Focus) to lead sourcing activities across all company wide AI initiatives.
Requirements
- Expertise in AI product sourcing, including evaluation of generative AI, ML/analytics platforms, automation tools, and specialized AI vendors.
- Strong knowledge of supplier landscapes across AI-first companies (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic, Observe.AI, Cursor) and SaaS providers with embedded AI.
- Proven track record as program manager/POC coordinator, driving structured execution of supplier pilots and adoption programs.
- Strong commercial acumen and risk-balanced negotiation skills with experience structuring complex software and AI supplier contracts.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Security, Legal, Finance, and Product teams.
- Enthusiasm for emerging technologies and mindfulness of AI risks, ethics, and compliance considerations.
Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end sourcing and category strategy for AI and software solutions, including evaluation, selection, contracting, and lifecycle management.
- Serve as the single point of contact for AI suppliers, coordinating proof-of-concepts, tracking outcomes, and managing full-cycle adoption decisions.
- Act as the Program Management Office (PMO) for all AI POCs, ensuring structured tracking, reporting, and cross-functional alignment with stakeholders.
- Partner with Engineering, Security, Legal, Finance, and business stakeholders to establish supplier strategy, risk frameworks, and responsible AI practices.
- Execute RFx (RFI/RFP/RFQ) processes to evaluate innovative AI solutions, balancing performance, cost, risk, and long-term business value.
- Negotiate complex SaaS and AI supplier contracts (MSAs, SOWs, licensing, and service agreements) to protect DoorDash's commercial, technical, and legal interests.
- Track supplier performance, market trends, and emerging AI capabilities to inform sourcing strategy and risk mitigation.
Other
- 7+ years of sourcing and procurement experience, with demonstrated success in software and SaaS category management.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with a stakeholder-obsessed mindset.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, balancing multiple priorities with precision.
- 20–30% travel for team events, offsites, and supplier engagements.
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or a related field (MBA or advanced degree a plus).
