It is an exciting time at Chain IQ and our team in Chicago is looking for a
Senior Consultant in Professional Services, with a
strong and demonstrable background in HR Services sourcing. This role will directly support major clients in the region and will play a critical role in shaping and executing HR procurement strategies.
As our client base grows, we are strengthening our experienced team to provide best-in-industry support.
Role PurposeTo deliver value-add sourcing services to clients in a structured, professional, and consistent manner, with a specific focus on
HR Services category sourcing.
ResponsibilitiesWe are seeking a highly client-focused Senior Consultant with
proven experience in Professional Services, especially
HR Services sourcing such as:
- Talent Acquisition & RPO
- Payroll & Benefits Administration
- HRIS / HCM solutions
- Learning & Development / Training Services
- Contingent Workforce Programs (non-IT)
- Talent & leadership consulting
- Assessment, coaching, and other HR-related services
Main responsibilities include:Strategic Intake, Requirement Gathering & Demand Shaping- Working with stakeholders to define business needs, project scope, timelines, budgets, and success criteria
- Challenging and shaping HR-related demand before requirements are finalized
- Translating business objectives into multi-year sourcing roadmaps for Professional Services, including HR
Category Strategy Alignment & Optimization- Ensuring HR sourcing requests align with Professional Services category strategy, preferred suppliers, frameworks, and rate cards
- Supporting updates to category strategy based on market trends and client needs
Market Intelligence & Supplier Ecosystem Development- Conducting deep market analysis across HR services (labor trends, pricing drivers, delivery models, etc.)
- Building and refining a high-performing supplier ecosystem, including niche and strategic HR providers
Strategic Sourcing Approach- Designing sourcing strategies for HR services that maximize long-term value
- Evaluating alternative delivery models (RPO, MSP, managed services, consulting, hybrid)
RFx Creation & Management- Leading complex RFI/RFQ/RFP processes, including advanced scoring frameworks
- Driving alignment across client and internal stakeholders
Bid Evaluation & Analysis- Analyzing proposals across cost, capability, methodology, risk, diversity, innovation, and compliance
- Identifying supplier-led innovation opportunities in HR
Financial Analysis & Cost Modeling- Performing rate benchmarking, cost validation, scenario comparison, TCO, ROI, and financial risk assessments
Supplier Shortlisting & Recommendations- Facilitating evaluation workshops and preparing recommendation decks
- Communicating sourcing outcomes, tradeoffs, and long-term value
Negotiation Leadership- Leading commercial and operational negotiations with HR suppliers
- Covering pricing, rate cards, deliverables, SLAs, milestones, and performance-based incentives
Contract Development & Redlining- Managing SOWs, MSAs, and contract redlines
- Aligning commercial terms and resolving legal and operational issues
Stakeholder Governance & Approvals- Managing alignment with business stakeholders, finance, legal, and governance boards
Contract Execution & Supplier Onboarding- Overseeing execution, archiving, PO creation, and transition to vendor management and operations teams
Requirements- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Finance, Economics, or related field (advanced degree preferred)
- 4+ years of hands-on sourcing or procurement experience, including commercial evaluations and contract execution
- Minimum 2 years of direct HR Services category sourcing experience - this is a mandatory requirement for this role due to client portfolio needs
- Strong background collaborating with legal, finance, and global category teams
- Proven ability to manage senior stakeholders and suppliers across regional and cultural boundaries
- Skilled in negotiation, financial analysis, market intelligence, and supplier management
What We OfferA comprehensive compensation and benefits package.
Chicago salary range:$110,000 - $145,000, plus annual discretionary bonus eligibility.
Compensation varies based on education, experience, location, skills, and applicable laws.
Total rewards include medical, vision, dental, 401(k), and extensive paid time off options.
Information for agencies: Applications sent or uploaded by placement agencies or similar are not desired, will therefore not be considered and will be deleted.
