Procurement Category Manager – Marketing and Corporate Services

Overview

In this role you drive category strategies and supplier partnerships across Marketing and Corporate Services to unlock commercial value and mitigate risk. You will partner with senior stakeholders to shape spend across a global retailer, influencing decisions and delivering measurable cost savings and value. The position combines strategic sourcing with hands-on project delivery in a fast-paced environment. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to propel business goals and supplier innovation.

Pay / Benefits

• Employee discount
• Employee sample sales
• 25 days paid annual leave + extra day
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Private medical care
• Flexible benefits allowance

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies across Marketing and Corporate Services to optimize spend and outcomes
• Manage a diverse portfolio of strategic, high-value procurement projects across multiple categories
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders up to Executive and C-suite level to provide commercial leadership
• Act as SME on market trends, supplier capabilities, and opportunities for value creation
• Identify and realise savings, cost avoidance, and value-generation opportunities with reporting on impact
• Implement pragmatic sourcing strategies aligned to business needs, risk, and stakeholder capacity
• Oversee supplier performance management to meet contractual obligations and SLAs
• Support supplier risk management and mitigation activities
• Champion Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives within procurement
• Collaborate with suppliers and strategic partners to drive innovation and continuous improvement

Key requirements

• Fast-paced procurement experience with multiple competing priorities and ability to autonomously manage a high-volume workload
• Strong category management across Marketing and Corporate Services (agency, media, creative, professional services, people services, facilities, business support)
• Ability to apply appropriate procurement rigor based on project complexity, value, risk, and stakeholder requirements
• Proven track record in developing and executing category strategies delivering value, efficiency, innovation, and risk mitigation
• Experience leading complex sourcing events and negotiations from strategy to contract execution
• Understanding of procurement systems, governance, policies, and processes with continuous improvement
• Adaptability to dynamic business environments and ability to reprioritise
• Strong problem-solving, stakeholder collaboration, and communication skills
• Influence-led approach to driving change and building credibility across levels
• Analytical, commercial, administrative, and presentation skills with data-driven insights
• Self-motivated and able to work independently while keeping leadership informed
• Curiosity about market trends and a willingness to challenge existing approaches
• Commitment to DEI initiatives

• Strategic thinking
• Strong communication and relationship management
• Influence without authority
• Category management across Marketing and Corporate Services
• Negotiation and complex sourcing
• Supplier management and performance analysis

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