At a Glance
- Tasks: Own and deliver sourcing projects while supporting strategic initiatives in Marketing.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in a premium, competitive market.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, strong benefits, and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Gain exposure to high-profile projects and senior stakeholders.
- Why this job: Take ownership early and build relationships with marketing teams.
- Qualifications: Procurement experience, strong communication skills, and a proactive mindset.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
Competitive salary + bonus + strong benefits
The Opportunity
We’re at an exciting moment with our Marketing Procurement team and are looking for a Local Category Specialist to help us scale, taking ownership of day-to-day sourcing while supporting larger strategic initiatives. This role is ideal for someone who wants to:
- Take real ownership early
- Work closely with Marketing stakeholders
- Build towards a future Category Manager role
You’ll act as a trusted partner to Marketing, bringing structure, pace, and commercial discipline to a fast-moving, high-spend category.
What You’ll Do
- Own and deliver sourcing projects
- Lead end-to-end sourcing across lower to mid-value Marketing spend
- Move quickly and pragmatically from brief to contract
- Ensure compliance through tools like Ariba, without slowing the business down
- Partner with the Local Category Manager on larger, high-impact projects
- Contribute to supplier strategy, negotiations, and market insights
- Work closely with Marketing
- Build strong relationships with brand and marketing teams
- Provide practical, value-adding procurement support, not process for process’ sake
- Engage agencies and suppliers professionally
- Support performance tracking and day-to-day supplier interactions
What We’re Looking For
A proactive, commercially minded procurement professional who is ready to step up. Key strengths:
- Solid grounding in Procurement fundamentals (RFQ/RFP, negotiation, contract basics)
- Strong stakeholder communication and relationship-building skills
- Organised and detail-oriented, able to manage multiple projects at pace
- Commercial mindset with the confidence to challenge constructively
- Comfortable working independently, with support where needed
Experience:
- Procurement experience (Marketing experience a strong advantage)
- Experience using sourcing tools (e.g. Ariba) is a strong advantage
Mindset:
- Curious about brands, marketing, and how value is created
- Pragmatic - knows when to apply process and when to move fast
- Proactive, resilient, and solutions-focused
Work on a high-profile category in a premium, competitive market
Gain exposure to Marketing, agencies, and senior stakeholders
Be part of a growing, high-impact Procurement team
Ready to Apply?
If you’re looking for a role where you can own, learn, and grow quickly, we’d love to hear from you.
Local Category Specialist - Marketing in Surrey employer: Asahi Europe & International
Join our dynamic Marketing Procurement team as a Local Category Specialist, where you'll enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, and robust benefits. Our collaborative work culture fosters strong relationships with marketing stakeholders, providing you with the opportunity to take ownership of sourcing projects and contribute to high-impact initiatives. With a focus on employee growth, this role is a stepping stone towards a future Category Manager position, all within a fast-paced and supportive environment that values your contributions.
Contact Detail:
Asahi Europe & International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Local Category Specialist - Marketing in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the marketing and procurement space on LinkedIn. A friendly message can go a long way, and you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its marketing strategies. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your understanding of their brand and how you can add value to their procurement process.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves supplier interactions, being able to showcase your ability to negotiate effectively during interviews will set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Local Category Specialist - Marketing in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Local Category Specialist. Highlight your procurement experience, especially in marketing, and showcase any relevant projects you've managed. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills align with what we're looking for. Be sure to mention your proactive mindset and relationship-building abilities.
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, don’t just list your skills—demonstrate them! Provide examples of how you've successfully managed sourcing projects or built strong relationships with stakeholders. We love seeing real-life applications of your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Asahi Europe & International
✨Know Your Procurement Fundamentals
Brush up on your RFQ/RFP processes and negotiation tactics. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you have a solid grounding in procurement, which is crucial for the Local Category Specialist role.
✨Build Relationships with Marketing Insights
Research the company’s marketing strategies and be prepared to discuss how you can support them. Highlighting your understanding of brand dynamics and how procurement can add value will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples of how you've managed multiple projects simultaneously. This role requires someone who can juggle tasks efficiently, so demonstrating your organisational prowess will be key.
✨Be Proactive and Solutions-Focused
Come ready with ideas on how to tackle common procurement challenges in marketing. Showing that you can think on your feet and provide practical solutions will set you apart as a candidate who is ready to step up.
