At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead marketing procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships for ASDA.
- Company: Join ASDA, a leading retail brand, in a transformative procurement role.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, car allowance, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with exposure to senior leaders and diverse projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on strategic business decisions in a dynamic retail environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement with a focus on marketing categories and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Join ASDA's Procurement Transformation Journey. Procurement is playing a key strategic role in driving growth, delivering value, and influencing commercial decisions across ASDA. As part of our continued investment in Procurement, we're looking for a Procurement Category Manager to manage a significant Marketing spend portfolio and partner with stakeholders across one of the UK's most recognised retail brands.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Marketing Procurement professional, or a high-performing indirect procurement specialist looking to deepen their expertise within a high-profile, commercially critical category.
The Opportunity
As part of the Procurement team, you'll develop and deliver category strategies across a diverse Marketing portfolio, driving commercial value, supplier performance, innovation, and business outcomes. Working closely with Marketing, Finance, and Procurement stakeholders, you'll lead sourcing activity, manage strategic supplier relationships, and support key business initiatives.
Category areas include:
- Media Buying & Planning
- Creative & Advertising Agencies
- Production Services
- Print & POS
- CRM & Customer Communications
- Marketing Technology (MarTech)
- Data & Analytics
- Digital Marketing Services
- Research & Consumer Insight
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute category strategies across the Marketing portfolio.
- Lead sourcing projects, tenders, and commercial negotiations to deliver cost optimisation and value creation opportunities.
- Manage supplier performance and strategic supplier relationships.
- Analyse spend, market trends, and supplier capabilities to inform decision-making.
- Partner with stakeholders to understand business priorities and deliver commercial solutions.
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement across the category.
The Successful Applicant
We're looking for a commercially minded indirect procurement specialist, ideally with marketing category expertise, the credibility to influence senior stakeholders and the ambition to shape one of the UK's most significant marketing spend portfolios.
Essential Experience
- Procurement experience within a medium or large-scale organisation.
- Exposure to Marketing-related spend, either as a dedicated category or within a broader procurement role.
- Strong sourcing, supplier management, and negotiation capabilities within indirect spend categories.
- Proven ability to influence and build effective stakeholder relationships.
- Strong commercial acumen and analytical skills.
- A track record of delivering measurable value and procurement outcomes.
What's on Offer
- Ownership of a high-profile and diverse Marketing Services portfolio.
- Exposure to senior leaders across functions.
- The opportunity to influence strategic business decisions and transformation programmes.
- A collaborative, fast-paced retail environment where no two days are the same.
- Clear opportunities for career development within an evolving Procurement function.
- Hybrid working, competitive salary, car allowance, bonus and excellent benefits.
Why ASDA?
This is an opportunity to join a Procurement function undergoing significant transformation and investment, where you'll have real influence on business performance.
If you're a procurement professional with indirect category management experience and a passion for Marketing Procurement, we'd love to hear from you. Join ASDA and help shape the future of Marketing Procurement.
Category Manager - Marketing Procurement in Leeds employer: Michael Page International
Michael Page is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Leeds that fosters professional growth and development. With a strong focus on mentoring and team collaboration, employees benefit from hybrid working arrangements and a competitive salary package, including performance-based bonuses. Joining this multinational organisation means being part of a high-growth team dedicated to delivering exceptional tax compliance services across diverse sectors.
Contact Details:
Michael Page International Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Marketing Procurement in Leeds
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Michael Page International.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Marketing Procurement in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Michael Page International:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Michael Page International. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Michael Page International.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page International
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Michael Page International!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Michael Page International. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Michael Page International's culture.
