At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead marketing procurement strategies and optimise supplier performance for impactful business outcomes.
- Company: Join a large corporate organisation transforming its procurement division in Leeds.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career progression and a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a strategic role that drives innovation and commercial success.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in marketing procurement and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 77000 £ per year.
Senior Procurement Category Lead - Marketing to lead a significant Marketing procurement portfolio, delivering value, innovation and supplier excellence across one of the business's most visible and impactful categories.
Client Details
A large corporate organisation who is transforming and growing their procurement division based in Leeds.
Description
As Senior Procurement Category Lead - Marketing, you will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies that optimise spend, unlock innovation and deliver measurable commercial value across a diverse portfolio of Marketing services. You'll work closely with senior stakeholders across Marketing, Finance, Legal and Procurement, acting as a trusted commercial advisor and helping shape key business decisions through insightful procurement leadership. In addition, you'll lead and develop a team of procurement professionals, fostering a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, continuous improvement and commercial excellence.
Marketing Category Areas May Include:
- Media Buying & Planning
- Creative & Advertising Agencies
- Production Services
- Print & Direct Marketing
- Point of Sale (POS)
- Marketing Technology (MarTech)
- Data, Analytics & Insights
- Digital Marketing Services
- CRM & Customer Communications
- Brand & Campaign Management
- Research & Consumer Insight
- Promotional & Marketing Support Services
Key Responsibilities
- Category Strategy & Leadership: Develop and implement long-term category strategies across the Marketing portfolio. Build category plans aligned to wider business objectives and growth priorities. Identify opportunities to optimise costs, improve supplier performance and deliver innovation. Use market intelligence and industry insights to inform decision-making. Drive procurement best practice across all Marketing categories.
- Strategic Sourcing & Commercial Delivery: Lead complex sourcing programmes and competitive tender exercises. Negotiate high-value contracts and commercial agreements. Deliver measurable savings, cost avoidance and value creation opportunities. Develop sourcing strategies that balance commercial outcomes with quality and innovation. Ensure robust contract governance and commercial risk management.
- Supplier Relationship Management: Develop strategic relationships with key marketing agencies and service providers. Establish supplier performance frameworks and governance structures. Drive continuous improvement and innovation through supplier partnerships. Monitor supplier performance against agreed commercial and operational measures. Support supplier consolidation and optimisation initiatives where appropriate.
- Stakeholder Management: Partner with senior Marketing and business leaders to understand strategic priorities. Act as a trusted advisor on procurement and commercial matters. Influence stakeholders to achieve optimal commercial outcomes. Support major campaigns, transformation programmes and strategic initiatives. Present recommendations and business cases to senior leadership teams.
- Team Leadership & Development: Lead, coach and develop procurement professionals within the category team. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. Build procurement capability and succession plans. Share knowledge and best practice across the wider procurement function. Champion professional development and high performance.
Profile
A successful Head of Category - Marketing Procurement leader will:
- Manage a diverse portfolio of marketing suppliers and agency partners.
- Lead contract renewals, sourcing events and commercial negotiations.
- Review market trends and identify opportunities for innovation and value creation.
- Collaborate with stakeholders on strategic marketing initiatives.
- Deliver savings and commercial benefits while maintaining quality and service excellence.
- Drive supplier performance and governance activities.
- Support procurement transformation and continuous improvement programmes.
- Develop category insights that support informed business decision-making.
We're looking for a procurement professional who combines strong commercial capability with deep Marketing category experience and exceptional stakeholder management skills.
Essential Experience
- Significant experience within Marketing Procurement.
- Expertise across multiple Marketing categories such as Media, Creative Agencies, Production, Print, MarTech, Data or Marketing Services.
- Proven experience developing and executing category strategies.
- Strong track record of delivering commercial value and cost optimisation.
- Experience leading complex sourcing and supplier management initiatives.
- Excellent negotiation and contract management skills.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing capability.
- Experience operating within large, complex organisations.
- Leadership experience, including coaching and developing procurement teams.
Desirable Experience
- Experience managing substantial Marketing spend portfolios.
- Exposure to digital transformation and Marketing technology procurement.
- Knowledge of data, analytics and customer insight services.
- Experience working within retail, FMCG, consumer or customer-focused environments.
- CIPS qualification or equivalent professional accreditation.
Job Offer
Rewards & Benefits
- Competitive Salary
- Annual Performance Bonus
- Car Allowance
- Generous Pension Scheme
- Private Healthcare
- Hybrid & Flexible Working
- Enhanced Holiday Allowance
- Employee Wellbeing Programmes
- Professional Development Support
- Career Progression Opportunities
- Inclusive and Collaborative Culture
If you're an experienced Marketing Procurement Manager, Procurement Lead, Category Lead, Strategic Sourcing Manager or Head of Marketing Procurement looking for your next leadership challenge, we'd love to hear from you. Join an organisation where Procurement is a strategic business partner, innovation is encouraged, and your expertise can genuinely influence commercial performance, customer outcomes and long-term growth. If you're interested in this role, apply now.
Head of Category Marketing - Procurement Marketing Lead in Leeds employer: Michael Page
At Michael Page, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that champions community impact through our Social Value Lead role. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth while making a meaningful difference in the property industry. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive salaries and a commitment to employee well-being, ensuring that you thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Category Marketing - Procurement Marketing Lead 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.
✨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 Head of Category Marketing - Procurement Marketing Lead 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:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Michael Page. 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.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨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!
✨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. 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's culture.
