At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative marketing strategies and manage supplier partnerships to drive brand success.
- Company: Join Primark, a people-first company that values your unique contributions.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, healthcare, generous leave, and lifestyle perks tailored for you.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your career.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in category management with strong marketing procurement experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Because we strive to put people first. Culture, our way. Procurement at Primark.
What’s a career at Primark all about? The positive impact you’re making, the experiences you’re having and the people you’re with. You’re our inspiration. Embrace what sets you apart, own your career and develop in ways you never expected. Leave your mark. And do it your way.
What You’ll Do
- Develop and execute end-to-end category strategies for Marketing & Communications, driving value, innovation, and increased spend under management across media, creative, digital, and agency services.
- Lead multi-year category planning aligned to marketing and business goals, ensuring cost efficiency, strong performance, and protection of brand integrity.
- Design and implement sourcing and agency strategies (including roster, operating models, and media buying), while leading complex commercial negotiations and contract management.
- Use data, analytics, and marketing performance metrics (e.g., ROI, ROAS, CPM, CPA) to inform sourcing decisions and deliver measurable value beyond cost savings.
- Build and manage strategic supplier partnerships, while proactively identifying and mitigating risks related to agencies, media transparency, compliance, and intellectual property.
- Partner with senior marketing and digital stakeholders to drive innovation, governance, and continuous improvement, leveraging market insights, emerging technologies (AdTech/MarTech/AI), and sustainable practices.
What You’ll Get
This role is a hybrid opportunity, offering 1-2 days Working from home. People are at the heart of what we do here, so it’s essential we provide you with the right environment to perform at your very best. Let’s talk lifestyle: Healthcare, pension, and potential bonus. 27 days of leave, plus bank holidays and you can buy 5 more. Because Primark is all about tailoring to you, we offer Tax Saver Tickets, a fitness centre, and a subsidised cafeteria.
What You’ll Bring
- 7+ years’ experience in category management, with strong exposure to Marketing & Communications procurement or close partnership with marketing teams.
- Proven ability to lead complex sourcing initiatives, including agency selection, media sourcing, and multi-market marketing engagements.
- Demonstrated success in developing and delivering multi-year category strategies aligned to marketing and business objectives.
- Strong commercial and negotiation expertise across agency contracts, media agreements, and intellectual property considerations.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with a track record of partnering with senior marketing and brand teams in fast-paced, creative environments.
- Highly analytical and strategic thinker with strong business acumen, able to drive innovation, manage risk, and deliver measurable value while aligning with company values and culture.
If you need any reasonable adjustments or have an accessibility request during your recruitment journey, such as extended time or breaks between online assessments, a sign language interpreter, mobility access, or assistive technology, please contact your talent acquisition specialist. All offers of employment are subject to background checks, including right to work, reference, education and for some roles criminal, and financial checks. If you have any concerns, please reach out to our talent acquisition team to discuss.
Marketing Category Manager in Reading employer: Primark Stores Limited
At Primark, we prioritise our people and foster a vibrant work culture that encourages personal growth and innovation. As a Marketing Category Manager, you'll enjoy a hybrid working model, competitive benefits including healthcare and generous leave, and the opportunity to collaborate with senior stakeholders in a dynamic environment. Join us to make a meaningful impact while developing your career in a supportive and inclusive setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Marketing Category Manager in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for the Marketing Category Manager role. Keep it concise and focus on what sets you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Marketing Category Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Marketing Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in category management and any relevant marketing partnerships you've had. 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 tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention any innovative strategies you've implemented in past roles that could benefit us at Primark.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since data and analytics are key in this role, make sure to include examples of how you've used metrics to drive decisions in your previous positions. We love seeing candidates who can back up their claims with solid data!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own channels!
How to prepare for a job interview at Primark Stores Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Marketing Category Manager, you'll need to be comfortable with data and analytics. Brush up on key metrics like ROI, ROAS, and CPM before your interview. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics in past roles to drive decisions and deliver value.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to develop and execute category strategies. Think about specific initiatives you've led that align with marketing goals and how you ensured cost efficiency while protecting brand integrity. This will demonstrate your strategic mindset.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Negotiation skills are crucial for this role. Come prepared with stories of complex negotiations you've successfully navigated, especially in agency contracts or media agreements. Highlight your approach to achieving win-win outcomes and managing risks.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Stakeholder management is key in this position. Be ready to discuss how you've partnered with senior marketing teams in the past. Share examples of how you influenced decisions and drove innovation through collaboration, showcasing your interpersonal skills.
