Category Specialist (Marketing Procurement)

About the role

A global FMCG brand is recruiting a Category Specialist to support its Marketing procurement category, based in Surrey. The role partners closely with Marketing stakeholders and covers sourcing across agency services, media, events, brand activations, point-of-sale materials and wider marketing expenditure. It differs from a traditional procurement role because it balances commercial discipline with an understanding of how Marketing teams operate.

Key responsibilities

• Support sourcing activities for agency services, media, events, brand activations, point-of-sale materials and wider marketing spend
• Evaluate supplier proposals and develop commercial recommendations
• Manage contracts and suppliers
• Build credibility with Marketing stakeholders while delivering commercial value

Required profile

• At least two years of sourcing, procurement or buying experience
• Experience supporting agency tenders, events, promotional spend, media buying or marketing services
• Comfortable working with Brand Managers, Marketing Directors, Shopper Marketing and Digital Marketing teams and external agencies
• Understanding of how agencies are structured and remunerated

Required skills

• Running RFQs, RFPs and sourcing exercises
• Supplier proposal evaluation and commercial recommendations
• Stakeholder management and contract and supplier management
• Experience in marketing procurement, creative agencies, shopper marketing, brand activations, promotional materials, events procurement or research/insights (nice to have)