Job Purpose
Responsible for managing the procurement of all marketing-related services and products, ensuring that the company receives the best value while maintaining quality and timely delivery. This role serves as the key liaison between the marketing teams and external suppliers, ensuring alignment with the company's strategic goals and marketing objectives. Oversee supplier selection, contract negotiation, and supplier performance management, and drive cost-saving initiatives across various marketing categories such as media buying, creative services, digital marketing, PR, and events.
The candidate will work closely with internal stakeholders (such as marketing, finance, and legal) to understand their needs and translate them into effective sourcing strategies. They will leverage their procurement expertise and marketing knowledge to create strong vendor partnerships that support innovation, drive efficiencies, and maximize value.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement procurement strategies for marketing categories (e.g., media buying, creative agencies, events, digital marketing).
- Collaborate closely with marketing teams to understand business needs and ensure alignment with procurement strategies.
- Manage supplier relationships, including vendor selection, negotiation, and performance management.
- Conduct sourcing initiatives, including RFPs, RFQs, and negotiations with suppliers for marketing services and products.
- Drive cost-saving initiatives while maintaining or improving quality and service levels.
- Monitor market trends to identify potential risks, opportunities, and innovations in the marketing supply base.
- Providing ongoing oversight of cost reduction based on technical and commercial intelligence improving the cost
- Ensure compliance with internal procurement policies, legal guidelines, and contractual terms.
- Lead vendor contract negotiations and manage long-term vendor partnerships.
- Track and report on marketing spend and supplier performance metrics.
- Develop processes to improve efficiencies in marketing procurement operations.
Technical Competencies:
- Understanding of Marketing Services: Strong grasp of the needs and dynamics within the marketing field, including trends in digital marketing, media buying, content production, and other marketing activities.
- Familiarity with Agency Models: Knowledge of how advertising agencies, media agencies, and digital agencies operate, as well as experience managing agency relationships and evaluating performance.
- Budgeting and Spend Analysis: Understanding of marketing budgets, media planning, and campaign spending to ensure alignment with procurement goals and cost controls.
Core Competencies:
- Negotiation skills: Ability to secure the best terms and pricing from suppliers.
- Communication and collaboration: Capable of working with internal marketing teams and external suppliers.
- Analytical mindset: Proficiency in data analysis to evaluate marketing procurement decisions.
- Vendor management: Experience in managing supplier relationships and driving performance improvements.
- Cost optimization: Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and drive cost efficiencies.
- Attention to detail: Ensuring contracts and agreements meet all necessary requirements.
- Stakeholder management: Experience working with cross-functional teams, especially in a matrixed environment.
Education & Experience:
- Min 5 years of experience
- MCIPS/CIPS/APICS-CSCP (Preferred)
- Bachelor's degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Proven experience (typically 5+ years) in procurement, preferably in marketing procurement, or a combination of procurement and marketing roles.
- Strong understanding of marketing services, including advertising, digital marketing, PR, media buying, etc.
- Experience managing RFPs, contract negotiations, and vendor selection processes.
- Proficiency in procurement systems (such as Oracle, and SAP Ariba ) and strong Excel skills.
- Familiarity with marketing metrics and budgeting.
