Procurement Category Manager – Marketing (12-Month Fixed-Term Contract, Maternity Cover)

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated Marketing Category Manager on a 12-month fixed-term contract covering maternity leave. This role involves driving strategic category management across Marketing and Communications procurement sectors, including media, creative services, digital, content, PR, and production. The successful candidate will create and implement multi-year category strategies and procurement plans that align with business goals and marketing strategies to optimize spend, efficiency, innovation, and maintain brand standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive category strategies across Marketing & Communications, supporting ongoing and strategic brand initiatives.
• Create actionable go-to-market, agency, and sourcing strategies with robust negotiation plans embedded.
• Manage supplier and category risks such as agency dependence, media transparency, IP rights, and compliance with advertising standards.
• Monitor market trends in marketing, media, digital, and emerging technologies like AdTech, MarTech, and AI to continuously evolve strategies.
• Lead multi-year cost efficiency and value optimization programs balancing cost control with creative output and marketing ROI.
• Utilize marketing data and insights (ROI, ROAS, CPM, CPA, brand metrics) to develop data-driven sourcing strategies.
• Track benefits including financial savings and marketing effectiveness from category and sourcing activities.
• Promote supplier innovation and sustainable practices in marketing services such as responsible media buying and sustainable production.
• Negotiate high-value, complex marketing and agency contracts ensuring alignment with overall strategy.
• Oversee execution of sourcing strategies through Category Specialists and Global Business Services, ensuring quality and timeline adherence.
• Collaborate closely with marketing, brand, and digital teams to foster strategic supplier partnerships focused on performance and innovation.
• Provide expertise and guidance on Marketing & Communications procurement to senior leaders, advising on market trends and commercial strategies.
• Drive change in marketing procurement processes promoting governance while maintaining agility in a dynamic campaign environment.
• Work alongside Global Business Services partners to align category needs and integrate ways of working effectively.
• Leverage digital tools and analytics to enhance insights, transparency, and performance across marketing expenditures.

Benefits and Work Environment

This position is hybrid, requiring three days per week in the office. We offer an environment that supports your best performance, including healthcare, pension, and potential bonuses. You will receive 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase an additional five days. Additional perks include Tax Saver Tickets, access to a fitness centre, and a subsidized cafeteria.

Candidate Profile

• 5+ years of category management experience, particularly within Marketing & Communications procurement or collaborating closely with marketing teams.
• Proven track record in managing complex sourcing projects including agency selection and media sourcing across multiple markets.
• Experienced in crafting and delivering multi-year category strategies aligning with marketing and business objectives.
• Strong commercial awareness with negotiation skills handling agency contracts, media agreements, and intellectual property issues.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influence abilities in fast-paced, creative, senior-level environments.
• Analytical thinker with strategic insight and strong business acumen to foster innovation, manage risks, and deliver measurable outcomes aligned with company culture.

About Primark

Primark values its people who have been central to our growth since 1969. Operating over 440 stores across 17 countries with more than 80,000 colleagues, our core values are Caring, Dynamic, and Togetherness, which guide all our actions.

Additional Information

If you require any reasonable adjustments or accessibility accommodations during the recruitment process, such as additional time for assessments or assistive technology, please inform the recruiting team. Employment offers are contingent upon background checks including right to work, references, education verification, and for some roles, criminal and financial checks.