Job Title: Procurement Manager / Sr. Manager – Marketing & CRM Category (Expert)
Location: [Insert Location]
Reports To: Head of Procurement
Department: Procurement – Indirect (Marketing & CRM Category)
Experience Required: 10+ Years (4+ in Marketing Procurement)
Industry Preferred: FMCG, Ecommerce, Media, or related
Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced and driven Procurement Manager/Senior Manager – Marketing & CRM Category who brings deep category expertise in marketing procurement. This position will lead sourcing strategies across media, creative, PR, digital marketing, and CRM services. The ideal candidate will act as a strategic business partner, bringing innovative solutions, value-driven negotiations, and best-in-class supplier management. This is a high-impact role with exposure to senior leadership and an opportunity to influence organization-wide marketing spend optimization.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Category Management
- Develop and lead category strategies for advertising, media buying, CRM, and digital marketing.
- Analyze spend, market trends, and pricing benchmarks to maximize value and minimize risk.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align procurement strategy with business goals.
Sourcing and Contracting
- Manage end-to-end sourcing including RFPs, e-auctions, vendor selection, and contract negotiation.
- Standardize and enforce Statements of Work (SOW), Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and pricing models.
- Ensure compliance with all legal, financial, and internal procurement policies.
Vendor Relationship Management
- Identify, evaluate, and manage agency performance.
- Build strong partnerships with strategic suppliers while maintaining competitive leverage.
- Monitor contract lifecycle and prepare for renewals or renegotiations proactively.
Performance & Governance
- Track and report savings, cost avoidance, and procurement KPIs on a weekly/monthly/quarterly basis.
- Ensure contract compliance, timely payments, discount realization, and vendor performance reviews.
- Maintain audit-ready documentation for all processes and purchases.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Act as a procurement advisor to marketing, brand, and finance teams.
- Support innovation by identifying market-driven improvements and new vendor capabilities.
- Drive continuous improvement in sourcing processes, systems, and stakeholder engagement.
Required Skills & Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Commerce.
- MBA/PGDM in Marketing or Supply Chain from a reputed institution.
- Procurement certifications (e.g., CPSM, CIPS) are a plus.
Work Experience
- Minimum 10 years in indirect procurement with a focus on marketing and CRM categories.
- At least 4 years of hands-on experience in marketing procurement and agency management.
- Proven success in delivering sourcing savings, vendor innovation, and cross-functional alignment.
Technical & Soft Skills
- Hands-on experience with ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft D365.
- Proficient in e-Sourcing tools including eRFx and e-Auctions.
- Strong knowledge of category strategy, media buying trends, and marketing technologies.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills.
- High analytical capability with a focus on results and compliance.
1. What categories will I be responsible for in this role?
You will manage procurement across marketing-related categories including media buying, creative agencies, public relations, digital marketing, CRM platforms, and associated services.
2. Is experience in marketing procurement mandatory for this role?
Yes, at least 4 years of marketing procurement experience is essential, with a preference for professionals from FMCG, Ecommerce, or media-rich industries.
3. What tools or platforms should I be familiar with?
You should be proficient in ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics 365, and experienced with eRFx and e-Auction tools. Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills are also critical.