Media and Consumer Planning Europe Procurement Category Specialist

Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement; London; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the procurement sector is seeking a Media and Consumer Planning Europe Procurement Category Specialist. This role involves driving efficiency and value creation through strategic management of procurement processes, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven decision-making. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical and leadership skills, with a background in procurement or related fields. Join a team dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture and supporting diverse talent.

Benefits

Work-life balance policies

Health insurance

Annual bonuses

Qualifications

• Experience in Procurement, Finance, Project Management, Marketing, or related fields.
• Strong analytical skills and understanding of cost drivers.
• Proven ability to execute projects and influence stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Drive value by ensuring excellent execution of commercial elements with vendors.
• Manage category data insights and report on value delivery.
• Build relationships with stakeholders and lead senior engagement.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Leadership qualities

Negotiation experience

Education

Degree or equivalent relevant experience

Job description

Job Title:

Media and Consumer Planning Europe Procurement Category Specialist

About the Function:

Our Procurement team are innovators, always seeking new ways to help our business, people and much-loved brands thrive. We're dedicated to maximising the £12 billion+ we spend every year, building brands of premium quality, while creating sustainable value and growth. Together, we're shaping the services, partnerships and innovations that meet our future needs.

Our procurement team delivers outstanding end-to-end value across our supply chain and offers innovative supplier solutions. Together, we're driving our 'Society 2030: Spirit of Progress' plan across suppliers and agency partners to create a more sustainable world. Wherever you choose to carve your career, we'll support and encourage you in our inclusive culture.

About the role and team:

As part of the Procurement team, you will contribute significantly to Diageo's business, productivity, and growth goals. The Media category is the largest spend area within Marketing A&P, with ambitions for further growth.

There is a need to drive efficiency in spend and operational ways to deliver value creation, support operating margin improvement, and gain a competitive advantage. Consumer insights are key to making strategic and commercial decisions.

The primary responsibility of this role is to drive value by ensuring excellent execution of the commercial elements of spend with vendors to unlock business performance benefits. The Media and Consumer Planning categories are major contributors to the overall Europe Marketing Procurement value delivery. The role also emphasizes a data-led approach to investment decisions, leveraging efficiency and effectiveness.

The category involves stakeholders including local market Media and Consumer Planning teams, Marketing Effectiveness, digital teams, agency partners, and wider networks. Business partnering and senior stakeholder engagement are crucial, with a focus on influencing marketing stakeholders to optimize decisions.

You will join the Europe Marketing Procurement team, working with other Category Specialists and Managers globally and locally. The scope includes the UK, Ireland, Northern, Southern, Eastern Europe, and MENA regions.

Role responsibilities:

• Category Management and Strategy: Build expertise in Media and Consumer Planning, understand marketing and supplier dynamics, create and implement category strategies aligned with global pillars, and drive continuous improvement.
• Data Insights and Analytics: Manage category data insights, report on value delivery, generate benchmarking insights, develop cost models, and optimize the data ecosystem.
• Business Partnering and Stakeholder Management: Build relationships with stakeholders and agencies, lead senior engagement, establish standards, and ensure best practices.
• Sourcing and Agency Selection: Manage sourcing activities, optimize the agency ecosystem to meet business needs.
• Contract Management: Collaborate with legal teams on contracts, track SLAs/KPIs, and ensure compliance.
• Risk Management and Inflation: Identify and manage risks, track inflation impacts, and develop mitigation strategies.
• Agency Partner Relationship and Performance Management: Drive collaboration programs, build relationships, drive execution, and unlock opportunities.
• Value Delivery and Investment Optimization: Lead data-driven investment decisions, execute strategic projects, support digital transformation, and aim for cost reduction and value creation.
• Wider Procurement Contribution: Support broader procurement goals and initiatives.

Experience / skills required:

We're seeking a dynamic individual capable of thriving in a fast-paced, agile environment, demonstrating energy, commitment, and goal-oriented persistence. Key skills include:

• Experience in Procurement, Finance, Project Management, Marketing, or related fields, preferably in similar sectors.
• Strong analytical skills, understanding cost drivers, and influencing costs end-to-end.
• Proven ability to execute projects, influence stakeholders, and drive strategic change.
• Excellent communication skills across all organizational levels.
• Leadership qualities, inspiring teams and external partners.
• Negotiation experience in high-spend procurement or marketing contexts.
• Knowledge of Media and Consumer Promotions landscapes.
• Degree or equivalent relevant experience.

Working with us:

We value flexibility and offer various working arrangements. Our rewards include work-life balance policies, health insurance, annual bonuses, and more.

Our purpose is to celebrate life, every day, everywhere, fostering an inclusive culture that values diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and identities, supporting an environment where everyone feels valued and listened to.

If you're inspired, this could be the opportunity for you!