Procurement Category Lead

Job Summary & Main GoalDevelop and execute category sourcing strategies to achieve cost-savings and efficiency targets.Categories covered are Marketing & advertising, Media buying, Digital marketing, Creative and branding agencies, Public relations, Event management, Printing and promotional materials, HR and recruitment services, Training and learning, Travel management, Common Office Consumables)Conduct market analysis to understand market trends, supplier capabilities, and pricing benchmarks.Lead supplier selection, negotiation, and contracting processes to secure favourable terms and conditions.Manage supplier relationships to ensure performance, compliance, and continuous improvement.Stakeholder management (end users, service requestors)Collaborate with cross-functional teams including finance, operations, and legal to align procurement activities with business objectives.Monitor and manage category spend to identify opportunities for cost reduction and value creation.Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.Provide regular updates and reports on category performance and project status to senior management.Main Tasks & ResponsibilitiesThe job description is not designed to cover or contain all activities, duties or responsibilities of the profession. However, duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned at a later date, as neededStrategyDevelop and execute procurement strategies for assigned categories (mentioned above) that align with the company's overall objectives.Budget & cost monitoringMonitor and manage the procurement budget for the assigned category, ensuring cost-effective procurement practices.Policy & proceduresEnsure compliance with procurement policies and procedures, and continuously improve procurement processes.People ManagementAs an individual contributor, this role does not involve direct people management but requires collaboration with various departments.ReportsPrepare and present regular reports on procurement activities, including cost savings, supplier performance, and market trends related to the category.Key Performance Indicators/ MeasuresCost savings achievedOnboarding suppliers and managing commercial relationships with suppliersCompliance with procurement policies and proceduresEducational requirements and professional certificates (minimum):Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Commerce, Supply Chain or a related field.Professional certification in procurement (e.g., CIPS, CPSM) is preferred.Must have worked in marketing agency handling the categories, or prior experience of marketing procurement for 2 years.Experience & SkillsMinimum of 3 years of experience in procurement with minimum 1 year as category leader. Requires hands-on experience at a granular level of the categories. The ideal candidate should have a strong sourcing background in digital marketing, BTL activations, events, and campaigns.LanguagesEnglish. Arabic. (Preferred to be fluent in both languages)