Marketing Category Lead – Procurement
Location: Hybrid – Central London - Some Flexibility
Contract Length: 3 Months
Day Rate: Up to £450/day (Umbrella)
Hours: Standard Business Hours (9:00–17:30)
Start Date: ASAP
We are recruiting on behalf of a leading global education organisation that is seeking an experienced and strategic Marketing Procurement professional. This contract role will support two critical tendering projects across PR and media/creative services, helping to shape and deliver a new strategic sourcing model.
This is a high-impact role suited to a confident procurement lead who can work autonomously, manage complex stakeholder groups, and drive end-to-end tender processes with professionalism and pace.
Key Responsibilities
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Lead and manage a full multi-stage tender process across marketing categories, including:
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Initial capability and kickoff meetings with potential agencies.
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Development and launch of detailed agency briefs, incorporating performance and creative challenges, transformation plans, and commercial frameworks.
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Proposal evaluation and scoring, shortlisting, and presentation management.
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Final partner selection and contractual negotiations.
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Ensure compliance with internal procurement and risk management policies.
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Collaborate with key internal stakeholders, including the Head of Brand and Head of PR, to ensure project alignment.
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Distinguish PR activities from other marketing streams as part of a broader initiative.
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Report directly into the Head of Procurement, working alongside a procurement team of nine.
Candidate Profile
- Minimum 8 years' experience in Marketing Procurement, with proven success in strategic sourcing and supplier management.
- Strong track record of running complex, multi-stage tender processes across media, creative or PR categories.
- Excellent commercial negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Comfortable working with autonomy on high-visibility projects.
- Capable of developing and managing KPIs and success frameworks for procurement outcomes.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present to senior leadership.