Global Category Manager - Marketing Procurement Services

Function/ Region: Global 

(Sub)department: HGP Commerce & Business Services 

Job purpose: Maximise the effectiveness and efficiency of our investment in Working Media and CMI (Consumer & Market Intelligence) both from a Head Office and Local perspective. Work with a wide variety of stakeholders, both internal and external, to deliver best in class Marketing Management. Lead the relationship with our Agency Partners on Commercial, Contractual and Compliance-related matters.

Reports to: GCL Marketing Services 

Direct Reports: 0 

Description of the position:

The role covers broader marketing procurement categories to drive holistic marketing efficiency with a focus on Media and CMI categories.

Involves Managing our working Media investment 80% of your time, of €600mm Globally, working alongside a Senior GCM who is 100% dedicated to Media. Defining best practice strategy and working with 40+ OpCos to implement. Managing the Commercial side of our Global Media Agency Relationship and our partnerships with Auditors, Consultants, and Global Media Partners. Typically, OpCos responsibilities will be split between the 2 Category Managers, but both will be involved in Global programmes and Global Capability building/Community calls. A particular focus will be on maximising the effectiveness of our Digital media investment and identifying the right partners to ensure we drive value, innovation, and Sustainability as well as price improvements.

The rest 15% of your time will be focused on covering all aspects of Market Research, both Continuous and Ad Hoc, qualitative and quantitative. Responsible for managing Commercial aspects of our relationship with our three major Global partners in the areas of retail measurement and brand health tracking. Approximate annual investment in CMI is €90mm Globally. The GCM works closely with the Global CMI team to optimize partnerships and provide guidance to the OpCos on how to bring efficiency to CMI projects.

The role will also explore opportunities to enhance data-driven insights procurement, including advanced analytics, AI-powered consumer insights, and market intelligence platforms that can add value to Heineken’s strategic decision-making.

Key responsibilities:

Seen as a specialist, expert in a specific field of advertising Media and CMI, providing professional support within Procurement, OpCo, Region, and Head Office.

Additionally, the role requires a broad understanding of Marketing Procurement beyond Media and CMI.

Ensuring contractual excellence, developing the competitive supplier landscape. Control over tendering, negotiation & supplier selection; secure optimum results. Secure availability of contracts for all category deals. Lead the management of relationships and Performance Evaluations. Responsibility over recording, monitoring, and delivery of results.

• % Globally Contracted spend (by procurement)
• Stakeholder feedback
• Cost Savings / spend efficiencies
• Improved ROI across marketing services
• Supplier Relationship Management

Who you are:

• Education: University level
• Work Experience: 7+ years in Procurement
• Required Work Experience in Field of Expertise: Working experience in the Procurement department. Preferably Significant Media Management experience is essential, either at a Media Agency, Client-side Media, or Media Procurement Role or major vendor. Experience in Media Procurement, ideally having worked in a complex international (FMCG) environment.
• Other Fields of Expertise: Digital Media, Consumer Insight, Trade Marketing Procurement, Creative & Production Services Procurement…
• Functional Skills: Media Management, Strategic Sourcing, Strong Stakeholder Management, Negotiation Skills, Strong Analytical & Strategic Insight Skills, Marketing/CM understanding, Category & Supplier Management
• Languages: Fluent English language required

Extra skills:

• Key Leadership Expectations: Shape, connect, develop, deliver, and/or role model HEINEKEN behaviors
• Communication Skills: Manages relationships with senior stakeholders (with conflicting interests) on strategic and tactical levels. Communicates through understanding, requires social skills and the ability to understand and influence.
• Other Skills:
  • Project management
  • Building collaborative relationships
  • Change management
  • Ability to explain complex topics in a clear and simple manner to a broad set of different stakeholders
  • Demonstrated multi-cultural experience through management of international relationships
  • Structured, logical thinking skills
  • Ability to multi-task and prioritize
  • Experience in managing contracts, creative agency relationships, and integrated marketing procurement projects

• What's in it for you? Let's uncork!
• An extensive and rewarding pension-plan; 
• A flexible budget including holiday allowance; 
• Remuneration for travel expenses; 
• Flexible working hours and the flexibility for working from home; 
• Lots of fun activities!  

• Let’s meet!
• Are you excited? Applying is simple:send us your updated CV that demonstrates why you’re a perfect match for this role. Want to really stand out? Include a cover letter to set yourself apart. We look forward to receiving your application. 

• The application deadline for this position is 17th of March 2025. After the deadline, we will review applications and we will try to inform you within 5 business days. Cheers!