Global Procurement Manager Marketing

**Company**:
The Vodafone Procurement and Connectivity Company (VPC) in Luxembourg is a vital part of the Vodafone Group, driving our ambition to connect for a better future. At VPC, we source products and services globally to ensure our business operates at its peak performance. Our mission is to support our people in delivering on our strategy, creating a brand cherished by customers, communities, partners, and colleagues alike.

We believe in empowering our team members, encouraging them to take ownership and maximize their diverse talents. Continuous learning and growth are at the heart of our culture, fostering both personal and professional development. If you're a strategic thinker passionate about innovation and leadership in the telecom industry, we want to hear from you.

Join us at Vodafone and be a key player in our journey to reshape the future of global carrier buying

We get it done, together.

**What you’ll do**:
We are looking for a dynamic Global Category Manager, Marketing to join the Vodafone Procurement and Connectivity company (VPC), where you'll have the opportunity to shape and implement the global sourcing strategy for Vodafone's Marketing division. In this high-impact role, you will be responsible for key global projects across categories such as Market Research, Creative, Production, and Engagement, managing an annual expenditure of approximately €300 million globally.

As a key member of an established central Marketing procurement team, you will collaborate closely with agile project teams and senior stakeholders across local markets and the Group Brand Team. You'll be at the forefront of driving complex contract negotiations, and commercial models, and managing large-scale, global projects. Reporting to the Principal Category Manager, you will work within a cross-functional virtual team, partnering with our Marketing, Brand, and SCM teams. This role is perfect for someone with a proven track record in managing complex global categories, RFPs, and contracts, and who thrives in a fast-paced, challenging environment. If you’re a world-class project manager with experience in global procurement, this could be the perfect next step in your career.

Your responsibilities:
**Sourcing**
- Drive the global implementation and execution of the existing sourcing strategy and category plans to achieve agreed target outcomes.
- Support the development and implementation of sourcing strategies and new contractual commitments, managing a value of up to €300 million.
- Contribute to the ongoing commercial management of marketing agency contracts, including monitoring obligations, rights, key dates, service credits, escalations, commercial disputes, and conducting regular business reviews.
- Manage and support various sourcing activities.

**Stakeholder Management, Supplier Management, and Industry Expertise**
- Foster and continuously develop a highly collaborative approach with local Marketing, Brand, and SCM teams, with a focus on cross-functional teamwork.
- Build and maintain long-term partnerships with creative agencies and marketing production houses, focusing on delivering value, best-in-class quality, and innovation.
- Maintain a strong internal and external network to stay updated on industry trends, competitors, business opportunities, and risks. Promote best practices for innovation, operational excellence, improved customer experiences, and cost savings.

**Innovation**
- Contribute to the development and refinement of category-specific contracting models and templates, working closely with Legal, local SCM, and Marketing/Brand teams.
- Support continuous improvements and innovations in category-specific commercial models, collaborating closely with local SCM and Marketing/Brand teams.
- Develop, implement, and refine technology, processes, and tools required for end-to-end category management.
- Lead comprehensive sourcing projects, including complex pricing, commercial, and legal negotiations.

**Data Management**
- Support the achievement of key category financial targets such as centralized spending, savings, and working capital improvements.
- Maintain accurate data on global Marketing/Brand spend, vendors, and contracts, including maintaining the contracts database, preferred vendor list, and category blueprints. Use in-depth data analytics to generate insights that secure Vodafone's competitive advantage.

**Who you are**:

- **Experience and/or Expertise**:Proven track record in delivering large, complex global sourcing projects. Strong background in procurement for complex global categories, OR a minimum of 5-7 years of experience in Marketing Creation, Production, Sponsorship, or Engagement Marketing.Experience in cross-functional project management within a regional or global organization.
- ** Numerical and Analytical Skillset**:Strong numerical and analytical skills, with proficiency in financial reporting and modeling. Ability to synthesize data and present key insigh