Procurement Strategy Lead

2 months ago


London UK, UK, United Kingdom Unilever Full time

We are currently seeking an interim Procurement Strategy Lead (Marketing), to work with our global FMCG client Unilever, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple, to become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment.


The position is based at Blackfriars on London’s Victoria Embankment, just a short walk from Blackfriars tube. The role is full-time temporary for 8 Months working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for the roles is competitive, paying up to £85,000 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.


The role currently offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements.


Background & Purpose of the Job

There has never been a more exciting time to be working in Procurement when you consider the sheer scale of what we are seeking to do.


As Unilever Procurement adapts to the ever-dynamic business environment, we will need to be agile in order to continue our track record of delivery in contributing to the top and bottom line. As well as ensuring that we are best in class in delivering the basics, we also have to look to the future and continuously evolve to meet the needs of our changing environment - reinventing ourselves for sustained competitive advantage. And of course, we are only half of the picture. Our suppliers are at the heart of everything we do. We need to work more closely than ever with suppliers to co-create sustainable practices and bigger and better innovations.


In this role, you will support the Marketing Procurement Asset Creation team, which is responsible for creative agencies, PR, Social, digital, and Ad production services across the Globe. Managing agencies end-to-end, including contracting, annual negotiations, and strategic tool rollouts.


To be accountable for the development and implementation of the Asset Creation sourcing strategy. To maintain in scope Marketing Portfolio management and sourcing activities on a day-to-day basis.

  • To build and maintain strong working relationships across cross-functional Teams, Business Units and Business Groups.
  • To build and maintain relationships with key suppliers in the Market Research & Consumer Insights portfolio.
  • Be a strong business partner with all key stakeholders to maintain trust and add value to the business.
  • This role requires a creative, high-energy candidate who demonstrates strength in white space and is comfortable interfacing with and influencing senior leaders to land and implement new business models, delivering business growth and bottom-line impact. Key deliverables include savings and cash delivery, ROI, demand management, and cost avoidance. To deliver, it is essential to quickly learn the respective businesses in coverage, establish credibility with stakeholders, and understand vendor/market capabilities to ensure Unilever is fully leveraging supplier partnerships. As such, SRM/CRM expertise is essential. You must be viewed as a key business partner by internal stakeholders, and as a sharp, challenging steward of Unilever resources by external vendors.
  • It will be critical for the successful candidate to understand and unlock the power of digital technology to identify, eliminate, and where possible, automate non-value added processes in both within Unilever procurement, and across the business more broadly. Therefore, an understanding of systems and processes and strong analytical acumen to drive insights and strategy from data around how we operate is essential.


What You’ll Need to Succeed

  • Self-Starter
  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • 10+ years of procurement experience
  • Experience and knowledge of indirect procurement or marketing procurement
  • Experience of managing a global team
  • Capabilities and skills in Strategic Sourcing
  • Working with cross geographical teams and cross functional teams. And willingness to work in a virtual team.
  • Experience of procurement transformation, change and business engagement.
  • Experience and knowledge of business models in advertising, market research and/or marketing agencies management will be a strong plus
  • Leading multiple projects simultaneously and independently
  • Unafraid to work with senior stakeholders and suppliers, supported through excellent communication skills.
  • Strong Excel and PowerPoint abilities



Additional Information

Blackfriars working environment:

Iconic location on the Victoria embankment, modern working environment

Short walk from Blackfriars station

Staff shop discounted products

Free tea & coffee facilities

Onsite Deli and a restaurant open for breakfast and lunch

Gym is available for use subscription required.



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