Category Manager, Advertising

Job Title: Category Manager, Advertising

Introduction to role:

Are you ready to take on a pivotal role in shaping the future of advertising procurement at AstraZeneca? As a Category Manager, Advertising, you'll be at the forefront of developing and delivering global category strategies, working closely with our advertising supplier partners. This position calls for a subject matter expert in indirect sourcing, ideally with hands-on procurement experience in advertising and marketing services. You'll collaborate with stakeholders across AstraZeneca Procurement and business units to drive category strategies, lead initiatives, and manage supplier performance and innovation.

Accountabilities:

• Category Management Strategy Execution: Lead the execution of regional and cross-business unit plans within assigned subcategories such as creative and digital advertising.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to align on needs, outcomes, timelines, and risk profiles.

• Market Intelligence: Provide insights on supply market dynamics and best practices to inform strategy refreshes.

• Supplier Analysis & Management: Maintain an understanding of the supplier ecosystem and manage supplier relationship governance.

• Financial, Cost, and Spend Analysis: Analyze spend patterns to identify value opportunities and support cost modeling.

• Chemistry-Driven Project Management: Lead end-to-end chemistry sessions across creative, PR, and media.

• Outsourcing and TCO: Support make/buy assessments and total cost of ownership analysis.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Facilitate cross-functional teams through structured decision-making.

• Negotiations, Contracts, and Risk Management: Develop and execute negotiation strategies in collaboration with Procurement’s Global Sourcing and Contracting teams.

• Governance: Ensure adherence to AstraZeneca policies, ethical standards, and sustainability expectations.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• 6+ years of experience in strategy, operations, and/or procurement within a sophisticated environment, preferably across Advertising, PR, Media, and Measurement/analytics categories.

• Subject matter expertise in indirect and marketing-related spend categories, including media and measurement.

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• Demonstrated experience in data analysis, spend analytics, and should-cost modeling.

• Experience handling complex supplier relationships and performance routines.

• Proficiency in advanced negotiations across varied commercial models and deal structures, including media transparency and audit provisions.

• Business Partnering - Collaborative, proactive, and solution-oriented; able to translate business and brand objectives into procurement strategies and tangible outcomes.

• Analytical Rigor - Strong analytical skills with experience in data analysis, spend analytics, and should-cost modeling; familiarity with media efficiency/effectiveness metrics and measurement methodologies is a plus.

• Execution Excellence - Proven project management skills; comfortable balancing multiple priorities, stakeholders, and timelines in a matrixed environment.

• Influence and Communication - Clear, concise communicator who can influence without authority and present persuasive recommendations to business leaders.

• Growth Mindset - Demonstrates curiosity, accountability, and continuous improvement; builds constructive, trust-based relationships with suppliers and stakeholders.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Direct experience in advertising, PR, or related marketing procurement categories is a plus.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

AstraZeneca offers an environment where diverse minds come together to innovate and challenge conventions. Our international team thrives on adaptability, agility, and curiosity. With a strategic mindset and resilience, we react rapidly to changing business requirements. Here, you'll find opportunities to influence the entire value chain while contributing to transformative science that impacts patient outcomes. Embrace the chance to grow your career in a dynamic setting where your ideas can make a real difference.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now to join our team at AstraZeneca!

Date Posted

03-Nov-2025

Closing Date

17-Nov-2025

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.