Procurement Category Manager - Professional Services and other costs

Job Description:

We dream. We Do. We Deliver

About Merkle

Merkle, a dentsu company, powers the experience economy. For more than 35 years, we have put people at the heart of its approach to digital business transformation. As the only integrated experience consultancy in the world with a heritage in data science and our performance, Merkle delivers holistic, experiences that promote growth, engagement, and loyalty. Merkle's expertise has earned recognition as a "Leader" by top industry analyst firms, in categories such as digital transformation and commerce, experience design, engineering and technology integration, digital marketing, data science, CRM and loyalty, and customer data management. With more than 16,000 employees, Merkle operates in 30+ countries throughout the Americas, EMEA, and APAC. For more information, visit www.merkle.com.

Job Description:

The Procurement Category Manager for HR, Professional Services, and Other Costs will be responsible for developing and implementing procurement strategies across these categories. This role involves managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and ensuring cost-effective and high-quality services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform spend analysis for the categories
• Develop and execute procurement strategies for HR services, professional services, and other indirect costs.
• Identify, evaluate, and manage relationships with suppliers, ensuring they meet quality and cost standards.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements to secure the best terms and conditions.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their needs and align procurement strategies accordingly.
• Monitor market trends and conduct benchmarking to ensure competitive pricing and innovative solutions.
• Manage the end-to-end procurement process, from sourcing to contract execution, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize procurement processes and deliver cost savings.
• Prepare and present reports on procurement activities, performance metrics, and cost savings to senior management.
  
  
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement, with a focus on HR and professional services.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
  
  
  

We do not sponsor work visa.

For those who don’t have Portuguese documents (NIF and NISS), we suggest you to search for more information at local country Social Security entities, as well as on SEF (Serviços Estrangeiros e Fronteiras), for possible roles in Merkle Portugal.

Additional information

Benefits and perks:

• Cutting Edge Technology & Latest IT tools;
• Software-house environment;
• Agile and Flexible working hours;
• Hybrid work system (remote friendly);
• Digital nomad policy;
• Focus on career development;
• Health insurance (also included for the household);
• Mental health support;
• Volunteering experiences and sustainable mindset;
• 25 vacation days + 3 wellness days per year;
• Beers (after 6pm), foosball, and ping-pong! #workhardplayhard
• Free breakfast every second Monday of the month;
• Employee discounts;
• Team & Company events 🎉
  
  
  

Inclusion & Diversity

We value the strength diversity brings to our business and are working hard to build a more inclusive workplace through partnerships with Stonewall, Business Disability Forum and Business in the Community’s race and gender equality campaigns. We are happy to discuss all flexible and agile approaches to working for all our roles – we can’t promise we will be able to offer you everything you want or need but we do promise to discuss it with you openly and honestly.

If you have any reasonable adjustment needs arising from a disability or medical condition to fully participate in the recruitment process, please discuss this with the recruiter who contacts you.

Location:

Lisbon

Brand:

Merkle

Time Type:

Full time

Contract Type:

Permanent