Assistant Manager, Category Development

Overview

Location : Barcelona, or Prague (Hybrid)

To lead the global procurement strategy and execution for Marketing Agencies, covering Creative Agencies, PR Agencies, and Medical Communications. This role is responsible for managing a global spend of approximately USD 800 million, leading a team of 2–5 professionals, and delivering maximum business value by aligning global, regional, and local sourcing strategies. The role requires close collaboration with senior stakeholders across Novartis, ensuring that category strategies are developed, aligned, and implemented consistently across the US and Top International Markets.

Responsibilities

• Develop and own the Global Category Strategy for Marketing Agencies (Creative, PR, Medical Communications), ensuring alignment with Novartis Global Procurement strategies and business objectives.
• Align global strategy with local and regional procurement teams, ensuring effective implementation across markets (focus on US and International Top Markets).
• Manage and develop a high-performing team of 2–5 procurement professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Drive strategic supplier relationships, ensuring best-in-class partnerships with agencies to deliver value, innovation, and competitive advantage.
• Partner with senior business stakeholders (Global Marketing, Communications, Medical Affairs, etc.) to ensure procurement strategies fully support business needs and long-term objectives.
• Deliver measurable cost efficiencies, value creation, and process improvements while ensuring compliance with procurement policies and standards.
• Negotiate and oversee global agreements with marketing agencies, balancing cost, quality, innovation, and risk management.
• Provide thought leadership on trends in marketing procurement, ensuring Novartis remains at the forefront of best practices in supplier management and sourcing.

Key Performance Indicators

Minimum Requirements

Skills

Languages

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