Professional - Contracts/Category Manager

Join a dynamic marketing procurement team where you will help shape category strategy, unlock value opportunities, and lead sourcing initiatives across influencer, creator, social media, and broader marketing services. This is a great opportunity for an experienced procurement professional who enjoys partnering with cross-functional teams, driving commercial outcomes, and supporting strategic brand priorities in a fast-moving environment.

Responsibilities

• Partner with marketing, finance, legal, risk, and other stakeholders to turn business priorities into actionable procurement and category strategies.
• Develop and evolve category plans based on changes in spend, supplier landscapes, market conditions, and brand needs.
• Identify and advance savings and value opportunities through spend analysis, demand review, scope optimization, benchmarking, and supplier strategy.
• Lead sourcing and negotiation efforts across marketing-related categories, including influencer marketing, social media, creative, media, content production, digital marketing, experiential, and agencies.
• Manage procurement activities from opportunity assessment through RFP/RFQ development, supplier evaluation, commercial analysis, negotiation, and contracting.
• Assess agency and supplier models, rate structures, retainers, staffing, and performance to strengthen commercial outcomes.
• Apply knowledge of influencer and creator ecosystems, including talent fees, commissions, usage rights, licensing, exclusivity, amplification, and production considerations.
• Use market intelligence, internal spend data, and industry trends to inform recommendations and guide decision-making.
• Communicate effectively with senior stakeholders and provide clear, practical guidance that balances value, flexibility, speed, and risk.
  
  
  

Skills

• Strong background in procurement and category management, with experience in marketing-related sourcing.
• Direct experience working with influencer marketing, creator marketing, social media, or similar marketing services.
• Ability to develop category strategies and convert business priorities into measurable procurement actions.
• Solid understanding of commercial models, agency economics, scopes of work, and cost drivers in marketing services.
• Proven negotiation skills and confidence leading complex sourcing and contracting efforts independently.
• Strong analytical and financial skills, with the ability to interpret budgets, spend data, and business plans.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work through ambiguity, manage multiple priorities, and deliver results from strategy through execution.
  
  
  

Preferred Skills

• Experience in retail, fashion, apparel, consumer brands, or another consumer-focused industry.
• Experience in a global, multi-brand organization.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant professional experience; advanced degree preferred.
• Procurement or sourcing certifications such as CPSM, Six Sigma, or similar credentials.
  
  
  

Horizontal is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and where equity and belonging are part of how we work every day. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply and welcome talent that brings fresh thinking, collaboration, and a shared commitment to inclusive excellence.

By applying for this position, you acknowledge and agree that Horizontal Talent may contact you regarding your application using automated technology, including phone calls, SMS/text messages, or email, which may be delivered by our virtual AI recruiter, Alex.

Please apply through this online posting or by visiting our Job Board at www.horizontaltalent.com/job-board. Applications will be accepted for 4 weeks. For those that join the team, we offer competitive compensation and benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement. Check out all we have to offer and how you can become part of the Horizontal Talent Team. The pay range for this role is $23 - $55 per hour based on qualifications and experience.