Job Opportunity: Media Procurement Associate Director – US
Background and Purpose
Join Unilever as we embark on an exciting media journey. We are at the forefront of competitive buying, sustainable sourcing, and purpose-driven partnerships. Our goal is to leverage our technological expertise and insights alongside our partners to develop innovative sourcing strategies and supplier-led innovations that swiftly and effectively respond to evolving consumer needs.
About Unilever Procurement
As part of the Supply Chain division, Unilever Procurement manages over €30 billion in global spending on materials and services, collaborating with more than 50,000 suppliers, primarily in Marketing and Business Services (MBS). Our mission is to secure the right services and materials while ensuring responsible procurement practices. We work closely with stakeholders to bring innovative solutions that meet the changing needs of consumers, employees, and customers, ultimately driving financial value for Unilever through competitive purchasing. We are pioneers in digital procurement, utilizing advanced tools and analytics to make data-driven decisions.
About MBS
The MBS Procurement team is responsible for Unilever’s sourcing and supplier strategy across all third-party expenditures in Marketing, Business Services, and IT. We support the business needs of various brands and functions, aiming for growth through strategic supplier management, cost optimization, and innovation. With an annual spend of approximately €10 billion and a supplier base of around 40,000, the Media Procurement Associate Director – US will enhance the effectiveness of our media procurement by establishing an expertise-driven model, streamlining responsibilities, and leveraging relationships and strategies across markets to define a future-ready media portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with Business Units and media leads to manage and optimize the media procurement bidding process.
- Develop and implement buying strategies across media channels to maximize benefits for Unilever, balancing negotiation and bidding approaches.
- Lead negotiations with suppliers across media channels, data, and technology, ensuring value delivery aligned with Unilever’s procurement principles.
- Continuously assess cost drivers and market dynamics to refine media bidding strategies.
- Support the implementation of new processes and digital tools to enhance efficiency and transparency.
- Provide insights and recommendations to senior leadership on market trends, supplier performance, and cost optimization opportunities.
- Work with media leads to translate business briefs into actionable procurement strategies.
- Ensure value and innovation delivery through supplier partnerships.
- Meet financial targets and KPIs, including media efficiency and effectiveness, as outlined in business objectives.
- Maintain portfolio fundamentals such as data consistency, insights, stakeholder communications, and contracts.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or a related field preferred.
- Over 10 years of experience in media buying is required.
- Proven expertise in media buying channels and the media value chain, including AI.
- Strong background in strategic sourcing and portfolio management.
- Exceptional negotiation and contracting skills.
- Comprehensive understanding of the supply market and FMCG, particularly in media portfolios.
- Experience in strategic supplier relationship management and large-scale project management.
- Proven ability to lead transformational business process reengineering and change management initiatives.
- Willingness to travel internationally approximately 20% of the time.
Skills and Competencies
- Advanced analytical capabilities.
- Passion for technology and innovative ideas.
- Ability to thrive under pressure in a complex global environment.
- Comfortable navigating ambiguity and leading change.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, including effective presentation delivery.
- High financial and business acumen.
- Excellent project and time management skills for complex global projects.
- Strong stakeholder management and interpersonal skills.
- Resilient and determined in achieving challenging goals.
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary: The salary range for this position is $141,600 to $212,500, based on factors such as skills, experience, and qualifications.
- Bonus: This position is eligible for bonuses.
- Long-Term Incentive: This position qualifies for long-term incentives.
- Benefits: Unilever offers a comprehensive benefits plan, including health insurance, retirement savings, life insurance, parental leave, and paid vacation.
At Unilever, we prioritize inclusion and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. All applicants will receive fair consideration, and we actively support the growth and development of our employees.
Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information on your federal rights, please refer to the relevant resources. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of pre-screening tests, including drug screening and background checks.
If you require assistance during the recruitment process due to a disability, please contact us at NA.Accommodations@unilever.com. This email is specifically for individuals needing assistance and is not for inquiries about job positions or application statuses.
