Sourcing Lead Category Manager - Marketing

H&R Block is a company dedicated to helping people and inspiring confidence in their clients and communities. The Lead Category Manager for Marketing will drive the strategy and optimization of the company's marketing spend, partnering with leadership to ensure value and innovation across marketing investments.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute multi-year category strategies for marketing subcategories such as creative services, media, digital marketing, production, PR, promotional items, and events that deliver cost savings and transformation. Anticipated spend under management up to $200M annually
• Lead RFx events for marketing agencies, media partners, and other suppliers, including defining requirements, evaluating proposals, and developing negotiation strategies
• Partner closely with Marketing leadership (Brand, Media, Creative, Digital) to understand upcoming initiatives and translate business needs into sourcing plans
• Partner with Sourcing Analysts to conduct spend analysis, benchmarking, and market research specific to the marketing industry, agency landscapes, and pricing models
• Lead agency relationship management and quarterly business reviews to ensure performance, innovation, and contract compliance
• Build cost models, rate card analyses, and total cost of ownership evaluations to support supplier selection and negotiations
• Advise on agency scopes of work and assist in defining clear deliverables, KPIs, staffing plans, and rate structures
• Collaborate with Legal and Marketing stakeholders to support contract development
• Drive process improvements in briefing, SOW development, agency onboarding, and supplier performance tracking
• Develop executive‑level presentations and reporting that highlight category performance, supplier strategies, and value realization
• Mentor or provide direction to sourcing analysts supporting the marketing category

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Marketing, Finance, Communications, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in procurement or category management, with at least 2–3 years supporting marketing or creative categories with specific results
• Demonstrated expertise in sourcing marketing agencies, media buying, production, digital services, or related marketing services
• Strong negotiation experience, especially in agency fee structures, rate cards, retainers, and project-based sourcing
• Ability to analyze data, assess market trends, and develop category strategies tailored to marketing needs
• Strong understanding of scopes of work, deliverables, KPIs, and performance management for marketing suppliers
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, especially with creative and marketing stakeholders
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence senior leaders
• Experience working with procurement or ERP systems, contracting tools, and analytics platforms
• Strong organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple initiatives in a fast-paced environment
• Experience working directly with media agencies, creative agencies, or production partners
• Familiarity with agency compensation models, media transparency, licensing rights, or usage terms
• Expertise in marketing performance measurement or ROI analytics
• Professional certifications (CPSM, CSCP, CMKG, etc.)
• Experience supporting global or multi‑market marketing initiatives
• Knowledge of contract marketing compliance, data privacy considerations, or influencer marketing regulations
• Background in marketing, advertising, or brand management in addition to procurement experience