Category Head - Group Procurement - Events/Travel & Hospitality

We are looking for a seasoned procurement leader to head the strategic sourcing and category management function for Events, Travel & Hospitality procurement across group businesses.

The role will drive enterprise-wide procurement strategy, vendor management, commercial negotiations, cost optimization, and stakeholder management across Sales & Marketing Events, Travel, Hospitality, Customer Experience (CX), and related indirect procurement categories.

Role & responsibilities:

- Lead strategic procurement for Events, Travel & Hospitality categories across group companies

- Manage large-scale procurement spend and drive significant cost optimization initiatives

- Lead negotiations with event agencies, travel partners, hotels, airlines, hospitality vendors, and marketing agencies

- Drive centralized sourcing and procurement transformation initiatives

- Oversee procurement for domestic & international corporate events, conferences, activations, and leadership engagements

- Develop and implement travel procurement strategies and governance frameworks

- Manage supplier performance, commercial contracts, and strategic partnerships

- Lead and mentor category teams while driving operational excellence

Preferred candidate profile:

- 20+ years of experience in Procurement / Strategic Sourcing

- Strong experience in Events, Travel, Hospitality, Marketing Procurement, or CX spend categories

- Must have handled procurement spend of INR 200 Cr+ independently

- Strong expertise in vendor negotiations and commercial management

- Experience managing enterprise-level stakeholders and leadership teams

- Prior team management experience is mandatory

Industry preferred: Large Conglomerates, Hospitality, Pharma, Management Consulting, Diversified Groups