At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Fleet Procurement, develop strategies, and drive commercial change in logistics.
- Company: Join a leading retail brand with a commitment to sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, competitive holidays, bonuses, and 24/7 wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible work location with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in logistics while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in logistics procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
The role can be based at either London Support Centre located close to Paddington Station or at our distribution centre in Castle Donington, with a minimum of three days per week on site at the home base location. Additional travel to the London Support Centre (if based in Castle Donington) and depot locations will be required, including attendance at monthly Finance and Procurement huddles in person in London.
Responsibilities
- Own and lead the Fleet Procurement category, setting direction and driving delivery against Logistics priorities.
- Develop and deliver category strategies and plans, using external market insight to shape future opportunities.
- Lead end-to-end source-to-contract activity: sourcing approach, commercial evaluation, negotiation, approvals and contract award.
- Drive commercial change by optimising the balance between cost, service, risk and sustainability, and embedding benefits with Finance.
- Build strong partnerships across Fleet, Logistics, Finance, Legal and wider Procurement to support decisions, governance and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
- Significant Logistics procurement experience (ideally including Fleet, transport and freight), with a strong track record of delivering time‑critical outcomes.
- Strong understanding of fleet market dynamics and experience across areas such as leasing/lease vs buy, maintenance solutions, alternative fuels, MHE and trailer procurement.
- Confident commercial judgement with the ability to challenge constructively, influence senior business partners and navigate complexity.
- Proven experience running sourcing projects end-to-end, including negotiation, supplier management and value delivery.
- Strong contracting capability, including drafting and shaping schedules/commercials, and working confidently through approvals and governance.
Benefits
- 20% colleague discount on all M&S products and many third‑party brands for you and someone in your household, available once you've completed your probation.
- Competitive holiday allowance with the option to buy more.
- Discretionary bonus schemes linked to your performance and ours.
- Strong pension and life assurance to help plan for the future.
- Tailored induction and training to support your development from day one.
- Exclusive perks and savings through our M&S Choices portal.
- Market‑leading family policies, including parental, adoption and neonatal leave.
- 24/7 wellbeing support, including virtual GP access and mental health services.
- One paid volunteer day a year to support a cause that matters to you.
Category Manager - Fleet in City of Westminster employer: CIPS
As a Category Manager - Fleet at our London Support Centre or Castle Donington distribution centre, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation. We offer competitive benefits, including a generous colleague discount, flexible holiday options, and comprehensive wellbeing support, ensuring you feel valued and empowered in your role. With tailored training and development opportunities, you can grow your career while making a meaningful impact on our logistics priorities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Fleet in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your experience in logistics procurement. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they're about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to drive commercial change. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence before those crucial discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Fleet in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Category Manager - Fleet. Highlight your logistics procurement experience and any specific achievements that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your insights on fleet market dynamics and how your experience can drive commercial change within our organisation.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past experiences, focus on quantifiable outcomes. Did you save costs or improve service levels? We love numbers, so make sure to include them to demonstrate your impact!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at CIPS
✨Know Your Fleet Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fleet market dynamics. Understand the latest trends in leasing, maintenance solutions, and alternative fuels. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Sourcing Success
Prepare to discuss specific sourcing projects you've managed from start to finish. Highlight your negotiation skills and how you've delivered value in previous roles. Use concrete examples to illustrate your commercial judgement and ability to influence stakeholders.
✨Build Relationships Before You Even Start
Think about how you can build strong partnerships across departments like Logistics and Finance. During the interview, mention how you plan to collaborate with these teams to drive continuous improvement. This shows you're a team player and understand the importance of cross-functional relationships.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would address them. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and readiness to tackle complexities in the procurement process.
