At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead initiatives in freight and logistics, shaping the future of the industry.
- Company: Connected Places Catapult, a modern hub in Birmingham focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 9-day fortnight, competitive pension, and generous holiday entitlement.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to inclusivity and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the West Midlands' logistics sector while driving innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in stakeholder management and strategic planning is essential.
The predicted salary is between 51395 - 59214 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham (minimum of two days a week in the office. You can do more than two days if preferable)
Working hours: Full time (9 day Fortnight companywide)
Contract type/duration: Permanent
Band: 3.1
Salary: £51,395 - £59,214 (Dependent on office location and proven ability)
Reporting to: Head of Regional Delivery
Closing date: 22/07/2026
We’re looking for a dynamic Industry Cluster Lead to take charge on shaping and delivering several initiatives including the West Midlands' Logistics & Distribution Cluster and supporting delivery of the Department for Transport funded Freight, Logistics and Innovation Network activities. The role holder will work with Government departments and Combined Authorities, West Midlands Growth Company, industry and trade bodies, and academic institutions to progress challenges and innovation priorities for the industry as well as finding opportunities to share learnings and develop new sectoral clusters with other regions. This permanent role based at Connected Places Catapult's modern Birmingham hub offers the opportunity to directly influence one of the West Midlands region’s key industrial backbones, by building strong partnerships across the public and private sectors, and driving activity that catalyses innovation, investment, and inclusive growth.
Day to Day responsibilities
- Shaping the future of the Logistics and Distribution cluster priorities by supporting development of a clear North Star
- Leading on the delivery of strategic priorities for the cluster as agreed between the Cluster Lead (Connected Places Catapult) and West Midlands Combined Authority
- Providing a secretariat function and governance support for the Advisory Board activities including shaping the agenda items
- Senior stakeholder management with Advisory Board and senior sponsors of the cluster at West Midlands Combined Authority and West Midlands Growth Company
- Organising and leading cluster activities such as newsletters and workshops on relevant topics to the industry, such as Skills or Spatial Development Planning
- Horizon scanning for funding opportunities for the cluster and potential collaborative projects with industry partners
Key Responsibilities
- Meet revenue targets
- Spot opportunities
- Contribute to bids and proposals
- Increase client confidence in and credibility of CPC, manage sell ons and second-phase wins
- Ensure CRM system is updated with stakeholder contact and any account information including opportunity management
- Scope and lead streams of work
- Shape the planning and budgeting of work
- Shape and design the deliverables
- Manage the PMO and commercial control
- Organise the work stream for the core and virtual team members
- Provide excellence in delivery
- Meet (or exceed) utilisation targets
- Design and plan innovative and professional delivery
- Develop senior client buy-in across a range of stakeholders
- Hold face-off accountability at senior management levels
- Update CRM system with client contact information
- Contribute profession/specialism into delivery and proposal development
- Provide thought leadership
- Work in profession virtual community
- Provide learning opportunities
- Maintain own professional development
- Ensure an ethos of equity, inclusivity and diversity underpin your work activity, contribute to inclusive innovation across all Catapult activities
You may be required to undertake any other reasonable duties to support the Catapult in achieving its strategic outcomes and ensure effective business operations.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Spark creative thinking across all tasks
- Apply systems thinking to problem solving
- Create effective networks
- Use personal influence to progress beyond challenges and blockers
- Use experience to provide the voice of the customer in all activities
- Effectively manage communication across teams and stakeholders, lead meetings and contribute to publications and events
- Coordinate plans across activities
- Role model agility and adaptation
- Champion and promote inclusion and sustainability
Benefits
- 9 day fortnight for everyone, every other Friday
- 23.5 holiday entitlement for everyone, with pro-rata calculations for part-time employees, along with a Christmas shutdown period for additional days off
- Competitive pension, up to 10% company contribution to help you save for your future
- Two paid days of volunteering leave per year (pro-rata for part-time employees) to support charitable activities
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing 24/7 confidential work/life support services to you and your immediate family members
- Cycle to Work Scheme encouraging a healthy and sustainable commute
- Cash Health Plan, offering reimbursement for a wide range of essential and everyday healthcare expenses, promoting your well-being
- Payroll Giving scheme, allowing regular charitable contributions from pre-tax income, maximizing the impact of your donations
- Discounts and offers from a wide variety of retailers, enhancing your purchasing power and providing savings opportunities
- Mortgage Advice benefit, delivered in partnership with Charles Cameron & Associates – provides employees with free, expert mortgage advice and end-to-end mortgage support from the application process through to completion
Employment here is based solely upon individual merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. We strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, colour, religion, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by law. We also make all reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under laws protecting the rights of the disabled.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Consultant (Freight and Logistics) in England
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Connected Places Catapult and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Connected Places Catapult!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Connected Places Catapult keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Consultant (Freight and Logistics) in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Connected Places Catapult:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Connected Places Catapult. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Connected Places Catapult
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Connected Places Catapult.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Connected Places Catapult that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Connected Places Catapult. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
