At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement and carrier management strategies for a global logistics leader.
- Company: Join DHL Supply Chain, a top player in the logistics industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusivity and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced international environment with innovative solutions.
- Qualifications: Extensive knowledge of European transport and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham - B92 9EP | Permanent (Full-Time) | Grade: RCS I
Benefits include Car/Car allowance £7000, Family Healthcare, Bonus.
DHL Supply Chain is a global logistics leader. This role leads EU Procurement and Carrier Management within the Jaguar Land Rover Control Tower based in Solihull, shaping procurement and carrier strategies to drive cost efficiency, service excellence, and competitive advantage in a fast-paced, international environment.
Responsibilities:
- Take ownership of the carrier cost base, driving transparency, control, and continuous optimisation across spend.
- Deliver clear and actionable carrier rate visibility, ensuring informed decision-making and commercial advantage.
- Establish and lead robust carrier performance frameworks, including KPIs and measurable service outcomes.
- Drive carrier performance improvement, creating and implementing structured action plans to address gaps and enhance delivery.
- Lead carrier research and development activity, identifying new partners, innovations, and opportunities to strengthen the network.
- Develop and maintain strategic carrier relationships.
- Play a key role in major tender activities, including DHL LLP mega tenders and JLR Timconsult initiatives.
- Identify and deliver cost-saving and value creation opportunities, with clear implementation plans and measurable impact tracking.
- Support stakeholders with customer cost indications, providing accurate, timely, and commercially sound insights.
- Oversee and optimise carrier payment flows, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and strong financial governance.
Qualifications:
- Extensive knowledge of European Transport (Operational Methods, Geography, Rate Structures and Cost Elements).
- Extensive knowledge of the EU network plan including specific criteria that drive the solutions design.
- High level of attention to detail, able to analyse and verify complex data to ensure outputs are relevant and accurate.
- Highly organised and able to ensure deadlines are met consistently.
- Ability to assess complex situations and make positive problem solving recommendations.
- Prepare and make confident presentations to internal departments and external customers.
- MICIPS - DESIRABLE.
- Certificate in Logistics or Freight Forwarding - DESIRABLE.
Why Join Us:
- 26 days annual leave.
- Flexible working options – ask about alternative patterns at interview.
- Generous pension scheme with 8% employer contribution and 4% employee contribution.
- Free confidential 24/7 GP consultations.
- Retail and lifestyle discounts.
- Loans, savings schemes and free mortgage advice.
People and Culture:
We are the global leaders in supply chain management with 188,000 people in over 50 countries. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace and supporting veterans through the Armed Forces Covenant.
Head of Procurement & Carrier Management employer: DHL Supply Chain
DHL Supply Chain is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Birmingham where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, generous benefits including family healthcare and flexible working options, and a culture that values inclusivity and excellence, this role as Head of Procurement & Carrier Management provides a unique opportunity to shape strategies that drive efficiency and service excellence in a global logistics leader.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement & Carrier Management
✨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 DHL Supply Chain 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 DHL Supply Chain!
✨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 DHL Supply Chain 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 Head of Procurement & Carrier Management
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 DHL Supply Chain:This is your chance to really connect with the team at DHL Supply Chain. 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 DHL Supply Chain
✨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 DHL Supply Chain.
✨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 DHL Supply Chain 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 DHL Supply Chain. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
