At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement and carrier management strategies for a global logistics leader.
- Company: DHL Supply Chain, the world's top logistics company with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, flexible working, pension scheme, and lifestyle discounts.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Shape innovative strategies and make a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive knowledge of European transport and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Grade: RCS I
Contract Type: Permanent (Full-Time)
Location: Birmingham - B92 9EP
Benefits include Car/Car allowance £7000, Family Healthcare, Bonus
Think you know DHL? Think again! We're not just about delivering parcels. DHL Supply Chain is the world's leading logistics company and our people are the unsung heroes who keep the cogs turning and the country running smoothly.
We're looking for a strategic and forward-thinking leader to take ownership of EU Procurement and Carrier Management within the Jaguar Land Rover Control Tower based in Solihull. This is a high-impact role where you'll shape and deliver innovative procurement and carrier strategies that drive cost efficiency, service excellence, and long-term competitive advantage in a fast-paced, international logistics environment. Working as a trusted partner to Jaguar Land Rover and key stakeholders, you'll play a central role in aligning operations to customer needs while responding to changing market dynamics.
You'll lead the development of a high-performing, agile carrier network and champion best-in-class procurement practices across the LLP. From driving performance through data-led insights to embedding continuous improvement and governance, you'll ensure carriers consistently meet the highest standards. This is also a fantastic opportunity to lead, develop and inspire a talented team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration and continuous service development — while playing a key role in delivering strategic initiatives that enhance operational performance and unlock value across the business.
A TYPICAL DAY MAY INVOLVE:
- 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
THIS ROLE WOULD SUIT PEOPLE WHO HAVE:
- 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 the tasks are relevant, correct and that accurate outputs are provided.
- Highly organised and able to ensure deadlines which are often very tight are met consistently.
- Must be able 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
- We're happy to talk about flexible working – just ask about alternative patterns at interview
- Join our generous pension scheme and benefit from an 8% employer contribution, alongside a 4% employee contribution
- Free confidential 24/7 GP consultations
- Hundreds of retail and lifestyle discounts
- Affordable loans, savings schemes and free mortgage advice
WHO WE ARE
We're the global leaders in supply chain management with 188,000 people in over 50 countries. Our expert teams work together to deliver for our customers across a range of industries including retail, automotive, healthcare and more.
BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE
At DHL, we're all about creating a workplace where everyone's skills and experiences matter, and where you can be your true self every day. As proud supporters of the Armed Forces Covenant, we value the skills and experience of ex-service personnel and are dedicated to helping our veterans find jobs.
Head of Procurement & Carrier Management in Solihull employer: DHL
DHL Supply Chain is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Birmingham where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide extensive benefits including a generous pension scheme, flexible working options, and opportunities to lead and inspire a talented team. Join us to be part of a global leader in logistics, where your contributions will drive meaningful change and operational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement & Carrier Management in Solihull
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like DHL.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement & Carrier Management in Solihull
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to DHL:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to DHL. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like DHL.
How to prepare for a job interview at DHL
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at DHL!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at DHL. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into DHL's culture.
