At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic management of a £80m+ fleet and logistics portfolio.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on innovative procurement solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, private medical, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Join a complex, multi-site operation with a focus on sustainability and efficiency.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a high-visibility role with senior leadership exposure.
- Qualifications: Extensive fleet procurement experience and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
We are recruiting a senior Category Manager – Fleet & Logistics to take strategic ownership of a significant Fleet and Logistics portfolio with direct responsibility for £80m+ annual fleet spend within a wider £120m+ logistics and indirect budget. This is a high-impact role requiring an experienced procurement leader who has personally managed large-scale fleet expenditure across company cars, LCVs, HGVs, leasing, fuel, maintenance, telematics, and fleet services.
Reporting into the Head of Procurement, you will lead end-to-end category strategy, commercial optimisation, and supplier governance across a complex, multi-site operation.
You will:
- Own and deliver the Fleet category strategy across an £80m+ spend portfolio
- Lead sourcing and re-tender programmes covering leasing, OEMs, fuel, MRO, tyres, telematics and fleet management providers
- Drive total cost of ownership optimisation across vehicle lifecycle management
- Implement structured supplier performance frameworks and governance controls
- Negotiate high-value, multi-year fleet and logistics contracts
- Influence senior operational and finance stakeholders, challenging demand and specification
- Deliver measurable cost reduction, risk mitigation and ESG improvement
- Support network growth, fleet expansion and post-acquisition integration
- Improve fleet utilisation, compliance and commercial reporting capability
This is a strategic yet hands-on leadership position with direct visibility to senior leadership.
What We’re Looking For:
- Strong background in Fleet Procurement covering leasing, fuel, maintenance and fleet services
- Proven experience managing £80m+ spend within a large organisation
- Demonstrable track record of delivering multi-million pound savings
- Experience operating in a complex, multi-site or national distribution environment
- Advanced negotiation and contract management capability
- Strong commercial and analytical acumen
- Confident stakeholder influencer at Director and Executive level
- MCIPS desirable
Senior Category Manager - Fleet & Indirects in Northampton employer: Distinct | B Corp
As a Senior Category Manager in Fleet & Indirects at our Coventry location, you will join a dynamic and forward-thinking team that prioritises innovation and excellence in procurement. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive private medical benefits, and a supportive work culture that fosters professional growth and development. With direct access to senior leadership and the opportunity to influence significant financial outcomes, this role is perfect for those seeking a meaningful career in a thriving environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager - Fleet & Indirects in Northampton
✨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 Distinct | B Corp.
✨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 Senior Category Manager - Fleet & Indirects in Northampton
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 Distinct | B Corp:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Distinct | B Corp. 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 Distinct | B Corp.
How to prepare for a job interview at Distinct | B Corp
✨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 Distinct | B Corp!
✨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 Distinct | B Corp. 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 Distinct | B Corp's culture.
