At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for Property, FM, and Logistics categories to optimise cost and service quality.
- Company: Join Markerstudy, a leading UK insurance provider with a vibrant work culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy health care plans, private medical insurance, and 25 days annual leave plus more.
- Other info: Collaborative team atmosphere with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong category expertise and negotiation skills; degree in Business or Supply Chain preferred.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid to Peterborough or London (ideally 1-2 days per week)
We are seeking a commercially minded Category Lead to manage our Property, Facilities Management (FM), and Logistics categories. You will be responsible for developing and delivering sourcing strategies that optimise cost, service quality, and operational resilience across our physical estate and supply chain. This role bridges strategic sourcing with operational delivery, ensuring our properties, facilities services, and logistics networks are efficient, compliant, and scalable.
Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities
- Lead the end-to-end procurement lifecycle across Property, FM, and Logistics categories, managing a significant annual spend.
- Develop sourcing strategies for leased and owned properties to maximise utilisation and cost efficiency.
- Oversee procurement of hard and soft FM services ensuring high service standards and compliance.
- Manage sourcing for logistics, warehousing, and distribution services to improve efficiency and reduce cost-to-serve.
- Negotiate contracts and SLAs, ensuring strong supplier performance and value delivery.
- Drive improvements in procurement processes and systems adoption.
- Ensure adherence to H&S, regulatory, and ESG requirements.
Skills, Experience & Knowledge
- Strong category expertise across real estate, facilities services, and logistics markets.
- Proven commercial acumen delivering savings and value creation.
- Experience with procurement systems such as SAP Ariba, Coupa, or Oracle.
- Strong negotiation and contract management capability.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills.
- Results-oriented mindset focused on operational excellence.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field (Master’s preferred).
- Experience in complex or regulated environments preferred.
- Professional certification (CIPS, CPSM, or equivalent) preferred.
What we offer in return?
- A collaborative and fast paced work environment
- Health care cash plan
- Private medical insurance
- 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays and the ability to buy additional leave (annual leave also increases with service)
- Life Assurance 4x annual salary
- Vibrant, modern offices
About the business:
Markerstudy is a leading provider of private insurance in the UK, insuring around 5% of the private cars on the UK roads, 20% of commercial vehicles and over 30% of motorcycles in total premium levels of circa £1.2b. Markerstudy also has a large and growing direct presence in the market as well. Having acquired and successfully integrated Co-op Insurance Services in 2021, BGLi in 2022 & Atlanta in 2024.
Category Lead – Property, FM & Logistics Category employer: Gerrard White
Markerstudy is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and fast-paced work environment, ideal for professionals seeking to make a significant impact in the Property, FM, and Logistics sectors. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance, a health care cash plan, and generous annual leave that increases with service. Our vibrant offices in Peterborough or London provide a dynamic setting for career growth, supported by opportunities for professional development and a commitment to operational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Lead – Property, FM & Logistics Category
✨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 Gerrard White 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 Gerrard White!
✨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 Gerrard White 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 Category Lead – Property, FM & Logistics Category
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 Gerrard White:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Gerrard White. 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 Gerrard White
✨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 Gerrard White.
✨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 Gerrard White 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 Gerrard White. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
