At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fleet strategy and ensure compliance while driving sustainability in logistics.
- Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned business, committed to quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to be part of a purpose-driven organisation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and operational excellence in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in fleet management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 185000 £ per year.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Waitrose Supply Chain team is at the heart of our commitment to delivering quality and excellence to our customers across the UK. We are a collaborative group of professionals dedicated to transforming our logistics network into a more sustainable, efficient, and future-ready operation. As we navigate a period of significant optimisation, we are focused on integrating cutting-edge technology and innovative fuel solutions to meet our ambitious Partnership Plan targets.
We are seeking a visionary Head of Fleet and Compliance to define our long-term fleet strategy and uphold the highest standards of safety across the business. This pivotal role requires a leader who can balance commercial acumen with a passion for sustainability, ensuring our fleet of circa 4,500 vehicles remains resilient and agile. You will be instrumental in driving our transition to alternative fuels and fostering a culture of operational excellence and legal compliance.
Salary - £120,000-£185,000
Contract type - Permanent
Working pattern/flexible working - The Partnership has adopted a hybrid working approach, meaning you'll be able to work a mixture between the office, other Partnership locations and home. The leadership team aims for 3 days a week in the office or stores to connect and on a more ad-hoc basis to attend key meetings.
Location - This role is based in our Bracknell Office, with an expectation to travel nationally as required to support our distribution network.
Key responsibilities
- Define and execute a pan-Partnership fleet strategy that encompasses vehicle specification, procurement, and a transition to alternative fuels like hydrogen and electric to support ESG goals.
- Act as the primary lead for transport legal compliance, ensuring robust auditing processes and safety standards are embedded across the entire network.
- Manage a sizeable budget, leading commercial negotiations with third-party suppliers and vendors to ensure maximum return on investment and cost-effective asset management.
- Champion the adoption of new in-cab technologies, trailer designs, and systems to streamline supply chain management and enhance the end-to-end customer journey.
- Build influential relationships with cross-functional internal teams and represent the Partnership on major industry bodies such as Logistics UK, RHA, and DeFRA.
Essential skills/experience you’ll need
- Significant experience in a senior fleet management position within a complex logistics, supply chain, or fulfilment environment.
- Proven track record of leading large-scale commercial fleet negotiations and managing complex contracts with third-party service providers.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and empower large, geographically dispersed teams through significant organisational change.
- Deep understanding of transport law and safety regulations, with the ability to mitigate risks and influence future legislation through industry lobbying.
- A strong commercial mindset with the ability to identify opportunities and articulate financial impact to create powerful business cases.
- Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence - National/International.
Closing Date: July 17, 2026
Pay: £133,000.00 - £185,000.00 Annual
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours of Work: 35 Hours
Job Level: Partnership Level 4
Where You'll Be Working: Bracknell Campus, Doncastle Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 8YA
ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP
We’re the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees, we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to our future, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us. We’re ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify. Never Knowingly Undersold on price, quality and service in John Lewis and passionately serving food-lovers in Waitrose.
As Partners we all share the responsibility of ownership and in its rewards. We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through the good and challenging times, holding true to our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect. We all own making the Partnership somewhere we belong. Embracing our differences and creating an environment where we’re free to be ourselves and can THRIVE. Growing ourselves individually, and as a collective. As Partners, we make all the difference. And, we all own it.
Important points to note: It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre-employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third-party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles.
We also recommend that you apply as soon as possible as vacancies can close early if we see a high number of applicants. We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Fleet & Compliance in Bracknell
✨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 John Lewis 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 John Lewis!
✨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 John Lewis 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 Fleet & Compliance in Bracknell
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 John Lewis:This is your chance to really connect with the team at John Lewis. 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 John Lewis
✨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 John Lewis.
✨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 John Lewis 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 John Lewis. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
