At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Fleet Procurement, shaping strategies and driving delivery for logistics priorities.
- Company: Join M&S, a forward-thinking retail leader committed to innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and tailored training from day one.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal growth and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in logistics while working with diverse teams and cutting-edge solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in logistics procurement and strong commercial judgement required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Join our Logistics Procurement team as a Category Manager and play a key role in shaping how we source, negotiate and manage fleet solutions that keep our operations moving. You'll lead the Fleet Procurement and other logistics categories end-to-end, bringing market insight and strong commercial thinking to influence decisions, deliver value, and balance cost, service and sustainability. Working closely with colleagues across Fleet, Logistics, Finance, Legal, HR and Procurement, you'll turn strategy into action through robust sourcing, smart contracting and continuous improvement.
The role can be based at either London Support Centre located close to Paddington Station or at our distribution centre in Castle Donington, with a minimum of three days per week on site at the home base location. Additional travel to the London Support Centre (if based in Castle Donington) and depot locations will be required, including attendance at monthly Finance and Procurement huddles in person in London.
Your key accountabilities will include:
- Own and lead the Fleet Procurement category, setting direction and driving delivery against Logistics priorities. Also, you'll get involved in other logistics categories so there will be plenty of diversity.
- Develop and deliver category strategies and plans, using external market insight to shape future opportunities.
- Lead end-to-end source-to-contract activity: sourcing approach, commercial evaluation, negotiation, approvals and contract award.
- Drive commercial change by optimising the balance between cost, service, risk and sustainability, and embedding benefits with Finance.
- Build strong partnerships across Fleet, Logistics, Finance, Legal and wider Procurement to support decisions, governance and continuous improvement.
Your skills will include:
- Significant Logistics procurement experience (ideally including Fleet, transport and freight), with a strong track record of delivering time‑critical outcomes.
- Strong understanding of fleet market dynamics and experience across areas such as leasing/lease vs buy, maintenance solutions, alternative fuels, MHE and trailer procurement.
- Confident commercial judgement with the ability to challenge constructively, influence senior business partners and navigate complexity.
- Proven experience running sourcing projects end-to-end, including negotiation, supplier management and value delivery.
- Strong contracting capability, including drafting and shaping schedules/commercials, and working confidently through approvals and governance.
Working at M&S means being part of something bigger - helping to deliver quality, value and service to millions of customers every day. We're inclusive, fast-moving and always evolving, with a strong sense of purpose and a focus on doing the right thing.
Here are just a few of the benefits that make working here even more rewarding:
- 20% colleague discount on all M&S products and many third-party brands for you and someone in your household, available once you've completed your probation
- Competitive holiday allowance with the option to buy more
- Discretionary bonus schemes linked to your performance and ours
- Strong pension and life assurance to help plan for the future
- Tailored induction and training to support your development from day one
- Exclusive perks and savings through our M&S Choices portal
- Market-leading family policies, including parental, adoption and neonatal leave
- 24/7 wellbeing support, including virtual GP access and mental health services
- One paid volunteer day a year to support a cause that matters to you
We are ambitious about the future of retail. We're disrupting, innovating and leading the industry into a more conscientious, inspiring digital era. We're transforming how we work together and offering our most exciting opportunities yet. Marks & Spencer strives to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Join us and make change happen.
We are committed to building diverse and representative teams, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best. We support each other and work together to win together.
If you feel you'd benefit from any support or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, please don't hesitate to let us know when completing your application. This information will be picked up by our team, so we can try and put steps in place to help you be at your best through this process.
Category Manager - Fleet employer: Marks and Spencer
At Marks & Spencer, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive and dynamic employer that values innovation and collaboration. As a Category Manager in our Logistics Procurement team, you'll enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through tailored training and development opportunities, alongside competitive benefits such as a generous colleague discount and comprehensive wellbeing support. With locations in both London and Castle Donington, you will be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to delivering quality and sustainability in our operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Fleet
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the logistics and procurement space, especially those who work at M&S. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into fleet market dynamics. Brush up on leasing vs buying, maintenance solutions, and alternative fuels. Show us you know your stuff and can bring valuable insights to the table!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! We want to see how you handle tough conversations. Role-play with a friend or mentor to get comfortable with challenging scenarios and showcasing your commercial judgement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the team and making a difference in logistics procurement.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - Fleet
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in logistics procurement, especially in fleet management. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen:In your application, emphasise your strong commercial judgement and any examples where you've influenced decisions or navigated complex situations. We love seeing candidates who can think strategically and deliver value.
Highlight Collaboration Skills:Since this role involves working closely with various teams, make sure to mention your experience in building partnerships across departments. We’re looking for someone who can turn strategy into action through teamwork!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks and Spencer
✨Know Your Fleet Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fleet market dynamics. Understand the latest trends in leasing, maintenance solutions, and alternative fuels. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to be asked about your experience with end-to-end sourcing projects. Prepare specific examples where you've successfully negotiated contracts or managed supplier relationships. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be ready to discuss how you've balanced cost, service, and sustainability in past roles. Think of examples where your commercial judgement made a significant impact. This will demonstrate your ability to influence decisions and drive value.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Since you'll be working closely with various teams, it's crucial to establish a good connection during the interview. Be personable, ask insightful questions about their experiences, and show enthusiasm for collaboration. This can set you apart from other candidates.
