At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Fleet Procurement and shape logistics strategies to optimise cost, service, and sustainability.
- Company: Join Marks & Spencer, a forward-thinking retail leader committed to innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, bonuses, and tailored training from day one.
- Other info: Flexible work locations with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- 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 are essential.
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.
What you’ll do:
- Own and lead the Fleet Procurement category, setting direction and driving delivery against Logistics priorities.
- 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.
Who you are:
- 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.
What’s in it for you?
- 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.
Everyone’s welcome. 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.
We encourage reasonable adjustments. 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 & Spencer Plc
Marks & Spencer is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including a generous holiday allowance, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, you will find meaningful opportunities to grow your career while contributing to a conscientious retail future. The London Support Centre and Castle Donington distribution centre locations provide a vibrant backdrop for your professional journey, ensuring that every day brings new challenges and rewards.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Fleet
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the logistics and procurement space. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its fleet strategies. Show us that you understand their market dynamics and how you can contribute to their goals. Tailor your examples to highlight your experience in sourcing and negotiation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills align with the role of Category Manager. Focus on your commercial judgement and ability to drive change, as these are key to impressing the hiring team.
✨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 genuinely interested in being part of our team at Marks & Spencer.
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 achievements!
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen:In your application, emphasise your strong commercial judgement and any relevant examples of how you've influenced decisions or delivered value in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can navigate complexity and drive change!
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, so share those collaborative success stories!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & Spencer Plc
✨Know Your Fleet Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fleet market dynamics, including leasing options, maintenance solutions, and alternative fuels. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the logistics procurement landscape but are also ready to lead the Fleet Procurement category.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated complex negotiations and delivered value in previous roles. Highlight your ability to balance cost, service, and sustainability, as this is crucial for the role. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact.
✨Build Strong Partnerships
Think about how you’ve collaborated with different departments like Finance, Legal, and HR in past projects. Be ready to share stories that demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships and drive commercial change through teamwork. This will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, especially when it comes to sourcing strategies and contract management. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can turn strategy into action.
