At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Fleet Procurement and shape logistics strategies to optimise cost, service, and sustainability.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Marks & Spencer, a leader in retail innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and strong pension plans.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in logistics while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in logistics procurement and strong commercial judgement required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € 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?
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.
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.
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.
Fleet Category Manager - Logistics employer: Marks & Spencer Plc
Marks & Spencer is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and inclusivity thrive. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including a generous discount scheme, and a commitment to sustainability, you will find meaningful opportunities to grow your career while contributing to a purpose-driven organisation. Whether based in the vibrant London Support Centre or the bustling distribution centre in Castle Donington, you'll be part of a team that values collaboration and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fleet Category Manager - Logistics
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the logistics and procurement space on LinkedIn. A friendly message can go a long way, and you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨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 bring value to their logistics operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves a lot of sourcing and contract management, being able to demonstrate your commercial judgement in mock scenarios can really impress during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Fleet Category Manager - Logistics
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 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:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we can’t wait to hear from you!
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 and alternative fuels. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the logistics landscape but are also ready to lead the Fleet Procurement category.
✨Prepare for Commercial Conversations
Since this role involves significant negotiation and supplier management, practice articulating your commercial judgement. Think about past experiences where you’ve influenced decisions or navigated complex situations, and be ready to share those examples during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Sourcing Success
Be prepared to discuss specific sourcing projects you’ve led from start to finish. Highlight your approach to sourcing, how you evaluated suppliers, and the outcomes you achieved. This will demonstrate your capability in running end-to-end sourcing activities effectively.
✨Build Connections with Colleagues
Since collaboration is key in this role, think about how you can illustrate your ability to build strong partnerships across different teams. Share examples of how you’ve worked with finance, legal, or procurement teams to drive continuous improvement and deliver value.
