At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Fleet Procurement, develop strategies, and drive commercial change in logistics.
- Company: Join M&S, a forward-thinking retailer with a strong sense of purpose.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and tailored training from day one.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team transforming retail and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in logistics procurement and strong commercial judgement required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
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. 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.
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.
Category Manager - Fleet employer: Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters inclusivity and innovation. With a strong focus on employee development, you will benefit from tailored training and a range of competitive perks, including a generous colleague discount and comprehensive wellbeing support. Located in vibrant London or the strategic distribution centre in Castle Donington, you will be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to making a positive impact in the retail industry.
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 industry, especially those already working 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 those interviews! Research M&S’s values and recent projects in Fleet Procurement. Show us you’re not just a fit for the role but also for our culture. We love candidates who align with our mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since the role involves a lot of sourcing and contract management, being able to demonstrate your commercial judgement in mock scenarios can really impress us 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 you’re serious about joining our team at M&S.
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 for the Category Manager role. Highlight your logistics procurement experience and any specific achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use examples from your past experiences to show how you've successfully managed sourcing projects or influenced senior partners. This is your chance to shine, so let us know what you’re capable of!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point, making it easy for us to see your potential.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application reaches us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & Spencer
✨Know Your Fleet Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fleet procurement and logistics. Understand the latest trends in leasing, maintenance solutions, and alternative fuels. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but are also aware of the current market dynamics.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to demonstrate your experience with end-to-end sourcing projects. Think of specific examples where you've successfully negotiated contracts or managed supplier relationships. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be ready to discuss how you've balanced cost, service, risk, and sustainability in past roles. Prepare to share examples of how you've influenced senior partners and navigated complex situations. This will highlight your ability to make sound commercial judgments.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their procurement strategies and challenges. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you assess if the company culture aligns with your values.
