At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy for logistics, shaping supplier partnerships and driving commercial value.
- Company: Join M&S, a forward-thinking retail giant 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 development and community support.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of M&S's growth, influencing decisions and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in logistics procurement and strong analytical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the M&S Procurement team and take the commercial lead across some of the most important areas of our logistics operation. You’ll own the procurement strategy for Courier Services, Returns Fulfilment and Stock Exit, using your logistics expertise and commercial judgement to shape supplier strategies, lead complex negotiations and deliver sustainable value for M&S. Working across Logistics, Supply Chain, Finance, Legal, Technology and Trading, you’ll have the opportunity to influence decisions at pace, challenge the status quo and help us build strong, innovative supplier partnerships that balance cost, service, resilience and the needs of our customers. M&S is looking to double its Fashion, Home and Beauty business and online and increase its online volume as such this role will be at the heart of enabling the business to grow.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Own and shape the category strategy across Courier Services, Returns Fulfilment and Stock Exit, building sourcing roadmaps and commercial plans that support the needs of M&S.
- Lead complex sourcing and contract negotiations end-to-end, from developing the strategy and engaging the market through to negotiation, award, mobilisation and renewal.
- Drive commercial value from our logistics partnerships, using market insight, benchmarking, cost modelling and demand data to challenge suppliers and optimise cost, service, capacity and working capital.
- Create effective commercial routes for returns and stock exit, helping M&S maximise value from surplus, obsolete and returned stock while protecting our brand and supporting responsible, circular solutions.
- Build trusted relationships across M&S and our supplier network, partnering with teams across Logistics, Supply Chain, Trading, Finance, Legal, Technology and Sustainability to manage risk, improve performance and unlock new opportunities.
Who you are
- Strong experience within logistics procurement, ideally gained in a large or complex organisation, with excellent knowledge of courier, fulfilment and outsourced logistics services.
- Proven experience of courier or parcel-carrier procurement and negotiation, with an understanding of areas such as pricing models, tariffs, fuel and peak surcharges, capacity, service levels and indexation.
- Experience across returns, reverse logistics or stock-exit solutions, with an understanding of how to balance commercial value, operational performance, risk and brand protection.
- Strong commercial and analytical skills, with experience using data, cost modelling, scenario analysis and market insight to inform decisions and deliver measurable value.
- A confident communicator and influencer who can build credibility with senior business partners, constructively challenge thinking and bring different teams together to deliver in a fast-paced environment.
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 paced 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.
Procurement Category Manager - Fulfilment & Logistics in London employer: Marks
Marks, part of the Propelis Group, is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture in its London studio. With a focus on employee growth, team members are empowered to take ownership of their projects while being supported by experienced colleagues and strong client relationships. This hybrid role offers the unique opportunity to lead creative initiatives for a globally recognised brand, making a meaningful impact in a dynamic environment that values creativity and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager - Fulfilment & Logistics in London
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Marks.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Category Manager - Fulfilment & Logistics in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Marks:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Marks. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Marks.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Marks!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Marks. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Marks's culture.
