At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Fleet Procurement, develop strategies, and drive commercial change in logistics.
- Company: Join M&S, a forward-thinking retailer committed to quality and service.
- 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: Be part of a dynamic team transforming retail and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in logistics procurement and strong commercial judgement required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ 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.
- 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. 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, competitive benefits including a generous colleague discount, and a commitment to sustainability, M&S empowers its team members to thrive both personally and professionally. The London Support Centre and Castle Donington distribution centre locations provide unique opportunities for collaboration and growth within the logistics sector, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact.
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 give you insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to Fleet Procurement. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the role's requirements. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your knowledge of market dynamics during interviews. Discuss trends in fleet management and how they could impact M&S. This will demonstrate your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
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, especially in fleet management, and show how your skills align with what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've delivered time-critical outcomes in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who can build strong partnerships and influence others, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are and what drives you.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, your application will go straight to us, and we can get to know you better right from the start!
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 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 sector but are also passionate about it.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask you to demonstrate your experience in running sourcing projects end-to-end. Think of specific examples where you've successfully negotiated contracts or managed supplier relationships, and be ready to share the outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss how you've balanced cost, service, risk, and sustainability in past roles. Highlight any commercial changes you've driven and how they benefited your previous employers, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Since this role involves collaboration across various departments, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to build strong partnerships. During the interview, engage with your interviewers, ask insightful questions, and show genuine interest in their perspectives.
