At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage logistics procurement, develop strategies, and enhance supplier performance.
- Company: Well-known organisation in Leeds focused on procurement growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, hybrid working, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Opportunity for career development in a strategic procurement function.
- Why this job: Lead impactful logistics projects and influence major business decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and analytical mindset.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
As a Category Manager - Logistics, you will manage procurement activities within the logistics category, ensuring the organisation secures the best value for its resources.
A well-known organisation in Leeds is looking to grow their procurement function.
As Lead Category Manager, you will take ownership of a broad Logistics and Supply Chain portfolio, partnering closely with stakeholders across Operations, Supply Chain, Distribution, Finance and Commercial functions. You will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies that improve operational efficiency, reduce cost, enhance supplier performance and support long-term business objectives. This role requires a strong blend of procurement expertise, commercial leadership, stakeholder engagement and market insight.
Areas of responsibility may include:
- Road transport and haulage services
- Third-party logistics (3PL) and contract warehousing
- Distribution and fulfilment operations
- Final mile and home delivery solutions
- International freight and customs management
- Fleet procurement, maintenance and management
- Warehouse automation and robotics
- Materials handling equipment
- Logistics technology and supply chain systems
- Packaging and supply chain consumables
- Engineering and maintenance services
These categories directly influence service levels, customer satisfaction, operational resilience and overall business performance.
Key Responsibilities
Category Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and implement category strategies aligned to business objectives and operational priorities.
- Build and maintain a robust pipeline of procurement and value creation opportunities.
- Identify market trends, supplier innovations and emerging technologies to support future business requirements.
- Develop category roadmaps that deliver both short-term savings and long-term value.
- Lead strategic planning activities for key logistics categories.
Strategic Sourcing & Commercial Delivery
- Lead end-to-end sourcing activities from strategy development through to supplier implementation.
- Deliver sustainable cost savings and operational efficiencies across the logistics portfolio.
- Conduct complex commercial negotiations and contract renewals.
- Ensure sourcing decisions balance cost, service, risk and operational performance.
- Support large-scale logistics, distribution and supply chain transformation projects.
- Drive commercial excellence through rigorous supplier selection and evaluation processes.
Supplier Relationship Management
- Develop and manage strategic supplier relationships.
- Establish performance management frameworks and governance structures.
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement through supplier partnerships.
- Proactively manage supply chain, operational and commercial risks.
- Ensure suppliers contribute to sustainability, resilience and efficiency objectives.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as a trusted procurement partner to senior leaders and operational stakeholders.
- Provide expert commercial advice on logistics and supply chain initiatives.
- Influence decision-making across complex cross-functional environments.
- Support executive priorities, capital investment programmes and transformation activities.
- Promote procurement best practice across the organisation.
What You'll Be Doing Day-to-Day
A successful Logistics Procurement professional will:
- Manage high-value logistics contracts and supplier relationships.
- Lead tender exercises, competitive sourcing events and contract negotiations.
- Analyse logistics spend and identify opportunities for cost reduction and value creation.
- Work closely with transport, warehouse and fulfilment teams to understand operational requirements.
- Monitor supplier performance against KPIs and service level agreements.
- Assess market conditions, freight trends and supplier capabilities.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across logistics operations.
- Support strategic projects involving automation, network optimisation and supply chain transformation.
- Mitigate supplier and operational risks through effective procurement planning and governance.
- Deliver measurable commercial outcomes while protecting service performance.
Profile
A successful Category Manager - Logistics should have:
We're looking for a driven procurement professional with strong commercial capability and a passion for supply chain and logistics.
Essential Experience
- Significant experience within Procurement and Category Management.
- Proven track record of developing and implementing successful category strategies.
- Strong sourcing, tendering and commercial negotiation experience.
- Experience managing complex supplier relationships and contracts.
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders and operate effectively within matrix organisations.
- Strong analytical, financial and problem-solving skills.
- Experience delivering measurable cost savings and business value.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Desirable Experience
- Procurement experience across Logistics, Supply Chain, Transport, Distribution or Warehousing categories.
- Experience managing 3PL, transport, freight or fulfilment contracts.
- Understanding of warehouse operations, fleet management and logistics cost drivers.
- Knowledge of logistics market trends and supplier landscapes.
- Experience supporting supply chain transformation programmes.
- CIPS qualification or equivalent professional accreditation.
We also welcome applications from experienced Category Managers looking to progress into a broader leadership role within Logistics Procurement.
Job Offer
This is a unique opportunity to join a business where Procurement is recognised as a strategic function and a key driver of operational success.
You will have the opportunity to:
- Lead strategically important logistics categories.
- Influence major commercial and operational decisions.
- Work with senior stakeholders across the business.
- Deliver high-profile sourcing and transformation projects.
- Build partnerships with industry-leading logistics suppliers.
- Drive innovation, sustainability and long-term value creation.
- Develop your career within a forward-thinking procurement function.
Rewards & Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Annual performance bonus
- Car allowance
- Pension scheme
- Hybrid and flexible working
- Private healthcare and wellbeing support
- Employee assistance programme
- Enhanced family-friendly policies
If you're interested in this role, apply now.
Senior Category Manager - Logistics in Leeds employer: Michael Page
At Michael Page, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that champions community impact through our Social Value Lead role. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth while making a meaningful difference in the property industry. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive salaries and a commitment to employee well-being, ensuring that you thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager - Logistics in Leeds
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Michael Page and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Michael Page!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Michael Page keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager - Logistics in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Michael Page:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Michael Page. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Michael Page.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Michael Page that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Michael Page. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
