At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fleet procurement and manage indirect spend categories for a dynamic organisation.
- Company: Join WPS, a collaborative team driving meaningful business value.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and the chance to influence major procurement strategies.
- Other info: Opportunity to manage a significant £18m fleet portfolio and work with senior leaders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on fleet management and broader procurement activities.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in fleet procurement and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Category Lead/Manager – Fleet & Indirect Procurement
Location: Flexible / Hybrid (Finsbury Park, London)
Reporting to: Head of Procurement
About the Role:
WPS is seeking an experienced Category Manager – Fleet & Indirect Procurement to take ownership of one of our most critical spend categories while supporting wider indirect procurement activities across the business.
This is a highly autonomous role, with approximately 60% of your time focused on fleet procurement and fleet management activities and the remaining 40% dedicated to broader indirect procurement categories such as IT, HR Services, Professional Services, Office Supplies, PPE and other overhead spend.
We are looking for a procurement professional who can operate independently, build strong stakeholder relationships, and bring proven experience managing a large operational vehicle fleet.
Key Responsibilities:
Fleet Procurement (Primary Focus)
- Lead the procurement and category management of a fleet of approximately 2,000 operational vehicles.
- Develop fleet strategies that deliver cost savings, operational efficiency and compliance.
- Manage vehicle procurement, specification, fit-out and supplier selection.
- Evaluate and recommend funding options including leasing, purchasing and financing.
- Build robust business cases for fleet investment and replacement programmes.
- Manage key fleet spend areas including:
- Vans and operational vehicles
- Telematics
- Fuel and EV solutions
- Company cars
- Salary sacrifice schemes
- Vehicle maintenance and repair contracts
- Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement.
Indirect Procurement:
- Develop and implement category strategies across indirect spend areas.
- Identify opportunities for cost reduction, cost avoidance and value creation.
- Manage categories including:
- IT Services
- Recruitment
- HR Services
- Professional Services
- Office Supplies & Stationery
- PPE
- Utilities
- Travel and associated overhead spend
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align procurement strategies with business objectives.
Stakeholder & Supplier Management:
- Build strong relationships across the business and with external suppliers.
- Influence decision-making at all levels of the organisation.
- Support operational teams with supplier management and procurement best practice.
- Lead commercial negotiations and contract discussions.
About You:
We're looking for someone who can hit the ground running and confidently manage a large fleet category whilst balancing wider indirect procurement responsibilities.
Essential Experience7:
- Proven experience in Fleet Procurement or Fleet Category Management.
- Experience managing operational fleet vehicles and vans.
- Previous responsibility for a fleet of approximately 2,000 vehicles or similar scale.
- Strong indirect procurement/category management experience.
- Experience delivering cost savings, rebates and commercial value.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
Skills & Knowledge:
- Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Strong analytical and commercial acumen.
- Experience using procurement and reporting tools.
- Knowledge of compliance, governance and risk management.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Understanding of sustainable procurement and fleet strategies.
Qualifications:
- Degree level education or equivalent experience preferred.
- CIPS qualification or working towards CIPS would be advantageous.
Why Join WPS?
- Opportunity to lead a significant fleet spend portfolio of approximately £18m annually.
- Influence procurement strategy across a broader indirect spend portfolio of approximately £60m annually.
- Work closely with senior business leaders.
- Be part of a collaborative procurement team driving meaningful business value.
If you are an experienced fleet procurement professional looking for a broad category management role with genuine strategic impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Category Lead/Manager – Fleet & Indirect Procurement in Slough employer: WPS
WPS is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth of its employees while fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture. As the Executive Risk & Assurance Lead, you will have the unique opportunity to influence strategic decisions at the Board level, supported by a commitment to employee development and a proactive approach to risk management. Located in a dynamic environment, WPS offers a range of benefits that enhance work-life balance and promote a strong sense of community among its staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Lead/Manager – Fleet & Indirect Procurement in Slough
✨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 WPS.
✨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 Category Lead/Manager – Fleet & Indirect Procurement in Slough
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 WPS:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to WPS. 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 WPS.
How to prepare for a job interview at WPS
✨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 WPS!
✨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 WPS. 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 WPS's culture.
