Senior Category Manager - Logistics

As a Category Manager - Logistics, you'll manage procurement activities within the logistics category, ensuring the organisation secures the best value for its resources.

Client Details

A well known organisation in Leeds looking to grow their procurement function

Description

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.

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.

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'll 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