Category Manager – UK Logistics

About the role

We are currently recruiting for a Category Manager (UK Logistics) to create value by building and implementing innovative category strategies and commercial procurement solutions that deliver a competitively advantaged supply base for DS Smith across all Logistics expense in the UK.

Reporting to the Head of Logistics Procurement, the Category Manager – UK Logistics is responsible for driving multi-year, holistic value and cost reduction with suppliers through the development of a multi-year category strategy. The annual Logistics spend under management for the role is £90M. The role negotiates directly with senior members of large logistics suppliers with deal sizes of circa £140M in total value over the contract term.

This spend comprises of Logistics expense across all divisions and forms of Logistics in the UK including Ground Transport and Warehousing. Holistic value includes the identification of priority ESG strategies across the category and working with suppliers to drive increased customer service. Key stakeholders are all divisions in the UK and within Group Supply Chain including up to Managing Director level.

Key accountabilities

Responsibilities include (but not limited):

• Shaping and aligning the Logistics Procurement strategy to support the achievement of business goals including growth, innovation, ESG (inc. Scope 3) and deployment of DS Smith’s End-to-End Supply Chain strategy

• Partnering with stakeholders to ensure the function competitively sources logistics services whilst maintaining and building strong relationships with strategic suppliers in line with group Innovation, ESG and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion goals

• Partnering differently across the value chain to create innovative business offerings that delight our customers and support DS Smith business growth

About you

• A strong background and understanding in Logistics and procurement

• Ideally 5 years relevant experience at the same or similar level

• Bachelor’s degree level or equivalent by experience

• Microsoft-Office suite – including Excel to manipulate and interrogate data

• Experience in developing and successfully implementing 3+ year category strategies

• Experience in implementing and managing a range of complex procurement sourcing and contracting negotiations (ideally high value contracts of circa £35+ million in annual spend)

• Experience in building strategic relationships with suppliers to consolidate spend

• Experience in optimising Logistics spend working closely with business stakeholders

Benefits

Additional benefits include:

• Competitive salary 

• Discretionary bonus 

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays

• Car allowance 

• Pension scheme, life assurance and income protection 

• Share save scheme 

• Private medical insurance 

• Salary- sacrifice electric car scheme 

• Employee Assistance Program 

• Employee Discounts 

• Cycle to work scheme

Location: Hybrid role – with travel

About us

We’re DS Smith, the FTSE100 company who are redefining packaging for a changing world. We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. Today, we operate in more than 30 different countries, proudly employing over 30,000 people, and supporting customers across sectors like FMCG, industrial, and e-commerce. We deliver on quality, service, innovation, and added value to deliver market-leading sustainable packaging solutions our customers need. Our industry needs to transform, and we’re building the team to drive change across Europe and North America.

To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.  

Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.