Category Manager

CEVA Logistics provides global supply chain solutions to connect people, products and providers all around the world. We are supply chain experts. We live and breathe logistics every day. Above all, we believe that this is a people business. That’s why we are building a global culture of teamwork and respect. We encourage initiative, and we engage and empower our diverse workforce to grow their careers within CEVA.

CEVA Logistics offers a broad range of end-to-end, customized solutions in both Contract Logistics and Freight Management thanks to our approximately 98,000 employees at more than 1,000 facilities in 160 countries worldwide. With the recent acquisition of the former Ingram Micro Commerce & Lifecycle Services business, we are building one of the world’s leading end-to-end eCommerce service offerings through the dedication and passion of our people—the heartbeat of our organization. As we continue growing at a fast pace, will you “Dare to Grow” with us?

YOUR ROLE

Our Procurement and Carrier Management team based across Northwest Europe have an exciting opportunity for a practiced UK&I Category Manager where you will be responsible for the procurement of our Ground & Rail sub-contractor network, ensuring suppliers are operationally efficient and effective meeting not only CEVA’s or our customers needs.

This hybrid role will see you working Monday to Friday, where you will work from our head office in Ashby de la Zouch collaborating within the wider team, travelling to supplier and CEVA operations and working from home focused on sourcing strategies and category expenditure.

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?

Reporting into the Head of Procurement Carrier Management Northwest Europe and collaborating closely with the UK&I Carrier Management team you will be responsible for all UK&I procurement activities where you will forge strong working relationships with key suppliers and stakeholders, implementing clear business plans, category strategies, and sourcing objectives, with a focus on risk mitigation suggesting improvements to operational management and suppliers. You will lead all contractual commercial negotiations with suppliers, managing tender processes, from the identification of needs to supplier selection and implementation, therefore your ability to lead discussions and influence is crucial to this role.

Through effective process management you will define, assess, qualify and evaluate suppliers in cooperation with operational and carrier management teams. You will manage RFX processes for all Ground & Rail sub-contracting activities and prepare recommendations following commercial evaluation of suppler business proposals where you will implement supplier development programs or onboarding practices dependant on outcome.

You will also support the Head of Procurement Carrier Management with annual procurement planning, reviewing objectives and performance goals, identify cost reduction opportunities, monitor and report on market trends, and support in the implementation of policies and practices, sharing knowledge and understanding where appropriate.   

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

To be successful in your application you must be able to demonstrate proven road freight or logistics category management experience and hold a Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply certification (CIPS). You will have proven experience of managing the end-to-end process of supplier onboarding including risk mitigation, contract review and commercial negotiations.

You will be a natural communicator, negotiator and influencer able to form excellent internal and external partnerships with a strong team ethos. You will be a natural problem solver, logical and commercial thinker able to utilise data to consider data outputs, cost analysis and operational impact.

It goes without saying that you will be proficient in MS packages particularly in MS Excel and have some familiarity with BI tools.

WHAT DO WE HAVE TO OFFER?

With a genuine culture of reward and recognition, we want our employees to grow, develop and be part of our journey. We offer a benefits package that includes competitive annual leave entitlement with a fantastic holiday buy scheme, pension and life assurance along with access to an employee benefits platform that offers discounts on gym memberships and money off vouchers for a diverse range of retail, travel and hospitality brands. There’s no doubt that you will be compensated for your hard work and commitment so if you’d like to work for one of the top Logistics providers in the world then please do get in touch to find your next role.

ABOUT TOMORROW

We value your professional and personal growth. That’s why we share plenty of career opportunities for you to thrive within CEVA. Join CEVA for a challenging career.

CEVA Logistics UK&I is committed to attracting, acquiring and retaining the best possible candidates  in an equal and inclusive way that is consistent with employment legislation and best practice. We aim to select the best available person for  every vacancy irrespective of age, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, political beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment and marital or civil partnership status.
Please note that candidates will be subject to the necessary right to work checks for the UK and Ireland. IND1