Category Manager (Fleet) – Derby
Salary Equivilaent: £41,800 to £52,250
Location: Derby (Hybrid – 3 days office, 2 days home)
Contract: Interim
Are you an experienced procurement professional looking to make an impact in the rail industry? We have an exciting opportunity for a Category Manager (Fleet) to join a leading transport organisation in Derby.
About the Role:
As a Category Manager, you will play a key role in managing fleet-related procurement, ensuring best value and compliance with governance frameworks. You will work across departments, managing contracts, leading tenders, and negotiating with suppliers to optimise performance and cost-efficiency.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop procurement strategies for fleet-related categories, including vehicle materials, site services, depot equipment, and engineering.
- Lead tendering processes and establish robust contractual agreements.
- Ensure compliance with procurement regulations, including Utilities Contract Regulations 2016.
- Manage supplier relationships, driving performance improvements and cost savings.
- Support the achievement of procurement KPIs, including a savings target of approximately £3m.
- Collaborate with stakeholders across Fleet, Finance, Projects, and the Department for Transport.
- Maintain and govern the contracts database to ensure ongoing compliance and risk management.
- Drive sustainability initiatives and continuous procurement improvement.
About You:
- Degree qualified or equivalent experience.
- CIPS qualification (or working towards it).
- Strong experience in procurement and contract management, ideally within a regulated environment.
- Knowledge of fleet-related procurement and depot operations is an advantage.
- Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong analytical and commercial acumen.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple deadlines effectively.
What’s on Offer?
- Competitive day rate salary.
- Hybrid working (3 days in the office, 2 days from home).
- Great benefits including free rail travel, pension scheme, and 34 days holiday.
- A collaborative and performance-driven working environment.
If you’d like to know more about this position, just hit the apply button and I’ll be in touch. You’ll find my number on Linked In (Bethan Kirby at Distinct Recruitment). If you prefer, you could drop me a connection or message on Linked In and we can pick up on there.