Senior Category Manager

DHL; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job description

About DHL and Procurement:

DHL Group is the logistics provider of the world with over 580,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories. We are an organization that is not just moving goods around; we have a very clear purpose, and we are: Connecting People. Improving Lives. We provide challenges and opportunities for personal and professional development, recognizing the difference you bring to our business and sharing the pride of building one of the largest world leaders in logistics and supply chain.

DHL Corporate Procurement is a trustworthy business partner that builds a competitive ecosystem for the DHL Group – SUSTAINABLE, AGILE, CONNECTED, FORWARD LOOKING. We transform the way DHL sources products, systems, and services from external partners, leveraging modern digital tools and technologies. Our global procurement team is our biggest asset, and by focusing on clear priorities, we drive tangible value for our colleagues. As our business keeps growing, we want you in our EMEA region.

Ready to immerse yourself in the exciting world of Procurement? Join the team and bring your expertise on board! As part of the DHL Group, you will be working with a global network of Procurement colleagues and benefit from a wide range of development opportunities.

Ready to Join Us?

We are looking to fill a full-time, permanent position for a Senior Category Manager at Milton Keynes, UK. In this role, you will drive strategic sourcing for warehouse automation, robotics, and industrial equipment, supporting global and regional initiatives within the DPDHL Group.

You’ll be responsible for developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and collaborating with internal stakeholders to deliver value through cost savings, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Your tasks:

• Lead and manage sourcing needs for warehouse automation, robotics, and industrial equipment across local, regional, and global initiatives.
• Conduct research and collaborate with business colleagues to identify strategic sourcing opportunities.
• Develop, manage, and maintain strong supplier relationships, gaining a deep understanding of the market trends and regional business needs.
• Prepare and lead supplier negotiations, tenders, and contract discussions with local, regional, and global suppliers.
• Build and implement sourcing strategies for warehouse automation and equipment, aligned with DHL’s Innovation and Sustainability agenda.
• Manage risks and ensure resilience in sourcing services, keeping up with industry best practices, regulatory frameworks, and current legislation.
• Support value contribution and efficiency across procurement activities to meet internal business partner demands for quality, price, and service.
• Coach and promote cross-functional collaboration.
• Handle complex contracts, including new contract types (e.g., partnerships with startups).
• Drive innovation and leverage digital tools in the sourcing process.

Your profile:

• University degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years in sourcing for technical products or services, with experience in industrial automation, supply chain management, or related fields, preferably with cross-regional sourcing experience.
• Proven ability to lead negotiations for mid-to-large volume, high-impact contracts with varying levels of complexity.
• Experience working in virtual, international teams.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken; additional languages are a plus.
• Strong background in contract management, risk management, and project management.

We offer:

• Great opportunity to work for the biggest logistics company in the world.
• International and virtual environment.
• Flexibility and great opportunity to learn.
• Tempting compensation and benefits.

DHL is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

If this is something you would like to do, don’t hesitate and start your application.

About the company

We are an international team of over 400,000 shipping professionals, united by a passion for logistics. And we work in a unique environment. DHL is as innovative as a start-up, with the power of an international organization.