DHL Supply Chain
Head of Procurement & Carrier Management
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Head of Procurement and Carrier Management
Grade: RCS I Contract Type: Permanent (Full-Time) Location: Birmingham – B92 9EP
About the Role
Think you know DHL? Think again! DHL Supply Chain is the world’s leading logistics company, and our team are the driving force keeping the wheels of the economy moving. We’re looking for a strategic and visionary leader to step into the role of Head of Procurement and Carrier Management within the Jaguar Land Rover Control Tower in Solihull.
This is a high-impact position where you will shape and execute cutting-edge procurement and carrier strategies, championing cost efficiency, service excellence, and long-term competitive advantage in a fast-moving, global logistics landscape. As a trusted advisor to Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and key stakeholders, you will align business operations with customer demands while navigating evolving market dynamics.
Your leadership will focus on:
- Building a high-performing, agile carrier network
- Championing best-in-class procurement practices across the LLP (Logistics Location Point)
- Embedding continuous improvement, robust governance, and data-driven insights to ensure carriers consistently meet the highest standards
- Inspiring and developing a talented team, fostering accountability, innovation, collaboration, and a culture of relentless service improvement
- Driving strategic initiatives that enhance operational performance and unlock business value at scale.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Strategy
- Take ownership of the carrier cost base, driving transparency, control, and continuous optimisation across spend.
- Ensure clear and actionable carrier rate visibility for informed decision-making and commercial advantage.
- Establish and lead robust carrier performance frameworks, including KPIs and measurable service outcomes.
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Carrier Network Optimisation
- Drive performance improvement through structured action plans to address gaps and enhance delivery excellence.
- Lead carrier research and development, identifying new partners, innovations, and growth opportunities to strengthen the network.
- Develop and maintain strategic carrier relationships, ensuring long-term alignment and collaboration.
Tenders & Commercial Excellence
- Play a key role in major tender activities, including DHL LLP mega tenders and JLR Timconsult initiatives.
- Identify and execute cost-saving and value-creation opportunities, with clear implementation plans and measurable impact tracking.
Stakeholder Support & Financial Governance
- Provide accurate, timely, and commercially sound cost insights to support stakeholders in customer cost indications.
- Oversee and optimise carrier payment flows, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and strong financial governance.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The role would suit candidates with:
- Extensive knowledge of European Transport (Operational Methods, Geography, Rate Structures & Cost Elements).
- Deep understanding of the EU Network Plan, including criteria that drive solution design.
- A high level of attention to detail, with the ability to analyse complex data to ensure accuracy and relevance.
- Exceptional organisational skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines consistently.
- Strong problem-solving aptitude, able to assess complex situations and recommend actionable solutions.
- Confidence in preparing and delivering presentations to internal teams and external clients.
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Desirable Qualifications:
- MICIPS certification.
- Certificate in Logistics or Freight Forwarding.
Why Join DHL Supply Chain?
We value your work-life balance and offer:
- 26 days’ annual leave.
- Flexible working options—just ask about alternative patterns at interview.
- A generous pension scheme (8% employer contribution, plus 4% from you).
- Free 24/7 confidential GP consultations.
- Hundreds of retail and lifestyle discounts.
- Affordable loans, savings schemes, and free mortgage advice.
For more details on life at DHL, visit https://careers.dhl.com/global/en/working-at-dhl-supply-chain.
About Us
We’re the global leaders in supply chain management, with 188,000 employees in over 50 countries. Our diverse teams drive value across industries—retail, automotive, healthcare, and more—ensuring seamless operations for our customers.
Building an Inclusive Workplace
At DHL Supply Chain, we embrace diversity and individuality, ensuring everyone’s skills and experiences are recognised and respected. As proud supporters of the Armed Forces Covenant, we’re committed to empowering ex-service personnel and veterans in our workforce.
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