Logistics Contracts Manager

Co-op; Kettering; Hybrid; GBP 58,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading grocery retailer in the UK is seeking a Logistics Contracts Manager to manage critical third-party logistics relationships. This hybrid role involves overseeing contract performance and ensuring compliance with service levels. The ideal candidate will have FMCG experience, strong communication skills, and a proven ability to drive continuous improvement. Attractive benefits include an annual bonus, healthcare options, and a company car.

Benefits

Company car

Annual bonus

28 days holiday

Pension contributions

Private healthcare

Gym access

Employee discounts

Virtual healthcare

24/7 support service

Development training

Qualifications

• FMCG experience managing supplier relationships.
• Ability to define policies for compliance.
• Track record in continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex supplier relationships for optimal value.
• Monitor metrics to identify risks and variances.
• Lead contractual reviews and define operational plans.

Skills

Experience managing third-party contracts

Understanding of Logistics operations

Ability to formulate strategy

Experience building relationships with senior partners

Market knowledge

Change management

Budget management

Communication skills

Job description

Logistics Contracts Manager

£58,000 - £68,000 plus company car and great benefits (Work Level 5)
Hybrid role, splitting your time between working from home and regular travel (a couple of times per week) to our depots in Andover, Avonmouth, Coventry, Lea Green, Thurrock, and Wellingborough, as well as our support centre in Manchester (find out more about our hybrid working policy at https://jobs.coop.co.uk/hybrid-working-policy).

We’re looking for a Logistics Contracts Manager to join our Logistics team and take ownership of some of our most critical third‑party logistics (3PL) relationships. You’ll manage high‑value contracts and work closely with suppliers delivering transport and warehousing services across our network, ensuring service performance, compliance, and commercial value. This role is all about building strong partnerships, driving best practice, and making sure our logistics contracts deliver what our business needs.

Why this role matters

Our supplier partnerships play a vital role in keeping our logistics operations running smoothly. This role ensures we’re getting the best value and performance from our providers; not just meeting contractual obligations but exceeding them. You’ll work with internal partners across logistics, finance, and central teams to drive continuous improvement, manage risk, and ensure our suppliers deliver to the high standards our business, members and customers expect.

What you’ll do

• Manage complex supplier relationships, making sure that commercial arrangements deliver optimal value
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with suppliers, acting as a key point of contact for service and performance
• Monitor operational and financial critical metrics, identifying risks, variances, and opportunities for improvement
• Promote a proactive approach to identifying and managing risks across our logistics contracts
• Lead contractual reviews
• Translate functional strategy into operational plans aligned to SLAs and critical metrics
• Define policies and procedures to support contract delivery and compliance
• Collaborate with internal partners across logistics, finance, health & safety, and procurement
• Support continuous improvement by streamlining processes and driving innovation

What you’ll bring

• Experience managing third‑party contracts and supplier relationships within an FMCG environment
• A good understanding of Logistics operations and complexities
• The ability to formulate strategy and operational plans in line with customer, commercial and organisational strategy
• Experience building and managing relationships with senior partners and acting as a credible external business representative
• A broad market knowledge and customer understanding
• A track record of successful change management and continuous improvement
• Experience managing significant budgets and driving commercial value
• Excellent communication and influencing skills

Why Co-op?

At Co‑op, we’re owned by our members. And because we’re owned by you, we can do right by you. So when you join us, you’re not just taking a job, you’re joining a movement. We’re an organisation that puts people and communities first, and we’re powered by purpose. We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so you’ll also receive:

• An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance)
• 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays
• A pension with up to 10% employer contributions
• Company car
• Private healthcare
• Access to a subsidised onsite gym (at our Manchester HQ)
• 30% discount on Co‑op products and 10% off other brands
• Stream – early access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it
• Virtual healthcare including GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice
• 24/7 colleague support service
• Training and support for your development and career progression
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme

A place you’ll belong

We’re building diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone, and our support centre is an inclusive environment where all our colleagues can thrive.

If you have a disability, we’ll make reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment process. We’re also proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme – if you’re disabled and you meet the minimum criteria for this job, we’ll guarantee you an interview.

Learn more about our recruitment process at https://jobs.coop.co.uk/apply-process

Explore our commitments to diversity, inclusion and wellbeing at https://jobs.coop.co.uk/diversity-inclusion-wellbeing

Please note that we may close applications for this role early.

As part of your application, you’ll need to complete an online assessment. This assessment typically takes up to 50 minutes. If you’re a current Co‑op colleague, this does not need to be completed.