Transportation Category Executive UK

At LKAB, we are leading the transformation of our industry toward a sustainable future. Just as we aim to reshape the world, we are committed to developing every individual on our team, both personally and professionally. Are you ready to help shape the future of the mining and mineral industry?

Your Role

Working as part of LKAB UK Supply Chain team, the Transport & Logistics Manager UK– will have ownership for strategic purchasing for the Transport & Logistics category, focusing on Road Transport including but not limited to road tankers, tippers, bagged and palletised goods,

The role is responsible for developing and executing category strategies that ensure resilient, compliant, cost-effective, and sustainable road transport solutions aligned with LKAB’s overall supply chain and business objectives. Working closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers, the Category Manager will drive value through supplier optimisation, contract management, performance governance, and continuous improvement across the road transport category.

The category manager may be asked to undertake responsibility for other categories or help with additional categories as and when required by LKAB. The Category Manager role – will sit within the Supply Chain and Purchasing Department, reporting to the Head of Category management. This role does not have any direct reports.

Responsibilities & key work tasks

• End-to-end category ownership for allocated categories including road transport, ensuring supply continuity, cost control, and service performance.
• Develop, implement, and continuously refine category strategies for road transport, aligned with LKAB’s commercial, operational, and sustainability objectives.
• Analyse transport spend, demand patterns, and market dynamics to identify optimisation opportunities and manage total cost of ownership.
• Define and maintain an optimal supplier portfolio for road transport and associated logistics services.
• Lead sourcing activities, including tenders, negotiations, contract award, and renewal processes with suppliers in line with LKAB policies and procedures.
• Manage supplier relationships, contracts, and service level agreements, ensuring compliance with commercial, legal, regulatory, and safety requirements.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders (operations, logistics, finance, HSE) to align category strategies with operational needs.
• Establish and monitor KPIs, conduct supplier performance reviews, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify and deliver cost-saving initiatives, efficiency improvements, and service enhancements within the transport and other allocated categories.
• Support sustainability and compliance objectives, including adherence to road transport legislation and LKAB standards.
• Manage claims, disputes, and escalations with suppliers, ensuring timely resolution and minimal operational impact.

What You Bring

• Minimum of 5–7 years’ experience in category management, procurement, or supply chain roles, with a strong focus on road transport or logistics categories or other transferable logistic experience.
• Strong understanding of road transport markets, regulatory requirements, and compliance standards.
• Proven experience managing third-party logistics providers, supplier contracts, and commercial relationships.
• Advanced negotiation skills, particularly in pricing, contract terms, and service agreements.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence across functions.
• Commercially and analytically minded, with experience using data and KPIs to drive performance and value.
• Proactive and structured problem-solving approach, with the ability to manage operational and commercial challenges.
• Full UK driving licence required.

What we offer

• Company pension increasing in employer contributions after 5 years service
• Life insurance (Death in Service)
• Employee Assistance Programme for employee, partner and family
• Salary Extras - Store discount scheme
• 5 Days volunteer leave
• Reframe cancer support
• My Menopause centre
• Cycle to Work Scheme

Start: According to agreement
Type of Employment: Permanent
Scope: Full-time
Location: Location can be flexible with travel expected across the UK.

Regular travel between company sites, as well as to external collaboration partners and conferences, will be part of this role.