Direct Procurement Manager - 13 Month Fixed Term Contract

PZ Cussons; Manchester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

PZ Cussons is seeking a Direct Procurement Manager for a 13 Month Maternity Cover based in Manchester. You will own procurement strategy across brands and packaging, build supplier partnerships and drive value, while ensuring launches stay on time and on budget.

In this hands-on role you’ll negotiate to optimise costs, collaborate with NPD, Supply Chain, R&D and Quality, and monitor market trends to mitigate risk and secure resilient supply chains for our fast-moving consumer goods portfolio.

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement or sourcing within FMCG, manufacturing or packaging.
• Strong commercial instinct, with confidence in negotiation and supplier management.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.
• Great communication skills, with the confidence to influence and collaborate cross-team.
• Analytical mindset and confidence working with data.
• Familiarity with tools such as Excel, PowerPoint and ideally SAP or similar systems.

Responsibilities

• Own procurement strategy across selected brands and packaging categories, delivering value, innovation and supply continuity.
• Build and develop supplier partnerships that unlock new ideas, strengthen resilience and support long-term growth.
• Play a central role in new product development, helping source the right partners and ensure launches are delivered on time and on budget.
• Drive cost optimisation and margin improvement through smart sourcing, negotiation and continuous improvement.
• Work closely with teams across NPD, Supply Chain, R&D and Quality to bring products to market at pace.
• Monitor supplier performance and market trends, proactively managing risk and identifying new opportunities.

Skills

Procurement

Sourcing

Negotiation

Supplier management

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

SAP

Job description

POSITION SNAPSHOT

Role: Direct Procurement Manager
Location: Manchester
Contract type: 13 Month Maternity Cover

WHY US AND WHY THIS ROLE

We are PZ Cussons. Our purpose is For Everyone, For Life, For Good. Sustainability and the wellbeing of people, families and communities everywhere are at the heart of everything that we do. Since 1884, we've been creating products that delight, care for and nourish consumers.

This role sits at the heart of how we bring our products to life. As Direct Procurement Manager, you'll shape how we source, partner and innovate across packaging and third-party manufacturing. You'll play a key role in getting new ideas to market faster, improving margins and building resilient supply partnerships. It's a hands-on, commercially focused role where your decisions will directly influence product success, brand growth and how we continue to evolve in a fast-moving FMCG environment.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Own procurement strategy across selected brands and packaging categories, delivering value, innovation and supply continuity


• Build and develop supplier partnerships that unlock new ideas, strengthen resilience and support long-term growth


• Play a central role in new product development, helping source the right partners and ensure launches are delivered on time and on budget


• Drive cost optimisation and margin improvement through smart sourcing, negotiation and continuous improvement


• Work closely with teams across NPD, Supply Chain, R&D and Quality to bring products to market at pace


• Monitor supplier performance and market trends, proactively managing risk and identifying new opportunities

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• Experience in procurement or sourcing within FMCG, manufacturing or packaging


• Strong commercial instinct, with confidence in negotiation and supplier management


• The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment


• Great communication skills, with the confidence to influence and collaborate cross-team


• A analytical mindset and confidence working with data


• Familiarity with tools such as Excel, PowerPoint and ideally SAP or similar systems

WHAT YOU'LL GET IN RETURN

• The opportunity to work on well-loved brands with real consumer impact


• A collaborative, fast-paced environment where your ideas are heard and valued


• Exposure across global teams, suppliers and innovation projects


• Flexible ways of working, with time spent connecting in our Manchester office

OUR PURPOSE, CULTURE AND VALUES

At PZ Cussons, our purpose is For everyone, for life, for good. We believe in creating products that care for people, families and communities everywhere.

We're a business that's big enough for you to make an impact, but small enough for you to shape your own path. You'll find a culture that's collaborative, supportive and focused on doing the right thing - for our consumers, our people and the world around us.

INCLUSION AND FAIRNESS

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences.

If you need any support during the recruitment process, please let us know - we're here to help ensure you have the best possible experience.

Dare to be bold, Discover what's possible, and Do the incredible.