Strategic Sourcing Manager - 3rd Party Operations

CHEP UK Ltd.; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics company in Manchester is seeking an experienced procurement professional. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of procurement experience, focusing on strategic sourcing for subcontracted services. You will be responsible for developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance. Fluency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of additional European languages is a plus. Benefits include hybrid work flexibility and a competitive perks package.

Benefits

Hybrid remote / office flexibility

Company car

Bonus plan

Laptop

iPhone

Opportunity to develop skills

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of procurement experience, ideally in outsourcing or subcontractor management.
• Proven track record in leading complex negotiations and contract management.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across multiple functions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sustainable category sourcing strategies for the region.
• Champion strategic sourcing and ensure it delivers long-term value.
• Lead category management for key spend areas applying data-driven insights.

Skills

Procurement experience

Contract management

Stakeholder management

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Fluent in English

Job description

Job Overview

CHEP is a global subsidiary of Brambles, moving more goods to more people with 347 million pallets, crates and containers. With roughly 13,000 employees in 60 countries, CHEP helps brands transport their goods efficiently, safely and sustainably. We are creating a dedicated procurement team to lead strategic sourcing for subcontracted service centers across Europe, driving cost optimisation, supplier partnerships and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sustainable category sourcing strategies for the region or function that align with global and local procurement priorities.
• Champion strategic sourcing, ensuring initiatives deliver long‑term value and meet organisational needs.
• Lead category management for key spend areas, applying data‑driven insights, market intelligence and advanced procurement techniques to maximise value and minimise risk.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with senior business stakeholders and involve procurement early in the sourcing process.
• Lead complex negotiations with suppliers to secure favourable terms, manage pricing strategies and oversee supplier contracts and compliance.
• Oversee supplier performance management across key categories, ensuring consistent quality, cost and delivery performance.
• Ensure all procurement activities adhere to regulatory requirements, internal policies and ethical standards.
• Develop strategies to minimise supply‑chain risk, including mitigating supplier risk, financial exposure and potential disruptions.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for the procurement function, providing regular updates to senior leadership on performance, cost savings and supplier reliability.

Profile & Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of procurement experience, ideally in outsourcing or subcontractor management at a regional or global level.
• Proven track record in leading complex negotiations and effective contract management.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across multiple functions and geographies.
• Fluency in English is required; additional European languages (French, Spanish, Italian or Polish) are highly desirable.
• Willingness to travel across Europe (up to 25 %).

Benefits and Working Conditions

• Hybrid remote / office flexibility.
• Company car, bonus plan, laptop and iPhone.
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• Opportunity to develop skills in a worldwide logistics company.
• Participation in worldwide projects and independent responsibility.
• Remote Type: Hybrid Remote.

EEO Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to developing a diverse workforce where everyone is treated fairly, with respect and has the opportunity to contribute to business success. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, colour, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or disability. Individuals fraudulently misrepresenting themselves as Brambles or CHEP representatives have scheduled interviews and offered fraudulent employment opportunities with the intent to commit identity theft or solicit money. Brambles and CHEP never conduct interviews via online chat or request money as a term of employment. If you have a question as to the legitimacy of an interview or job offer, please contact us at [e-mail].