Strategic Sourcing Manager - 3rd Party Operations in Manchester

CHEP helps move more goods to more people, in more places than any other organization on earth via our 347 million pallets, crates and containers. We employ approximately 13,000 people and operate in 60 countries. Through our pioneering and sustainable share-and-reuse business model, the world’s biggest brands trust us to help them transport their goods more efficiently, safely and with less environmental impact.

What does that mean for you? You’ll join an international organization big enough to take you anywhere, and small enough to get you there sooner. You’ll help change how goods get to market and contribute to global sustainability. You’ll be empowered to bring your authentic self to work and be surrounded by diverse and driven professionals. And you can maximize your work-life balance and flexibility through our.

Key Responsibilities May Include:

• Develop and execute sustainable category sourcing strategies for the region/function that align with global and local procurement priorities.
• Act as a champion for strategic sourcing, ensuring that procurement initiatives deliver long-term value and meet organizational needs.
• Lead category management for key spend areas, applying data-driven insights, market intelligence, and advanced procurement techniques to maximize value and minimize risk.
• Ensure category strategies consider external market factors and emerging trends that could impact business objectives.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with senior business stakeholders, ensuring procurement is involved early in the sourcing process.
• Leverage procurement’s expertise to align sourcing initiatives with business needs, offering strategic advice that enhances procurement’s role within the organization.
• Lead complex negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable terms and manage pricing strategies.
• Ensure the implementation of new pricing agreements, manage supplier contracts, and conduct ongoing reviews to ensure compliance with contractual terms.
• Oversee supplier performance management across key categories, ensuring suppliers consistently meet performance, quality, and cost requirements.
• Ensure all procurement activities adhere to regulatory requirements, internal policies, and ethical standards.
• Develop strategies to minimize supply chain risk, including mitigating supplier risk, financial exposure, and potential disruptions.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for the procurement function, ensuring alignment with annual targets.
• Provide regular updates on procurement performance, cost savings, supplier performance, and compliance metrics to senior leadership.

CHEP is transforming its approach to managing third-party subcontracted service centres across Europe. We are creating a dedicated procurement team to lead strategic sourcing for these operations, driving cost optimization, supplier partnerships, and operational excellence. As Strategic Sourcing Manager, you will be part of a team and play a pivotal role in developing and implementing our procurement framework for subcontracted service centres. This is a unique opportunity to shape strategy, deliver immediate impact, and influence the future of our European Network.

Your Profile:

We are seeking an experienced procurement professional with a minimum of 7 years’ experience, ideally in outsourcing or subcontractor management at a regional or global level. You should have a proven track record in leading complex negotiations and managing contracts effectively. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to design and implement strategic frameworks that deliver operational improvements and cost efficiencies. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills are essential, as you will collaborate across multiple functions and geographies. Fluency in English is required, and proficiency in additional European languages—such as French, Spanish, Italian, or Polish—will be highly advantageous. This role also requires flexibility to travel across Europe, with an expectation of up to 25% travel time.

Why Join Brambles?

• Be part of a global leader in supply chain solutions.
• Working with a growing global and diverse team of driven and seasoned sustainability professionals, passionate about driving an ambitious programme.
• Work on impactful projects that span multiple jurisdictions.
• Collaborate with experts across Europe and beyond.
• Enjoy a role with real influence and opportunities for growth.

What we offer:

• Company Car
• Bonus Plan
• Laptop and iPhone
• Hybrid remote job
• Ability to develop your skills and understanding of business in a worldwide logistics company.
• Participation in worldwide projects.
• Area to build your independence and own responsibilities.
• Support at every stage of your career.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to developing a diverse workforce in which everyone is treated fairly, with respect, and has the opportunity to contribute to business success while realizing his or her potential. This means harnessing the unique skills and experience that each individual brings and we do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.