Commercial Strategy + Planning Manager in Manchester

POSITION SNAPSHOT

• Role: Commercial Planning & Strategy Manager
• Location: Manchester
• Contract: Permanent

WHY US AND WHY THIS ROLE

Seize the opportunity to be part of a unique business with an exciting vision for the future - where we dare to be bold, discover what’s possible, and do incredible. Dare. Discover. Do.

At PZ Cussons, we offer five big reasons that people join and stay: Futureproof Our Brands, Create Your Own Impact, Accelerate Your Craft, Flexibility to Perform, And Collaborate with Intent.

As our CS&P Manager, you'll be at the heart of how we turn brand strategy into commercial success. Acting as the connection point between Sales, Marketing and Category teams, you'll shape channel-specific strategies that help our brands win with shoppers and customers. From pricing and promotions to pack architecture and commercial planning, your work will influence decisions that drive sustainable, profitable growth across our European business. This is a role where insight becomes action, and where your recommendations can make a real impact on performance. This is a role with real influence. You'll combine commercial thinking with data-led insight, helping teams make confident decisions that deliver value for consumers, customers and the business. Working closely with colleagues across functions, you'll play an important role in building brands that continue to grow and thrive.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

• Shape pricing, promotion and pack strategies that strengthen brand performance, support market share growth and create value for shoppers and customers.
• Turn commercial and category data into clear recommendations that improve promotional effectiveness, maximise ROI and support smarter decision-making.
• Develop and maintain category and channel frameworks that help teams deliver commercial targets across sales, margin and profitability measures.
• Monitor market, channel and competitor performance, identifying trends and opportunities that keep our brands one step ahead.
• Partner with Marketing, Sales and Category teams to deliver joined-up planning, aligned priorities and strong execution in market.
• Support innovation projects by bringing together the commercial insights and recommendations needed to launch successfully and drive long-term growth.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Experience within a fast-moving FMCG environment, with a strong understanding of category dynamics, shoppers and customers.
• Strong analytical capability, with the confidence to interpret data, spot trends and turn insight into action.
• Advanced Excel and data management skills, alongside experience using syndicated data sources such as IRI, Kantar or Nielsen.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of the levers that influence growth, profitability and brand performance.
• The ability to build strong cross-functional relationships, challenge constructively and influence through evidence-based recommendations.
• A proactive, curious mindset with a passion for continuous improvement and finding better ways to deliver results.
• Degree qualified, or with equivalent experience.

WHAT YOU’LL GET IN RETURN

MyBenefits brings together your total rewards in one place, giving you the flexibility to choose what matters most. Key benefits we offer include:

• Competitive annual bonus, pension, life assurance and Share Incentive Plan.
• Private medical cover plus health and wellbeing support.
• Flexible holiday options, including buy and accrual.
• 1pm Friday finish for better work-life balance.
• Hybrid/electric car scheme, cycle to work and free mortgage advice.
• Discounted and complimentary PZ products.
• Onsite gym (where available).

OUR PURPOSE, CULTURE AND VALUES

At PZ Cussons, our purpose is For Everyone, For Life, For Good. Guided by our BEST values, Bold, Energetic, Striving and Together, we nurture a culture where people feel empowered to grow, perform and make a meaningful difference every day. We retain the pioneering spirit of our founders by building portfolios of locally loved brands across our key markets in the UK, ANZ, Nigeria and Indonesia, backed by the manufacturing scale and capability of a global business. Spanning Personal, Home and Baby Care, our products are trusted by millions of consumers worldwide, including Carex, Childs Farm, Cussons Baby, Imperial Leather, Morning Fresh, Original Source, Premier, Sanctuary Spa and St. Tropez.

INCLUSION AND FAIRNESS

We’re committed to building diverse teams that reflect our consumers and communities, creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and able to thrive. If you need any adjustments during the process, just let us know.