Global Procurement Manager in Harpenden

Position Summary
The Global Procurement Manager for Logistics & Packaging will oversee the global logistics & packaging spend across the Gowan network and facilities worldwide. Annual spend value, €30M.

This is a transformational role, taking this category from decentralized, fragmented purchasing to global category management and best practice. Change management and strong communication and collaboration skills are a must.

This role demands strong collaboration and leadership with regional buyers, who will be directly responsible for executing supply agreements and commercial terms. The position requires excellent negotiation skills, strategic supplier development, and the ability to establish a robust resiliency platform to mitigate supply chain risks. Additionally, the role focuses on achieving cost-saving targets while ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality, compliant products.

Logistics
Core Role Responsibilities:

• Own end-to-end category strategy development & execution for global logistics spend (freight – air, ocean, ground, warehousing, distribution, customs)
• Identify, evaluate, and select global logistics service providers (freight forwarders, 3PLs, carriers, warehouses)
• Lead strategic sourcing projects & tender processes for multi-regional logistics services
• Conduct comprehensive spend analysis, market intelligence, and benchmarking studies
• Build business cases for sourcing initiatives and track savings delivery against targets
• Negotiate complex multi-year contracts and manage supplier relationships
• Optimize freight costs while maintaining service level agreements
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with finance, legal, quality, and operations teams
• Implement category governance frameworks, KPIs, and supplier performance management processes

Packaging

• Source and evaluate global packaging suppliers across primary, secondary, and bulk packaging categories
• Conduct regular supplier performance reviews, capability assessments, and relationship management
• Develop and execute cost optimization strategies through standardization, consolidation, and value engineering
• Conduct market analysis, benchmarking, to identify savings opportunities
• Report on procurement performance and savings achievements
• Ensure packaging compliance with UN dangerous goods regulations and country-specific agrochemical standards
• Coordinate packaging approvals and registrations across global markets with packaging engineers
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks including material shortages, supplier disruptions, and geopolitical issues
• Build strategic partnerships with key packaging suppliers and converter networks
• Cost optimization through packaging standardization and consolidation
• Partner with manufacturing, quality, regulatory, and marketing teams on packaging decisions
• Drive standardization of processes and tools across global packaging procurement function

Education

• Bachelor\’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Chemistry, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• CIPs is a plus

Experience / Skills / Abilities

• 6+ years procurement experience with 4+ years in logistics or packaging category management
• Experience purchasing globally, ideally with experience in Europe and N. America.
• Experience working in centralized procurement organizations serving multiple business units
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally across time zones, in a fast-paced changing environment.
• Willing to challenge the status quo, results orientated and can work independently to hit targets
• Can effectively manage key stakeholders through transformational change.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Job Expectations / Working Conditions

• International travel will be needed, 20% travel
• Hybrid – London (UK)