At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and build supplier partnerships for innovative product development.
- Company: PZ Cussons, a brand committed to sustainability and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Flexible working, collaborative culture, and the chance to impact well-loved brands.
- Other info: Join a diverse team where your ideas are valued and respected.
- Why this job: Shape the future of products that care for people and communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and an analytical mindset.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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 our founding in 1884, we have been creating products to delight, care for and nourish consumers. Across our core categories of Hygiene, Baby and Beauty, our trusted and well-loved brands include Carex, Cussons Baby, Sanctuary Spa and St. Tropez.
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 across teams.
- An 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.
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.
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.
Direct Procurement Manager - 13 Month Fixed Term Contract in Manchester employer: PZ Cussons
At PZ Cussons, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that champions sustainability and the wellbeing of communities. As a Direct Procurement Manager in our vibrant Manchester office, you'll thrive in a collaborative culture that values your ideas and fosters professional growth, all while working with beloved brands that make a real impact. With flexible working options and exposure to global teams, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape your career in a fast-paced FMCG environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Direct Procurement Manager - 13 Month Fixed Term Contract in Manchester
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Meetups
Join local procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite. These gatherings are great for networking with industry professionals, sharing insights, and potentially hearing about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised!
✨Seasonal Hiring Cycles are Your Friend!
Keep an eye on seasonal trends in procurement, as many companies ramp up hiring during certain times of the year – especially around end-of-financial-year periods when budgets are being utilised. Be proactive and reach out to companies directly during these windows.
✨Leverage Online Platforms for Temporary Roles
Don’t forget to browse specific job boards dedicated to temporary positions, such as Reed or Indeed. You can filter your search for procurement roles and set up alerts for when new jobs pop up, so you can apply immediately!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Professional Networks
Create short case studies or posts on LinkedIn showcasing your procurement experience or interesting projects you've tackled. This not only builds your visibility but can also attract recruiters looking for temporary talent like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Direct Procurement Manager - 13 Month Fixed Term Contract in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in procurement-purchasing, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Mention specific tasks like negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, or optimising inventory. This will show PZ Cussons that you can hit the ground running!
Keep it Concise and Impactful:For a temporary role, we recommend keeping your CV and cover letter concise. Focus on key achievements that showcase your procurement skills and any immediate impact you’ve made in past roles. Use bullet points for clarity—this way, PZ Cussons can quickly grasp your capabilities!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications that are relevant to procurement, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply), don’t forget to mention them! This adds extra weight to your application and shows PZ Cussons that you're serious about your professional development.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to emphasise your availability and flexibility in your cover letter. Let PZ Cussons know when you can start and that you’re ready to adapt to their needs, making your application even more appealing!
How to prepare for a job interview at PZ Cussons
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on key procurement concepts and terms, like 'total cost of ownership' and 'supplier relationships'. We want to impress them with our knowledge! Being able to talk fluently about relevant techniques and tools specific to the procurement field will definitely lend credibility.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a purchasing role, you might get thrown some real-world scenarios to assess how you’d handle supplier negotiations or cost-saving strategies. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills! Practising how you'd tackle these situations in advance will help us shine during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since it’s a temporary role, emphasise how you can quickly adapt to new processes and environments. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve tackled new challenges with ease, showing they can rely on us to hit the ground running and contribute immediately!
✨Show Off Your Tech Savvy
Being well-versed in procurement software like SAP or Coupa can set us apart from other candidates. If you've got experience with these tools, be sure to mention it! Having a handle on data analysis and reporting will also demonstrate our capability to leverage technology effectively in procurement.
