Project Manager - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract in Manchester

Project Manager - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract in Manchester

Manchester Temporary 63000 - 77000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
PZ Cussons

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead exciting projects from concept to delivery in a dynamic marketing environment.
  • Company: Join PZ Cussons, a bold and innovative company with a vision for the future.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive bonuses, flexible holidays, private medical cover, and more.
  • Other info: Embrace a culture of inclusion and growth with excellent career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on beloved brands while collaborating with diverse teams.
  • Qualifications: Experience in managing complex projects and strong communication skills required.

The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.

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.

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 a Project Manager, you’ll play a vital role in helping bring products to market across our European Personal Care and Beauty portfolio. Working at the centre of cross-functional teams, you’ll keep complex projects moving, align stakeholders around shared goals, and help ensure our brands remain available for consumers when and where they need them. This role combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, giving you the opportunity to influence outcomes across product development, regulatory compliance, packaging, supply chain and commercial functions.

If you enjoy bringing clarity to complexity and driving meaningful business impact, this is a role where your expertise will make a real difference. This is a role with real influence. You’ll balance competing priorities, manage risk, and build strong partnerships across the business to deliver projects that matter for our brands, customers and consumers.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

  • Lead cross-functional projects from concept through to delivery, ensuring key milestones are achieved on time and projects stay on track.
  • Bring teams together around a shared plan, driving alignment, accountability and collaboration across multiple functions.
  • Spot potential risks early and put practical solutions in place to keep projects moving forward and minimise business disruption.
  • Provide clear project updates and governance, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions and maintain momentum.
  • Oversee project budgets and financial controls, ensuring resources are managed effectively and responsibly.
  • Support successful product, packaging and business changes by maintaining accurate data and continuously improving ways of working.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

  • Experience managing complex projects within FMCG, consumer goods, manufacturing or similarly fast-paced environments.
  • A track record of working across cross-functional teams and influencing stakeholders to achieve shared outcomes.
  • Strong project planning, risk management and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate changing priorities.
  • Experience managing project governance, budgets, critical paths and implementation plans from start to finish.
  • Confidence working with tools such as SAP, Excel, PowerPoint and project planning systems.
  • An understanding of product development, regulatory requirements, supply chain operations or packaging change projects.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate complexity into clear action.

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 & wellbeing support
  • Flexible holiday options, including buy and accrual
  • 1pm Friday finish for better work-life balance
  • Hybrid/electric car scheme, cycle to work & 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.

Project Manager - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract in Manchester employer: PZ Cussons

PZ Cussons is an excellent employer that values innovation and collaboration, offering a dynamic work culture in the heart of Manchester. Employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, competitive remuneration, and a supportive environment that encourages creativity and strategic thinking. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the FMCG sector while enjoying the vibrant lifestyle that Manchester has to offer.

PZ Cussons

Contact Details:

PZ Cussons Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Project Manager - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract in Manchester

Tap into Consulting Networks

Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like PZ Cussons. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!

Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time

As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!

Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards

Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at PZ Cussons.

Leverage University and Alumni Resources

If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at PZ Cussons.

We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract in Manchester

Project Management
Cross-Functional Team Leadership
Stakeholder Management
Risk Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Project Governance
Budget Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!

Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.

Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at PZ Cussons and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.

Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.

How to prepare for a job interview at PZ Cussons

Prepare for Case Studies

In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like PZ Cussons will want to see.

Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to PZ Cussons.

Highlight Your Adaptability

Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at PZ Cussons.

Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit

Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at PZ Cussons. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.