At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing strategies for raw materials and build supplier partnerships that drive growth.
- Company: Join PZ Cussons, a bold company with a vision for the future.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive bonuses, flexible holidays, and health support.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on beloved brands while driving innovation and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or strategic sourcing, ideally in FMCG or manufacturing.
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 our Procurement Manager – Raw Materials, you’ll help shape the future of some of our most loved brands by securing the ingredients and materials that keep our products moving. You’ll lead sourcing strategies across strategically important raw material categories, balancing cost, quality, supply security and innovation to create long-term value for the business. Working across supply chain, R&D, planning, marketing and global procurement teams, you’ll influence decisions that support growth, profitability and speed-to-market. This is a high-impact role where your commercial insight, supplier partnerships and market expertise will directly contribute to business performance and resilience.
This is a role with real influence. You’ll combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, helping us navigate complex supply markets while unlocking opportunities for innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement.
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING
- Owning sourcing strategies for key raw material categories, building supplier partnerships that deliver value, resilience and long-term growth.
- Leading commercial negotiations, tenders and sourcing projects that strengthen competitiveness and support sustainable margin improvement.
- Partnering with teams across Product Marketing, Supply Chain, Planning, R&D and Quality to help bring new products to market on time and on budget.
- Identifying and delivering cost-saving, value engineering and continuous improvement opportunities that make a measurable difference to business performance.
- Developing a strong and diverse supplier network that supports innovation, supply continuity and future business growth.
- Keeping ahead of commodity markets, regulatory developments and global supply risks, turning insight into practical actions that protect the business.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING
- Significant procurement or strategic sourcing experience within FMCG, manufacturing, chemicals, ingredients or raw material categories.
- A proven track record of leading sourcing projects and delivering measurable commercial results through effective supplier management and negotiation.
- Strong category management and strategic sourcing expertise, with the ability to make data-led commercial decisions.
- Experience working with commodity-driven or globally sourced categories, alongside a good understanding of market trends and supply risk.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the confidence to build relationships and challenge constructively.
- Degree-level education or equivalent experience. MCIPS qualification (or working towards it) is desirable, while a chemistry background would be an advantage.
- Experience of SAP or a similar ERP platform is also beneficial.
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.
Procurement Manager - Raw Materials 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager - Raw Materials
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like PZ Cussons.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager - Raw Materials
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to PZ Cussons:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to PZ Cussons. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like PZ Cussons.
How to prepare for a job interview at PZ Cussons
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at PZ Cussons!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at PZ Cussons. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into PZ Cussons's culture.
