A leading global consumer goods organisation is seeking a Direct Procurement Manager to join their Manchester-based team. This is an exciting opportunity for you to play a pivotal role in shaping procurement strategies across third-party and packaging divisions, working with some of the most recognisable brands in their sector.

The company is renowned for its commitment to sustainability, employee well-being, and creating products that delight consumers worldwide. You will thrive in a collaborative environment that values flexibility, inclusivity, and professional growth. With a rich heritage spanning over a century and a diverse portfolio of trusted brands, this organisation offers you the chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying flexible working opportunities and the support of knowledgeable colleagues.

Join a globally respected consumer goods business with a strong focus on sustainability, employee well-being, and community impact; enjoy being part of a team that truly cares about making a difference. Benefit from flexible working arrangements and the opportunity to collaborate in modern offices designed to foster teamwork, creativity, and knowledge sharing across multiple categories. Work alongside passionate professionals in an inclusive environment where your unique perspective is valued and your career development is supported through ongoing training opportunities.

What you'll do:

As Direct Procurement Manager, you will be at the heart of driving procurement excellence across multiple product categories. Your day-to-day responsibilities will see you building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers alike ensuring that every aspect of procurement activity supports the organisation’s strategic goals.

Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to lead procurement activities for one or more major brands and various packaging categories, ensuring all supplier strategies align with business objectives. Negotiate costs effectively with suppliers, manage business awards, oversee supplier performance reviews, and handle tariff as well as exchange rate management to ensure continuity of supply and mitigate risks. Support new product development by defining tier 1 suppliers, negotiating optimal lead times and minimum order quantities, and ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints. Drive continuous improvement by working together with demand planning teams to optimise processes and deliver cost savings across both current products and new developments. Coordinate monthly supplier performance review meetings, following up on agreed actions to maintain high standards of quality and service. Select and manage packaging suppliers for relevant brands in partnership with Quality, Research & Development, and Packaging Managers to ensure alignment with technical requirements. Engage with procurement teams across different geographies when required to leverage global supplier relationships and share best practices. Initiate margin improvement initiatives across designated brands by collaborating with category teams, supply teams, and external partners to deliver measurable value. Ensure compliance with procurement processes in SAP including supplier creation, contract management, price maintenance, and source list updates.

What you bring:

To excel as Direct Procurement Manager, you will bring proven experience from roles involving complex supplier negotiations within FMCG or related sectors. Your background should reflect a blend of technical acumen such as advanced data analysis and interpersonal strengths like clear communication and relationship-building. You are comfortable navigating fast-changing environments where priorities shift quickly yet remain focused on achieving long-term objectives. Your attention to detail ensures nothing is overlooked during contract management or supplier evaluations. A passion for consumer products especially within beauty or personal care will give you valuable insight into market trends that inform smarter purchasing decisions. You are adept at using digital tools (including SAP) for efficient process management while always seeking ways to improve existing systems collaboratively. Above all else, your commitment to inclusivity means you actively seek out diverse viewpoints when solving problems or developing strategies helping create an environment where everyone feels recognised.

Degree educated or equivalent qualification demonstrating your commitment to professional development within supply chain or procurement disciplines. Experience working within fast-moving consumer goods or similar environments where adaptability and responsiveness are essential for success. Professional accreditation such as CIPS (not essential), showcasing your proactive approach towards supply chain management expertise. Excellent communication skills enabling you to engage effectively at all levels of the business while nurturing positive relationships with stakeholders and suppliers alike. Proven problem-solving abilities allowing you to identify challenges early on and propose practical solutions that benefit both the business and its partners. Advanced analytical skills supported by proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word & Outlook; experience using PowerPoint for reporting purposes is highly valued. A genuine interest in beauty or personal care products whether you are passionate about trying new trends or have an intuitive understanding of consumer needs which helps inform your commercial outlook. Organised mindset combined with forward-thinking capabilities so you can anticipate market changes and plan accordingly for future requirements. Ability to build networks across internal teams as well as external partners leveraging these connections to maximise value creation for the business through effective collaboration. Demonstrated sensitivity towards diversity and inclusion principles; you understand how varied perspectives contribute positively towards brand development.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates