Career Opportunity Review: Customer Supply Manager at PZ Cussons
PZ Cussons, a distinguished FTSE250 consumer goods business with a rich heritage dating back to 1884, presents a compelling opportunity for a seasoned Customer Supply Manager to join their dynamic Supply and Demand team. This 12-month fixed-term contract, based in Manchester, offers a strategic role within a company deeply committed to its purpose: "For everyone, for life, for good." At its core, PZ Cussons champions sustainability and the wellbeing of people, families, and communities, creating beloved brands like Carex, Cussons Baby, Sanctuary Spa, and St. Tropez across its Hygiene, Baby, and Beauty categories.
This position is ideally suited for a supply chain or operations professional seeking to leverage their expertise in a transformative business environment. If you are passionate about translating data into actionable insights, adept at managing multi-faceted projects, and thrive on collaborating with diverse stakeholders, this role offers a platform for significant professional growth.
Key Advantages for Candidates:
- Impactful Role in an Evolving Business: Contribute to an industry-leading company undergoing exciting growth and transformation. Your work will directly influence the success of well-known and loved consumer brands.
- Strategic Supply Chain Focus: This role provides a significant opportunity to drive excellence in customer supply, focusing on key performance indicators such as Customer Service Level and Case Fill. You'll be instrumental in optimizing supply chain processes.
- Leadership and People Development: As a People Leader, you will coach, develop, and manage a team of Customer Supply Coordinators, fostering their growth while ensuring the team's success in meeting KPI targets.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Engage with a diverse range of internal business units and external partners, honing your stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
- Commitment to Sustainability and Wellbeing: Join a company where sustainability and the wellbeing of employees and communities are central to its ethos and business strategy. This aligns with a purpose-driven career path.
- Flexible Working Environment: PZ Cussons is committed to offering flexible working opportunities, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
Key Considerations for Your Career Path:
- Fixed-Term Contract: This role is offered on a 12-month fixed-term contract basis. Candidates should be aware of the contract duration and consider how this fits within their broader career objectives.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: The position emphasizes translating data into meaningful insights. A strong analytical aptitude and a proven ability to interpret complex information to influence strategic decisions will be crucial for success.
- Commercial Acumen: A commercially minded approach is essential, as you will be acting as a key point of contact for business units and driving excellent customer relationships. Understanding the commercial implications of supply chain decisions is vital.
- Process Improvement Expertise: A strong track record in process improvement is highly valued. Candidates should be prepared to identify and implement enhancements to optimize supply chain operations.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Success in this role hinges on building and maintaining strong relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are paramount.
- Fast-Paced FMCG Environment: Experience in or familiarity with the fast-paced, customer-driven nature of the FMCG industry will be a significant asset.
- Qualifications and Experience: While a degree in a relevant field is preferred, strong practical experience in supply chain, people leadership, and process improvement, particularly within S&OP/IBP, will be highly considered. Proficiency in SAP and advanced Excel skills are also key requirements.
PZ Cussons offers an environment where individuals can truly "make their mark," embracing a philosophy of being "big enough to make your mark, small enough to make it yours." This Customer Supply Manager role is an excellent stepping stone for professionals looking to deepen their leadership experience, enhance their strategic supply chain capabilities, and contribute to a reputable and purpose-driven organization.