Procurement Manager
Location: Widnes, Cheshire, United Kingdom
Reports to: Supply Chain Director
About Zep UK
Zep UK is a leading manufacturer of professional cleaning and maintenance products, serving customers across industrial, institutional and commercial markets. From our manufacturing facility in Widnes, we produce an extensive range of products through the cold blending of chemical raw materials before filling them into a wide variety of packaging formats.
Our UK operation procures approximately 350 chemical raw materials and 45 packaging categories from suppliers across the UK, Europe and internationally. As part of the wider Zep organisation, we work closely with our manufacturing facility in Italy, creating opportunities to leverage purchasing synergies, harmonise suppliers and share procurement best practices across both sites.
The Role
We are looking for a commercially driven Procurement Manager to take full ownership of the procurement function for our UK manufacturing operation.
Reporting directly to the European Supply Chain Director, you will be responsible for developing and executing the procurement strategy for the Widnes site, ensuring the reliable and cost-effective supply of chemical raw materials and packaging.
As the site's procurement lead, you will manage the complete procurement lifecycle from supplier selection and strategic sourcing through contract negotiation, purchase order management and supplier performance. You will work closely with colleagues across Manufacturing, Planning, Quality, Regulatory and Finance, while collaborating with the procurement team at our manufacturing site in Italy to leverage purchasing synergies and share best practices.
This is a standalone role offering a high degree of autonomy and responsibility. You will have the opportunity to influence sourcing strategy, strengthen supplier partnerships, improve supply chain resilience and deliver measurable cost savings that directly contribute to the business's performance.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Procurement
- Develop and implement procurement strategies for chemical raw materials and packaging.
- Build long-term partnerships with strategic suppliers that support quality, innovation, sustainability and cost competitiveness.
- Lead negotiations for pricing, contracts, payment terms and long-term supply agreements.
- Identify opportunities for supplier rationalisation, category management and strategic sourcing.
- Monitor market developments, raw material indices and supply chain trends to anticipate risks and opportunities.
- Develop sourcing strategies that improve business resilience through dual sourcing and contingency planning.
Operational Procurement
- Manage the procurement of approximately 300 chemical raw materials and 25 packaging categories.
- Ensure uninterrupted supply of materials to support production schedules and customer demand.
- Create, review and manage purchase orders within the ERP system.
- Maintain accurate supplier records, purchasing data and pricing information.
- Work closely with Planning and Manufacturing to optimise inventory levels while maintaining excellent service.
Supplier Relationship Management
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers.
- Measure supplier performance through agreed KPIs covering quality, delivery, service and cost.
- Lead supplier performance reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support supplier qualification and audit activities in collaboration with Quality and Regulatory teams.
International Collaboration
- Partner closely with procurement colleagues at Zep's manufacturing site in Italy.
- Identify opportunities for joint sourcing initiatives and group purchasing agreements.
- Share supplier intelligence, market knowledge and procurement best practices.
- Support the harmonisation of suppliers, raw materials and packaging specifications where commercially and operationally beneficial.
Continuous Improvement
- Drive initiatives to reduce total cost of ownership across the supply base.
- Improve procurement processes, reporting and ERP data quality.
- Support cross-functional projects to improve operational efficiency and supply chain performance.
- Produce procurement reports, spend analyses and KPI dashboards for the Supply Chain Director and senior management.
Candidate Profile
We are seeking a procurement professional who combines commercial acumen with excellent relationship-building skills and a proactive approach to continuous improvement.
You will be equally comfortable negotiating strategic supply agreements, analysing market trends and supporting the operational needs of a busy manufacturing environment.
Essential
- Procurement experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience sourcing chemical raw materials, industrial materials, packaging or comparable manufacturing commodities.
- Demonstrated success in negotiating commercial agreements and delivering measurable cost savings.
- Strong understanding of supplier relationship management and category management.
- Experience working with ERP systems and procurement reporting.
- Excellent analytical and negotiation skills.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
Desirable
- Experience within the chemical, cleaning products, detergents or process manufacturing industries.
- Experience working within an international or multi-site manufacturing organisation.
- Knowledge of European sourcing and international supply chains.
Personal Qualities
- Commercially minded with strong business judgement.
- Strategic thinker with a practical, hands-on approach.
- Results-oriented and capable of influencing stakeholders at all levels.
- Collaborative team player who enjoys working across functions and international teams.
- Organised, analytical and detail-oriented.
- Resilient and adaptable in a fast-moving manufacturing environment.
- Passionate about continuous improvement and delivering sustainable value.
Why Join Zep UK?
· This is an excellent opportunity for a procurement professional who enjoys taking ownership and making a tangible business impact.
· As the Procurement Manager for our UK manufacturing operation, you will lead the procurement function with a high level of autonomy while working as part of an international supply chain organisation. You will partner closely with colleagues in both the UK and Italy, influence sourcing decisions across multiple product categories and play a key role in improving cost competitiveness, supplier performance and supply chain resilience.
· If you are looking for a role where you can combine strategic thinking with operational involvement and have the freedom to shape procurement practices within a growing international manufacturing business, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Pay: £35,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Private medical insurance
Work Location: In person
