Procurement jobs in United Kingdom

Job Title: Senior Procurement Manager – Plastics Sustainability (Project‑Based) - 12 month contract

Reports To: Procurement Director – Plastics Feedstock & Sustainability

Function: Procurement – Feedstock & Sustainability

Employment Type: Project‑Based (Full‑Time)

Unilever is a business that makes a real impact on the world. Work on brands that are loved and improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We are driven by our purpose: to make sustainable living commonplace, and it is our belief that doing business the right way drives superior performance. At the heart of what we do is our people – we believe that when our people work with purpose, we will create a better business and a better world.

At Unilever, your career will be a unique journey, grounded in our inclusive, collaborative, and flexible working environment. We don’t believe in the ‘one size fits all’ approach and instead we will equip you with the tools you need to shape your own future.

Unilever is the place where you can bring your purpose to life with the work that you do – creating a better business and a better world. If you are passionate about sustainability, are looking to make a difference in Plastics and help Unilever achieve its commitments, then this role is just for you!

Unilever has made significant external commitments on Plastics within its strategy to transition to a circular economy. These commitments are to:

• Reduce our virgin plastic footprint by 30% by 2026 and 40% by 2028
• Ensure our plastic portfolio recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2030 for rigids and by 2035 for flexibles.

This role is the strategic link between Procurement and internal Plastic Sustainability teams (“plastic susO” functions), owning the external procurement strategy for plastics sustainability and translating it into concrete actions with clear governance and monitoring. The mandate is to advance Unilever’s plastics‑circularity agenda across the value chain and to ensure PPWR‑ready execution through supplier engagement, data integrity, and compliance processes.

You will lead complex, cross‑functional projects, coordinate internal stakeholders (Procurement, R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Sustainability, Digital/Reporting), and represent Unilever externally (industry forums, conferences) where required. A strong passion for sustainability and plastics is essential.

Your reporting Line: Global Procurement Director- Plastic feedstock

• Act as the primary interface between Procurement and internal plastics sustainability teams; own the external strategy for supplier engagement and market shaping.
• Bring the outside in: scan policy, industry, and technology (e.g., PPWR, advanced recycling, collection systems) to inform sourcing strategy and risk/opportunity framing.
• Contribute to the strategic sourcing direction and execution of the Plastic Feedstock and Sustainability Team, ensuring alignment with global targets and business priorities.

• Translate sustainability ambitions into actionable roadmaps with clear milestones, KPIs, and monitoring dashboards; set mechanisms to review progress with key stakeholders.
• Support the Net zero agenda for plastics
• Lead PPWR‑related procurement readiness: supplier data collection, verification, gap closure, and audit‑ready documentation in partnership with R&D/Regulatory/Digital teams.

• Build and scale strategic partnerships across the plastics value chain (resins, converters, recyclers, collectors) to expand supply of PCR, enhance true recyclability, and improve infrastructure.
• Where relevant, support value chain intervention initiatives and equity/partnership models that unlock long‑term structural value.

• Represent Unilever externally where needed, building influential partnerships and advocating for industry-wide change in plastic sustainability standards and practices.

• University degree on Packaging, Sustainability Circular Economy or related field.
• Minimum 10+ years’ experience in Procurement, Supply Chain or R&D, ideally with plastic sustainability and recycling technologies partnership development experience.
• Strong project and programme management skills, with a proven track record of leading complex, multi‑disciplinary initiatives.
• Financial acumen for building business cases; familiarity with digital tools for reporting/analytics.
• Passion for sustainability

• Deep Expertise in plastic packaging and plastic waste management
• Procurement literacy: sourcing processes, supplier management, contract levers, risk & performance management.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and interpersonal skills, with experience convening a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to drive action towards collective objectives
• Project & programme management: proven ability to lead multi‑stakeholder programmes, set governance, and deliver outcomes at pace
• Effective communication skills, internally and externally.
• Experience of operating in, and managing team members within a fast‑paced work environment.

• Critical SOL (Standards of Leadership) Behaviours
  • PASSION FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE: Takes personal responsibility and accountability for execution and results. Has an owner’s mindset, using data and insight to make decisions.
  • PERSONAL MASTERY: Sets high standards for themselves. Actively builds own wellbeing and resilience.
  • CONSUMER LOVE: Whatever their role, always looks for better ways to serve consumers. Invests time inside and outside to understand the needs of consumers.
  • PURPOSE & SERVICE: Has humility, understanding that leadership is service to others, inside and outside Unilever.
  • AGILITY: Explores the world around them, continually learning and developing their skills.