Senior Project Manager – Global Distribution Projects
Department: Distribution
Location: United Kingdom, Belgium, Hungary, Spain (Madrid)
Scope
The global distribution project management office (PMO) is the central function that standardises and supports project and program delivery across the function. The role encompasses distribution operations around the globe, adding value with external customers and internal partners.
Job Summary
The Senior Project Manager will deliver a range of projects from strategic activities to value‑add initiatives for customers, support and knowledge to the project team and interface functions across the organisation.
Essential Functions & Accountabilities
* Work closely with Key Account & internal function representatives to understand and fully document customer needs, aligning with the organisation’s and Distribution functions VMOST.
* Identify and allocate appropriate resources to deliver projects on time/cost; typically larger, complex, higher value projects involving multiple functions/sites/countries.
* Manage objectives, some with 2–3 year timeframe, impacting the Distribution division and requiring integration with other functions.
* Use expertise to influence strategic and operational plans.
* Contribute to the development of departmental goals and provide critical input to planning efforts.
* Facilitate and lead meetings with key stakeholders (including steering committees and functional leads), providing supporting documents (Microsoft Project, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.) for project review and update.
* Ensure adherence to the Global Distribution project lifecycle and PMO methodology, tools and governance (RACI, risk logs, etc.).
* Coordinate with other Project Managers on related projects, managing dependencies such as issues, risks, schedules, communication planning and records.
* Act as delegate for the Director, exercising decision‑making authority and representing the function as required.
* Build capability within the team through effective leadership, mentoring and ongoing development.
Travel Requirements
Primary base in a Cooper distribution location, with up to 10% travel as project requirements dictate.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
* Leadership and people skills.
* Strong communication skills: clear written documentation, executive presentation, facilitation of workshops, active listening.
* Discretion with sensitive information.
* Independent working ability, collaborating with management and senior leadership on key deliverables.
* Planning and organisational skills for active workstreams.
* Risk identification, escalation and mitigation.
* In‑depth understanding of project management governance and methodologies.
* Ability to translate complex or ill‑defined situations into clear actions.
* Appreciation of business impact and value creation for internal and external stakeholders.
* High emotional intelligence, building trust and rapport with empathy and self‑awareness.
Work Environment
Office environment with occasional travel to other Cooper locations and work within distribution/warehouse settings, coordinating with support functions. Global role requires flexibility with different time zones.
Experience and Education
* Minimum 5 years managing cross‑functional projects in distribution/customer environments focusing on service delivery both strategically and hands‑on.
* Experience in multi‑function/site/country environments, close collaboration with internal Commercial functions and customers.
* Experience in IT for the healthcare industry (ideally contact lens).
* Familiarity with disciplines such as FDA and HIPAA, ERP and logistics/distribution systems.
* Project management professional certification.
* Training evidence in Agile techniques.
* Training or qualification in Lean and Six Sigma.
* University degree or relevant qualifications.
What We Offer
Competitive compensation, benefits package (bonus, private medical insurance, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, wellness platform, discounted contact lens scheme, etc.), professional development training, access to LinkedIn Learning.
Equal Opportunity
All suitably qualified applicants will receive equal consideration and opportunities from CooperVision. We are committed to an inclusive culture.
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