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YPO, Head of Public Sector Customer Development
Salary: £72,790 plus £3,000 car allowance
Location: Wakefield/Hybrid


Welcome from Andrea Smith, Executive Director of Procurement 

Welcome, and thank you for your interest in learning more about YPO and this very exciting role.

As the brand new Executive Director of Procurement, I am thrilled to welcome you to an exciting chapter in our journey. As YPO marks its 50th anniversary this year, we’re not just celebrating our past; we’re gearing up for a future filled with possibilities. And that’s where you come in!

YPO has been a cornerstone of excellence for half a century, and this momentous occasion is the perfect time to join our thriving community. I am looking for an exceptional leader who has a strong background in public sector procurement and has the ability to inspire others at the same time as working strategically with leaders across YPO and partner organisations ensuring we maximise the many opportunities to develop and grow our business whilst delivering an outstanding service.

I am looking forward to recruiting to the new role of Head of Public Sector Customer Development who will not only build value adding commercial procurement services but also lead on the engagement with our public sector customers. This is an excellent opportunity to shape the way this service looks. We seek an innovative leader with a deep understanding of the public sector market and procurement regulations, as well as experience in customer relationship and account management.

As an integrated member of the Senior Leadership Team you will lead the future Procurement Customer relationship strategy bringing commercial growth and profitability whilst building strategic relationships with customers to develop growth opportunities. As well as leading customer engagement, the role will also be ultimately responsible for the development of two new YPO services, Consultancy Services and Training Academy.

I believe this role will appeal to a strategic and forward thinking leader who is able to form collaborative partnerships with many different stakeholders - you will have the combined ability to nurture strong internal relationships at the same time as working effectively with customers and the supply chain.  Building on our strong foundations and reputation for excellence, you will have a track record of successful business development and expansion, with plenty of energy and enthusiasm. You will have the ability to lead and influence at Board level with complete credibility, coupled with excellent people skills. Your exceptional leadership capabilities will empower you to foster both support and innovation, guiding your team through the venture ahead. I am seeking an individual with unwavering resilience, dedication, and the ability to navigate and prioritise multiple challenges effectively.

Join us as a trusted advisor at Board level, ensuring not just confident procurement solutions but also adding that strategic flair to our approach. This role isn't just about advancing YPO; it's about propelling your own career to new heights. Whilst publicly owned we operate commercially, needing to be agile and fast paced enough to compete fully in a competitive market.  Our size means that we are large enough to offer exposure to complex procurement challenges and our unique operating model ensures that we are not tied up by bureaucracy and red tape.

Behind every successful leader is a diligent team, and you'll be welcomed by a friendly and hardworking group dedicated to managing our resources and finances effectively. If you're ready to be part of our journey, contributing to YPO's legacy while advancing your career, we look forward to your application. In the meantime, following an initial conversation with our recruitment partners at The Resourcing Solution I would be delighted to discuss this opportunity with those who might wish to learn a little more.

 

Andrea Smith, YPO Executive Director of Procurement

Andrea Smith, Executive Director of Procurement 

About the role

Head of Public Sector Customer Development

Salary: £72,790 plus £3,000 car allowance

Location: Wakefield/Hybrid

Closing Date: Midnight Monday 5 August

As Head of Public Sector Customer Development, you will report directly to the Executive Director of Procurement. The role is an integral member of the Senior Leadership Team, to drive the strategic direction of YPO’s Procurement Services and the development of strategic customer relationships and strategic partnerships. The postholder will lead and execute a robust business plan, assuming accountability for revenue, service, and efficiency to meet the organisation’s overall growth and profitability.

The role will be responsible for developing Procurement Services at YPO providing proactive and customer focused engagement. The primary goal is to identify opportunities to grow revenues by engaging more widely with existing customers, partners, members and associates, and identifying and securing new customers and opportunities.

Customer engagement, proactive tools and development strategies coordinated with strong internal support from across the organisation will be pivotal to the role delivering customer-centric services.  Identifying opportunities to work wider than existing customers to grow the business cross sector is also key to the growth of the department.

In brief the role will require the following key skills:

  • Leadership and Strategy
  • Customer Engagement and Business Development
  • Relationship Management
  • Leadership and Team Development
  • Department Strategy and Performance
  • Financial Oversight and Collaboration
  • Strategic Contribution, Compliance, and People Management
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
  • Continuous Learning and Service Excellence
  • Adherence to Standards

For more information, please see the Job Description here.

About YPO

Established in 1974, YPO now has 50 years' experience in giving back to the public sector. Five decades ago, 13 local authorities came together to combine their buying demands and achieve efficiency, and that's when our organisation as it's known today began.

We supply products and services to a wide range of customers including schools, local authorities, charities, emergency services, the public sector, and other businesses such as nurseries and care homes.

We're 100% publicly owned by our 13 member authorities, which means the profits we make are returned to our public sector customers, delivering even better value for money.

We work closely with suppliers and collaborate with other public sector buying organisations to achieve efficiencies and value for money. Through collaboration, YPO provides products and services to meet specific needs and objectives, through a wide range of procurement categories and frameworks.

We believe that every penny counts – YPO offers an opportunity to make an impact and a real difference by delivering social value and outcomes in the communities it serves.

About YPO

YPO - Our history and heritage - YouTube

Values and Behaviours

YPO's New Brand Values - YouTube

YPO 50th Anniversary Video

YPO - 50th Anniversary - YouTube

Key Documents

Key Dates

Closing date: Midnight Monday 5 August

Shortlisting: Wednesday 7 August

Initial Screening Calls: Thursday 15 August (virtual)

First stage assessment: Tuesday 20 August (virtual)

Final stage assessment: Thursday 22 August (in person at the offices of YPO in Wakefield)

Contact us and apply now

Contact us 

For an informal confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Leanne Auton on Leanne.Auton@northyorks.gov.uk  / 07815 028548

Apply 

Please submit one Microsoft Word document that includes a comprehensive CV and a supporting statement. Your supporting statement should be a maximum of two A4 pages, font 12, and should include the following information:

  • Brief Introduction - with the JD in mind
  • Explain how you meet the essential criteria of the person specification.
  • Describe how you use your leadership skills to work collaboratively.
  • Current salary
  • Notice period
  • Contact details for at least two referees, one of whom must be your current / most recent employer covering at least the last 5 years of your career. If you specifically do not wish referees to be approached without your permission, please indicate this.

Applications should be emailed to Executive.ResourcingSolutions@northyorks.gov.uk

Please do not submit PDF’s. It is important that your written application fully addresses the experience criteria.

YPO is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff. We welcome applications from individuals regardless of age, any disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief.

We will not accept applications from agencies.

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