Procurement Consultancy and Training Opportunities
Welcome from Michelle Walker, Head of Procurement Services at YPO
“Welcome and thank you for your interest in learning more about YPO and these very exciting roles.
As the new Head of Procurement Services. 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!
We are expanding our current offer for the provision of training and procurement consultancy to our existing customers and the wider public sector. This sees a number of roles available, to provide our customers with the very highest levels of expertise and customer service. The roles available range from strategic-level managers to those with an aspiring interest in a career in public sector procurement.
YPO has been a cornerstone of excellence for half a century, and this momentous occasion is the perfect time to join our thriving community. As a leading UK Public Sector Buying Organisation, we are at the forefront of the imminent changes to public procurement, and you will be joining us at a time of massive opportunity, where you can be sure that all the support and resources needed to navigate this will be available to you.
If you're passionate about developing your career in procurement and ready to be part of our journey, contributing to YPO's legacy while advancing your career, we look forward to your application.”
Michelle Walker, Head of Procurement Services
About The Team
Are you ready to be part of something new and exciting? YPO is proud to announce the formation of our Consultancy and Training Team, dedicated to delivering tailored solutions to our growing client base.
This newly established team will play a vital role in expanding YPO’s services into new markets, responding to the increasing demand for expert advice and training across the education and the public sector.
We have multiple positions and roles available, each offering competitive benefits including hybrid working from our Wakefield Offices, a flexi-time work scheme, generous holiday entitlement, and membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme.
At YPO, we are proud to provide bespoke consultancy and training services to our customers that leverage our in-house expertise. By joining this new team, you’ll contribute to delivering cost-effective, high-quality solutions, helping our clients receive expert support and the opportunity to make a difference. This new team will not only expand our product offerings, building on our commercial foundations, but also add skills into the hands of our public sector clients.
As part of this team, you’ll have the chance to shape the future of YPO’s services, offering high-impact support at competitive rates. This is your opportunity to join a rapidly growing area of YPO, where your skills and creativity can flourish in an innovative and client-focused environment.
We are thrilled to announce multiple openings for the following roles:
- Strategic Procurement Consultant (Grade 14)
- Procurement Consultant (Grade 10)
- Category Manager for Training Academy and Services (Grade 12)
- Training Academy and Services Facilitator (Grade 6)
- Consultancy and Training Support Assistant (Grade 4)
“If you're looking for a stimulating, friendly and rewarding working environment, then YPO could be the place for you.”
Joining a new team, you will need to be comfortable going into something that hasn’t been done before, taking hold of each day as it comes and learning as you go. You will see the unknown as exciting and challenging; an opportunity to learn, develop and be part of something new.
As a commercial organisation owned by the public sector, we combine agility and flexibility with a steadfast commitment to public service. Our streamlined processes support efficient delivery while empowering you to make a real difference.
Our Opportunities
If you would like further information about any of the roles below, please contact Danielle McDowell (Resourcing Partner) on Danielle.McDowell@northyorks.gov.uk.
Strategic Procurement Consultant
£55,648 to £58,757 per year (Grade 14)
Permanent, Full-time, 37 hours per week
Plus £2,500 annual car allowance
In this role, your skills in building strategic client relationships and leading project solutions will be crucial to your success. You’ll confidently immerse yourself in new opportunities, engage with existing and potential clients to deliver an exceptional experience and service.
Your strong knowledge of UK legislation and public sector procurement, while encompassing diverse client policies, will ensure compliance in project delivery. Working collaboratively across internal and external teams, you’ll create and nurture professional relationships with varying stakeholders, with the intention of driving continuous improvement, capitalise on new opportunities, and share best-practice.
As a natural and positive leader, you’ll mentor and guide a high-performing team, bringing with you a commercial acumen and creativity to develop competitive, value-driven propositions for our clients, and delivering them effectively.
Your ability to think strategically and act decisively will help ensure projects meet deadlines and targets, working with accuracy and efficiency to enhance the quality of project delivery and ensuring successful outcomes for all.
Job Description and Person Specification (.pdf) [632 KB] (opens in a new tab).
For an informal and confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Keeley Metcalfe (Talent Acquisition Manager) on 07980 725053 or Katherine Brioude (Resourcing Partner) on 07974 406838.
Procurement Consultant
£39,186 to £42,403 per year (Grade 10)
Permanent, Full-time, 37 hours per week
Plus £2,500 annual car allowance
In this role, your expertise in delivering proactive and customer-focused consultancy services will be key to your success. You’ll actively engage with both existing and potential clients, identifying opportunities to drive revenue growth and delivering exceptional client engagement.
Having an understanding of UK legislation and procurement regulations will ensure effective project delivery. Working collaboratively across internal and external teams, you’ll create and nurture professional relationships with varying stakeholders, ensuring the best route to market is selected and that appropriate procurement procedures are established for the client.
With strong commercial awareness and analytical skills, you’ll communicate effectively and work collaboratively to deliver results-driven outcomes that meet project goals and client expectations.
Job Description and Person Specification (.pdf) [507 KB] (opens in a new tab).
To apply, please send your CV along with a personal statement to Danielle McDowell (Resourcing Partner) on Danielle.McDowell@northyorks.gov.uk.
Category Manager for Training Academy and Services
£47,420 to £50,512 per year (Grade 12)
Permanent, Full-time, 37 hours per week
Plus £2,500 annual car allowance
In this role, you will work closely with the Strategic Procurement Manager to develop YPO’s Training Academy, offering professional development in procurement, commercial skills, category strategy, and contract management. You will lead the redesign of training categories, creating a multi-disciplinary portfolio that leverages digital platforms, enhancing both internal and external customer experiences.
You’ll drive business growth by aligning YPO’s training with long-term objectives and delivering a category strategy that meets revenue and rebate targets. With a strong commercial focus, you will be instrumental in YPO’s future procurement growth, foster strong partnerships, and ensure the portfolio’s success.
Your strategic approach will see you using market intelligence to analyse trends, assess risks, and differentiate YPO’s services and products to meet identified market requirements. Working with the marketing and consultancy teams, you’ll build customer engagement plans, ensuring strong relationships and expanding YPO’s reach.
Through effective team leadership, you will inspire a team to deliver desirable outcomes on time and in-line with professional service standards, shaping the future of YPO’s procurement training and supporting our community.
Job Description and Person Specification (.pdf) [231 KB] (opens in a new tab).
To apply, please send your CV along with a personal statement to Danielle McDowell (Resourcing Partner) on Danielle.McDowell@northyorks.gov.uk.
Training Academy and Services Facilitator
£27,803 to £29,269 per year (Grade 6)
Permanent, Full-time, 37 hours per week
In this role, you will collaborate with the Category Manager to research the market and identify new opportunities for delivering training solutions that address the needs of the public sector, as well as the specific requirements of the client.
You’ll play a key role in shaping and developing innovative training products delivered by YPO, committed to creating an excellent customer experience through a value for money service that directly benefits our local community.
With a strong commercial mindset and ability to build strong internal and external relationships, your role will be instrumental in driving the growth and expansion of YPO’s training services.
Your forward-thinking approach, attention to detail, and natural curiosity will ensure that you bring fresh ideas to the table, while your initiative and ability to turn those ideas into actionable plans with logical solutions will drive successful outcomes.
Job Description and Person Specification (.pdf) [573 KB] (opens in a new tab).
To apply, please send your CV along with a personal statement to Danielle McDowell (Resourcing Partner) on Danielle.McDowell@northyorks.gov.uk.
Consultancy and Training Support Assistant
£24,294 to £25,545 per year (Grade 4)
Permanent, Full-time, 37 hours per week
In this role, you will demonstrate excellent organisational skills, acting on your own initiative while supporting a new and dynamic consultancy and training team.
You’ll play a key part in building strong working relationships, both internally and externally, by giving clear instructions, being approachable, showing great attention to detail, and contributing to the success of the whole team. Reporting to the Category Manager, you will support the development and growth of these consultancy and training services, as well as maintaining strategic client relationships.
With the ability to think logically, your role will involve effective planning and recording of data, along with providing general support to our teams to provide a pro-active and customer-focused service.
Job Description and Person Specification (.pdf) [497 KB] (opens in a new tab).
To apply, please send your CV along with a personal statement to Danielle McDowell (Resourcing Partner) on Danielle.McDowell@northyorks.gov.uk.
Local government pension
We offer generous defined benefit pension options under the West Yorkshire Pension Scheme.
Our family-friendly policies include flexible home-working options, and flexi-time opportunities.
We offer a range of additional training and development options for staff to progress in their career at YPO.
Make savings while keeping fit, reducing your carbon footprint and spending less time in your car!
We are proud to offer services including counselling, legal information, bereavement support and more, delivered by Health Assured – the UK and Ireland's leading wellbeing provider.
We offer a generous annual leave package per year, plus 8 statutory holidays and 3 discretionary closedown days.
Enjoy discounted sports and leisure memberships with full access to gyms, swimming facilities and classes.
From discounted family and social outings, to monthly prize draws, our Sports & Social club is well worth joining!
About YPO
“Our mission is to help the public sector achieve the best possible value when buying products and services across the UK.”
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 (opens in a new tab).
Our Values and Behaviours
YPO's New Brand Values - YouTube (opens in a new tab).
How to Apply
To apply for any of these roles, please send your CV along with a personal statement to Danielle McDowell (Resourcing Partner) on Danielle.McDowell@northyorks.gov.uk.
It is important that your CV is current, detailing relevant experience and qualifications for the role. Your personal statement should clearly state the role you are applying for, your motivation for applying, as well as how you feel you meet the criteria detailed in the job description.
For an informal and confidential discussion about any of these opportunities, please contact Danielle on 07977743718, or at Danielle.McDowell@northyorks.gov.uk.
Key Dates
Closing date for applications is midnight on October 7 2024.
Interviews are planned to take place in-person at our Wakefield Offices over weeks commencing 21 and 28 October 2024.
We reserve the right to remove this vacancy before the proposed deadline in the event of the position being filled, a change of requirements or a large number of applications being received.
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 and can only consider applications from individuals with right to work within the UK.
YPO is committed to protecting your privacy when you use our services. Please refer to our Privacy Statement which explains how we use information about you and how we protect your privacy. Privacy | YPO (opens in a new tab).