YPO, HEAD OF PROCUREMENT SERVICES >

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 50^th 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 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 prioritize multiple challenges effectively.

Join us as a trusted advisor at the 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, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT

Head of Procurement Services

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

Location: Wakefield/Hybrid

Closing Date: Monday 15 April

As Head of Procurement Service you will report directly to the Executive Director of Procurement. The role will form an integral part of the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for driving the strategic direction of YPO’s Procurement Services. 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.

This essential role will guide and empower the team, ensuring delivery of exceptional services that directly cater to members and customer needs. The primary goal is to meet organisational targets for outstanding service quality, streamlined procurement processes, cost efficiency and overall business expansion.

Supplier engagement and development strategies will be pivotal to the role to deliver customer-centric services. These services must encompass diverse outcomes, including but not limited to social value and sustainability. Supplier relationship management strategies will be developed and implemented to achieve these objectives.

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

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

About Wakefield

Contact us

For an informal confidential discussion about these opportunities, please contact either Sarah Hunter on Sarah.Hunter@northyorks.gov.uk / 07816 251271 ; or Penny Keatings on Penny.Keatings@northyorks.gov.uk / 07811 411462.

Apply

Please submit one 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

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

It is important that your written application fully addresses the experience criteria as detailed in the person specification. You should include contact details for at least two referees, one of whom must be your current / most recent employer/engager. If you specifically do not wish referees to be approached without your permission, please indicate this.

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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