YPO, Procurement and Buyer Opportunities
Wakefield | Hybrid | Closing 1 September

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, alongside Head of Trading Ashley Cartwright, 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!

Following internal promotions and continued investment across both our Procurement Services and Trading teams, we have a number of exciting roles available. These roles will support our customers within education and the public sector to ensure they are achieving value for money and the highest quality outcomes from the money they spend.

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.”

With the ongoing expansion of our procurement services and trading teams, YPO is thrilled to announce multiple openings for Procurement Category Buyers, Procurement Projects Delivery Leads and Assistant Buyers in the following areas:

• Category Buyers in HR and People Services, Fleet Services, and Building and Construction
• Project Advisors in the Trading Team
• Assistant Category Buyers in HR and People Services, and ICT

All our positions offer hybrid working and a flexi-time work scheme, generous holiday entitlement, and membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme.

“If you're looking for a stimulating, friendly and rewarding working environment, then YPO could be the place for you.”

At YPO, sustainability is at the core of our mission. 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.

Each day at YPO presents new challenges and opportunities to innovate in procurement activities, supplier management, team development, and marketing strategy. By joining our team, you will play a crucial role in driving procurement excellence, commercial success, and stakeholder engagement.

As a Category Buyer, your responsibilities will include the following, while as an Assistant Buyer, you will work towards learning:

• Procurement Excellence: You will design and develop market-leading procurement solutions in line with PCR2015 and PA23, utilising procurement tools such as framework agreements and dynamic markets.
• Commercial Focus: You will support the contribution to category spend and rebate targets. Joining a commercial organisation 100% owned by the public sector, you will benefit from the agility, empowerment, and flexibility to deliver results while staying true to the ethos of public service delivery.
• Supplier Relationship Management: You will manage suppliers in line with contractual obligations, ensuring compliance and fostering strong, collaborative relationships.
• Stakeholder Engagement: You will build and maintain existing customer relationships and attract new customers to use our category services and procurement solutions.
• Marketing and Customer Engagement: You will design and deliver operational marketing plans to enhance customer engagement and promote our services.
• Market Intelligence: You will analyse market trends, customer requirements, and new supplier offerings to keep our solutions at the forefront of the industry.

It is important that you have an understanding of the public sector and our procurement processes.

We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate the drive and enthusiasm to succeed in a fast-paced environment delivering sustainable and value-creating outcomes for the public sector.

For a more detailed understanding of each category, and the responsibilities, skills and understanding required, please review the Job Description and procurement portfolios below.

To apply, please send your CV along with a supporting statement to Bradley on bradley.naylor@northyorks.gov.uk.

Your supporting statement should clearly state the role and category you are applying for, as well as how you feel you meet the essential criteria detailed in the job description.

To have a confidential and informal discussion about this role or the recruitment process, please call Bradley on 01609 534365.

Key Dates:

Closing date for applications is midnight on 1 September 2024

Interviews are planned to take place at our YPO Offices in Wakefield over two weeks, commencing the 9 and 13 September 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.

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