Job Introduction
About us
Do you aspire to work in a welcoming, innovative, forward-thinking, inclusive and supportive organisation where you can also learn and develop? YPO might be the perfect fit for you!
With 50 years of experience, YPO has been dedicated to supporting the public sector. Our journey began five decades ago when 13 local authorities united to streamline their purchasing needs and enhance efficiency, forming the organisation we know today.
As a 100% publicly owned entity by our 13 member authorities, we ensure that our profits are reinvested into our public sector customers, offering even greater value for money. Discover more about our company and culture at Start a career at YPO | YPO.
YPO is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our workforce. Our aim is that our workforce will be truly representative of all sections of society and each employee feels respected and able to give their best.
If this position is advertised as a full-time role (37 hours per week), YPO is pleased to consider requests for flexible working arrangements, including part-time hours and job-sharing opportunities. We are committed to supporting work-life balance and encourage candidates to discuss their preferred working patterns with us.
About the Role
As a key member of the Early Years Procurement Team, this role is integral to YPO’s Procurement Product & Supplies Solutions function.
The successful candidate will work closely with the Early Years Category Lead to operate an end-to-end category buying approach to procurement in YPO. They will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing effective and efficient procurement/supply chain routes to achieve defined business procurement objectives.
This post is subject to the Fluency Duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016. The post-holder is required to demonstrate an appropriate level of fluency under the duty as detailed within the job description and specification for the post.
About You
As YPO continues to grow, this could be a great opportunity for you to join our team.
We are seeking a driven, dependable individual who will bring a proactive mindset, a commitment to excellence, and a willingness to continuously grow and make meaningful contributions.
Drawing from the skills and experience section of the Job Description, we seek someone who has:
-
Full membership or is studying towards being a member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS), appropriate professional institute, or equivalent experience.
-
The ability to build, work and maintain effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders .
-
The ability to develop and implement effective systems of supplier performance and measurement.
-
Strong contract drafting, negotiation and associated risk management skills.
-
Experience of procurement processes in different areas of the public sector (PCR 2015, PA 2023) is desirable but not essential.
For a detailed description of the role and required skills, please refer to the job description attached below.
Further information can be found on the Staff Intranet, or click here to visit our Careers page Start a career at YPO | YPO
What’s in it for you?
We are proud to offer a fantastic range of benefits, including:
-
Generous annual leave, from 24 days a year, plus 8 days statutory bank holidays and 3 discretionary closedown days at Christmas
-
Local Government Pension through West Yorkshire Pension Fund
-
Recognition of continuous service from current employment with a relevant public sector body may apply (please email [email protected] for further information)
-
A comprehensive health and wellbeing package
-
Flexi scheme and flexible working options available (please discuss your preferred working requirements with the manager at interview)
-
Family friendly policies
-
Cycle to Work scheme
-
Subsidised canteen
-
Free parking available
To have a confidential and informal discussion about this role, or any additional support, please contact Nicola Parker on 07814 295282 or [email protected].
Interviews are planned to take place week commencing 14th September 2026 in-person at our office in Wakefield.
