At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage sourcing projects for IT & OT.
- Company: Join Yorkshire Water, a vital service provider in the Yorkshire region.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for growth in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water services while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50663 - 63229 € per year.
Company description: Water Utility Company based in Yorkshire region of England.
We offer a competitive salary, depending on experience (£50,663 - £63,329), annual incentive related bonus (£1000 maximum bonus opportunity for the performance year), attractive pension scheme (up to 12% company contribution), development opportunities in line with the Senior Buyer progression plan, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an extra 2 wellness days, life assurance cover of 4 times pensionable salary, and a great benefits package including health cash plan scheme, critical illness insurance, dental insurance, life assurance flex and partner cover. Additional benefits include retail savings scheme, online GP service, cycle to work scheme, gym membership discounts and many more!
Location: West Yorkshire / Hybrid Working (1 - 2 Days in the office a week Bradford) - Relocating to Leeds Summer 2026. Work type: Permanent, 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Buyer IT & OT to join the Commercial team at Yorkshire Water and be a part of helping Yorkshire Water to provide the best service to our customers.
What we do: Everyone has an idea of what a water company does. Here in Yorkshire, we make sure that over 5.4 million people living in the region and the millions of people who visit our region each year can rely on our services, and have clean and safe drinking water on tap and that their wastewater is taken away. We look after communities, protect the environment, and plan to look after Yorkshire's water, today, tomorrow 24/7, 365 days a year. We provide essential water and wastewater services to every corner of the Yorkshire region and play a key role in the region's health, wellbeing, and prosperity.
New environmental legislation, unprecedented levels of investment and changing expectations from customers means that this is an exciting time to discover opportunities within the water industry. The Commercial team are a key part of how we plan to meet the changing expectations of customers and regulators. The Senior Buyer is responsible for supporting the development and delivery of category specific strategies, leading procurement and below threshold projects, contract implementation and lifecycle through exit to the next iteration.
The role holder will be a key part of a Commercial Operations Team leading in the development and delivery of compliant sourcing pipeline. They will be skilled in the use of a broad set of analytical tools and able to identify current and future business opportunities based on their ability to analyse data from multiple sources. The role holder will collaborate with business stakeholders and lead the engagement to deliver industry leading procurement strategies.
Where you fit in: As our Indirect Category - Information Technology & Operational Technology (IT&OT) you will:
- Design and deliver high-impact sourcing strategies that maximise value, drive efficiencies, and consistently achieve cost-saving targets.
- Lead end-to-end sourcing projects, ensuring full compliance while delivering measurable financial benefits, reducing risk, and improving processes through a whole-life costing approach.
- Conduct robust market analysis and lead proactive market engagement, uncovering opportunities for innovation and driving continuous improvement.
- Build and manage strong relationships with key stakeholders across the business, ensuring alignment and successful delivery of procurement initiatives.
- Act as a trusted Commercial subject matter expert, confidently translating complex solutions into clear, actionable insights for stakeholders and senior leaders.
- Challenge and support stakeholders to shape procurement strategies that meet both immediate and future business needs.
- Champion best practice procurement by ensuring full compliance with Utilities Contracts Regulations (UCR2016), Procurement Act 2023 (PA23), and internal governance frameworks.
What skills & qualifications you will need:
- Demonstrates strong commercial acumen through practical experience in water, construction, or related sectors, consistently delivering cost savings, high quality services, and effective contract outcomes.
- Proven ability to negotiate effectively and resolve disputes efficiently across all stages of the contract lifecycle.
- Leads the development and ongoing management of procurement strategies, overseeing a portfolio of simple and complex sourcing activities while ensuring full compliance with legislative and governance requirements.
- Builds strong stakeholder relationships by engaging with business leads to understand their needs and develop commercial approaches that support the achievement of business plan targets.
- Applies effective supplier and vendor management practices, including performance management, contract segmentation, and tailored supplier treatment to maximise value.
- Demonstrates a strong understanding of procurement legislation and ensures its consistent application to maintain compliance and deliver robust procurement outcomes.
Although we operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it's important to us that we support flexible working patterns and job share options (when we can), to help you make the best of both your work and home life.
If you've got experience in Senior Buying and want to help us deliver great service for our customers whilst looking after the environment, then be sure to apply today to find out what a career with Yorkshire Water can offer you.
If successful for the role, you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks that will include a Basic Disclosure Check, carried out through a Third-Party Company, prior to commencing employment. Depending on the role, you may also be required to go through the security vetting process for either a Counter Terrorist Check or Security Check clearance. All our roles are subject to a medical questionnaire, and further medicals when required.
We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. We offer a range of adjustments to make your application experience as comfortable and straightforward as possible. If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that requires changes to the recruitment process, please include this information in your application. We will then discuss any reasonable adjustments required.
Kelda Group reserve the right to close this position before the published closing date, should the need occur. We therefore advise that you complete and submit your application as soon as possible. Closing date for this role is the 31st of May 2026. No agencies please.
Senior Buyer - IT in Humber employer: Yorkshire Water
Yorkshire Water is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes an attractive pension scheme and generous annual leave. With a strong focus on employee development and a supportive work culture that promotes work-life balance through flexible working options, Yorkshire Water provides a meaningful opportunity for professionals in the IT procurement sector to contribute to essential services while fostering personal and career growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer - IT in Humber
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Senior Buyer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Yorkshire Water and its procurement strategies. Show us that you understand our mission and how your skills can help us achieve our goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience in IT and OT procurement.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your commercial acumen and negotiation skills, as these are key for the Senior Buyer position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining the Yorkshire Water team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer - IT in Humber
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Buyer role. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially in IT and OT, and showcase any relevant achievements that align with what we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role at Yorkshire Water and how your skills can help us deliver great service while protecting the environment.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since the role involves analysing data and market trends, be sure to mention any tools or methods you’ve used in the past. We want to see how you can bring value through your analytical prowess!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Yorkshire Water!
How to prepare for a job interview at Yorkshire Water
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of procurement strategies, especially in the IT and OT sectors. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation like the Utilities Contracts Regulations and the Procurement Act. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but a knowledgeable expert ready to tackle the challenges of the role.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully delivered cost savings or improved processes. Be ready to discuss how you’ve built strong relationships with stakeholders and how those relationships have led to successful procurement outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to drive efficiencies and add value.
✨Engage with the Team
Research Yorkshire Water’s mission and values, and think about how your skills align with their goals. During the interview, engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their current projects and challenges. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges you might encounter in the role and how you would address them. This will help you demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to navigate complex situations.
