Buyer in Leeds, Yorkshire

Company description: Water Utility Company based in Yorkshire region of England.

We offer a competitive salary (Band 5a), £31,465 to £39,213 depending on experience. 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 Buyer progression plan. 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus two wellness days! Life assurance cover of 4 times pensionable salary. A great benefits package choose from health cash plan scheme, critical illness insurance, dental insurance, life assurance flex and partner cover. Retail savings scheme, online GP service, cycle to work scheme, gym membership discounts and many more!

Location: This role will initially be based in Bradford but we are moving our office to Leeds Valley Park in summer 2026, so you will be based there in the future - Hybrid Working (1 to 2 office days a week).

Work type: Permanent. 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

We have an exciting opportunity to join a growing and transforming Commercial function as Buyer in the Commercial Operations team at Yorkshire Water. Be a part of an exciting time at the start of AMP8, that provides new funding and regulatory focus for the Water industry, to enable the business to drive the transformation of Yorkshire Water that can provide the best service to our customers.

This is an exciting time for Commercial as we grow the capability in our team, support an extensive pipeline of activity and seek to drive good value for 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. But for us, it’s so much more than this. 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. Commercial Services are a key part of how we plan to meet the changing expectations of customers and regulators. Our Commercial Services department sits within our wider Finance directorate and supports Yorkshire Water Services Limited by managing our supply chain to seek best value whilst managing risk.

The Buyer will lead the procurement of a portfolio of goods and services at non-UCR 16 / Procurement Act 23 threshold level. Working independently or as part of a project team the Buyer will lead and support the required sourcing activity and will ensure robust contracts are in place which are aligned to the delivery of wider business goals primarily focused on the Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) Category. The Buyer will seek to improve value outcomes for YW through negotiations, either on an existing quote or by seeking new.

As our Buyer you will:

• Act as a Procurement representative of Yorkshire Water, communicating effectively and professionally across all levels of the business and its associated supply chains.
• Establish strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to maximise engagement and support.
• Support and challenge stakeholders to define procurement needs that align with current and future business demands, whilst ensuring the solution provided addresses wider business requirements.
• Undertake basic financial analysis to inform historic expenditure, off contract expenditure, budgets, and future demands.
• Identify and deliver short to medium term Sourcing Solutions that manage/mitigate supply chain and contractual risk on behalf of the business.
• Prepare and present for approval sub-UCR 16 threshold contract and commercial recommendations.
• Provide advice, guidance, and support to the business to drive compliance and enhance commercial awareness across the Kelda group.

What skills & qualifications you will need:

• Analytical Thinking: Demonstrate ability to analyse data sets and develop Procurement Plans that mitigate risks and deliver value.
• Communication: Demonstrate ability to utilise a variety of communication skills & tools in order to effect a desired outcome.
• Negotiation: Demonstrable ability to effectively resolve disputes efficiently throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Commercial Acumen: Commercial focused with proven track record of delivering value. An awareness of the implications of relevant legislation in Procurement, coupled with an understanding of the tendering process.
• Application of the use of the Microsoft Suite.
• Strong Team Player.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced working environment.

You will also benefit from having:

• CIPS Qualification.
• SAP, Ariba experience desirable or the ability to learn new systems.
• Ability to interpret complex data sets.
• An interest in IT and OT.

We embrace a flexible working model, where our hybrid setup typically requires an average of 1-2 days in the office per week. This could be slightly more when collaborative efforts, training or meeting deadlines demand it. For those who prefer to work on-site, our office is open Monday-Friday during working hours. 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 Buyer or Procurement professional 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.

Advert Closing: 31 May 2026

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. No agencies please.