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: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water services while developing your career in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying, strong negotiation skills, and commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 50663 - 63229 € per year.
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: We provide essential water and wastewater services to every corner of the Yorkshire region, ensuring that over 5.4 million people can rely on our services for clean and safe drinking water and effective wastewater management. The Commercial team plays a key role in meeting 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.
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.
- 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 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
✨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 job openings!
✨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 your negotiation skills! As a Senior Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or mentor to refine your approach and build confidence before those big interviews.
✨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
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 demonstrate your commercial acumen.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working with Yorkshire Water and how your skills align with our mission to provide excellent 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 methodologies you’ve used in the past. We want to see how you can identify opportunities for innovation and improvement!
Apply Through Our Website: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 you’re serious about joining our team at Yorkshire Water.
How to prepare for a job interview at Yorkshire Water
✨Know Your Procurement Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Utilities Contracts Regulations and the Procurement Act. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will show that you understand the compliance aspects of the role, which is crucial for a Senior Buyer.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully delivered cost savings or improved procurement processes. Highlighting specific achievements will demonstrate your ability to drive efficiencies and add value to the company.
✨Build Relationships in the Interview
Think about how you can engage with the interviewers as stakeholders. Discuss how you would approach building strong relationships within the team and across the business to ensure successful delivery of procurement initiatives.
✨Be Ready for Market Analysis Questions
Brush up on your market analysis skills and be prepared to discuss how you would conduct robust market research. This could involve identifying opportunities for innovation or continuous improvement, which are key aspects of the role.
