At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and deliver supplier development programmes to enhance performance and capability.
- Company: Join Yorkshire Water, a vital service provider for over 5.4 million people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, wellness days, and a fantastic benefits package.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and community health in the water industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in supplier development and strong collaboration skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50663 - 63329 £ 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 (band 4B).
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 Supplier Development Specialist progression plan.
25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus 2 extra 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: We are planning for this role to be based in our Leeds Valley Park office from end of Summer 2026 (any changes to this schedule may result in the role being based in Bradford in the short term).
Hybrid Working (2 days office a week).
Work type: Permanent. 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Supplier Development Specialist to join the Commercial Services 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. 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.
The Supplier Development Specialist plays a key role in enhancing Yorkshire Water's supply chain capability and performance by designing and delivering supplier development programmes, supporting both internal and external maturity assessments, and driving sustainable improvements in supplier performance across quality, delivery and sustainability measures.
The role is also instrumental in embedding a culture of continuous improvement and commercial excellence, acting as a catalyst for behavioural and cultural change by promoting best practice in supplier engagement, collaboration and commercial maturity across the organisation.
Where you fit in: As our Supplier Development Specialist you will design and deliver supplier development programmes, including lean methodologies and capability-building initiatives, to enhance supplier performance and capability. Partner with strategic suppliers to identify improvement opportunities and drive measurable gains across quality, delivery, cost, sustainability and long-term value. Lead continuous improvement activities and monitor supplier performance to ensure alignment with Yorkshire Water's objectives and supply chain strategy. Support and facilitate supplier and internal maturity assessments, analysing results to identify capability gaps and implement targeted development plans. Develop and maintain assessment tools, frameworks and reporting mechanisms to measure performance, track maturity progression and monitor outcomes. Provide coaching, training and workshop facilitation to internal stakeholders and suppliers, embedding best practice in supplier management and development. Act as a change agent, driving a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement while supporting wider organisational change initiatives. Build strong relationships across Commercial, Procurement, Operations and Strategy teams, promoting responsible sourcing, innovation, sustainability and social value throughout the supply chain.
Supplier Development Specialist employer: Yorkshire Water
Yorkshire Water is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets sustainability in the wastewater sector. With a strong commitment to employee development and a comprehensive benefits package, team members are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to vital environmental initiatives. Located in a region known for its natural beauty, employees enjoy a supportive culture that values health and safety, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
