At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert consultancy in procurement and engage with customers to drive growth.
- Company: Join YPO, a supportive and innovative public sector organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexible working options, and a comprehensive health package.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available to support work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public sector procurement while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and understanding of UK public sector legislation required.
The predicted salary is between 43149 - 46579 £ per year.
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.
As a key member of the Public Sector Customer Engagement Team, this role is integral to YPO’s bespoke procurement function. The successful candidate will provide expertise in delivering proactive and customer-focused consultancy services. You’ll actively engage with both existing and potential customers, identifying opportunities to drive revenue growth and delivering exceptional customer engagement. A key element of the role will be the delivery of end-to-end procurement solutions using relevant systems.
Your understanding of UK legislation and procurement regulations will be crucial for effective project delivery. By collaborating across internal and external teams, you will build and maintain professional relationships with various stakeholders, ensuring the best procurement routes and procedures are established for our customers.
With strong commercial awareness and analytical skills, you will communicate effectively and work collaboratively to achieve results-driven outcomes that meet project goals and customer expectations. 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. Drawing from the skills and experience section of the Job Description, we seek someone who has:
- In depth understanding of UK public sector procurement legislation, and the current social, economic, legislative, and political environment in which they operate.
- Significant experience in a procurement role.
- Experience of working in the UK public sector.
- Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with both key internal and external stakeholders.
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.
- 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 for any additional support, please contact Catriona Thackray at Catriona.Thackray@ypo.co.uk. Interviews are scheduled to take place the week commencing 30/11/2026, in-person at our office in Wakefield.
Procurement Consultant in Wakefield employer: YPO
YPO is an exceptional employer that fosters a welcoming and inclusive work environment, dedicated to the professional growth of its employees. With a strong commitment to work-life balance, generous benefits including a Local Government Pension, and opportunities for flexible working arrangements, YPO ensures that every team member can thrive both personally and professionally. Located in Wakefield, the role of Training Academy Category Lead offers a unique chance to contribute to public sector procurement training while being part of a supportive and innovative organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Consultant in Wakefield
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like YPO.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Consultant in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to YPO:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to YPO. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like YPO.
How to prepare for a job interview at YPO
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at YPO!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at YPO. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into YPO's culture.
