Executive Director - Commercial

Job Introduction

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. 

About the Role 

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Executive Director to lead our Commercial Division, encompassing customer experience, sales, marketing, PR, digital, and ecommerce. As a key member of the Board, you will shape and drive the strategic direction of the organisation, ensuring alignment with shareholder priorities and market trends. 

You will be responsible for leading high-performing teams, overseeing commercial operations, and delivering growth through innovative strategies and effective governance. This role demands exceptional leadership, commercial acumen, and the ability to influence at the highest levels across public sector stakeholders and shareholder authorities. 

If you are a collaborative leader with a proven track record in senior strategic roles and a passion for driving excellence in commercial performance, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of our organisation.

About You 

As YPO continues to expand, we are seeking a driven and enthusiastic individual to join our team. 

Drawing from the skills and experience section of the Job Description, we seek someone who has: 

A proven track record of successfully leading the daily business activities in relation to a Commercial division of a comparable sized organisation. 

Already operating at a senior level, you will also have the ability and professional market insight to advise the Managing Director and shareholders on the development and implementation of operational strategies and policies to deliver sustainable business growth. 

In addition to the operational leadership responsibilities, the successful candidate will also serve as a member of the Board. This requires exercising collective responsibility for the overall strategic direction of the business. You will contribute to high-level decision-making, ensuring that the organisation remains aligned with its long-term goals, values, and stakeholder expectations. This includes shaping corporate governance, evaluating strategic risks and opportunities, and supporting the delivery of sustainable value across all areas of the business. 

For a detailed description of the role and required skills, please refer to the job description attached below 

What’s in it for you? 

We are proud to offer a fantastic range of benefits, including: 

• Generous annual leave, from 32 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 Simon Hill at simon.hill@ypo.co.uk 

Stage One Interviews are scheduled to take place on Friday 7th November via MS Teams and Final Stage Interviews are schedule for Monday 17th November, in-person at our office in Wakefield.