Assistant Buyer Foodservice

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. 

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), 

About the roles

We are seeking to appoint to two Assistant Buyer positions in the Foodservice Category, one is a permanent position and the other is a temporary position to cover maternity leave for up to 12 months. 

As a member of the Procurement Products and Supply Solutions Team, this role is integral to YPO’s procurement function. We need enthusiastic people who will support the day‑to‑day operations of the Foodservice Category, including accurate data entry, maintaining supplier and customer records, and preparing materials for supplier performance reviews. Working closely with the Buyer, you will assist with evaluating new supplier submissions, co‑ordinating pricing refreshes, preparing for tender processes, managing further competitions, and supporting pre‑engagement activity for procurement exercises. The role includes attending food and catering shows, participating in supplier and customer review meetings, and providing timely, high‑quality responses to internal queries. You will also support the wider Foodservice Category with general day‑to‑day tasks as required.

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:

• Sound tactical buying/procurement skills with potential to progress to Buyer level
• Full member or studying towards being a member of the chartered institute of purchasing and supply (CIPS) or appropriate professional institute 
• Methodical approach with the ability to multi-task and handle several projects at once
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate to appropriate audiences

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 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 any additional support, please contact zoe.morgan-kriek@ypo.co.uk.

Interviews are planned to take place week commencing 29th March in-person at our Wakefield Office.

We reserve the right to remove this vacancy before the proposed deadline in the event of a change of requirements or a large number of applications being received.