Business Engagement Manager

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 to appoint to the role of Business Engagement Manager.

While the role will involve travel across the UK, we are particularly keen to hear from candidates based in the Midlands or South. The Business Engagement Manager will be required to attend YPO in person for fortnightly team meetings, as well as for other key meetings when needed. The role also involves regular travel to attend face‑to‑face customer meetings across the region and nationally.

This role will be focussed on expanding our services nationally across various public sectors, including Local Authorities, Emergency Services, Housing, Central Government Departments, Transport, and the NHS.

Reporting to the Public Sector Engagement Manager, in this role you will have a chance to make a significant impact in the public sector. Developing and implementing effective client engagement strategies to meet customer needs and drive efficiency, you will identify and nurture new business opportunities, driving brand awareness and growth.

Working as part of a small team you’ll provide professional guidance on products and services to senior stakeholders, you will help customers achieve better value through procurement, whilst mentoring and supporting an Engagement Officer.

Managing and growing specific accounts will be a key part of your role, ensuring customer requirements are met and exceeded. You will work closely with internal teams to deliver cohesive procurement solutions and stay ahead of market trends to develop innovative solutions for our customers. Ensuring all services are delivered in line with professional standards and relevant legislation is also crucial.

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:

• Excellent business development ability, with relevant degree and professional qualifications (e.g., MCIPS, MBA) or equivalent experience.
• Understanding of public sector operations, including social, economic, legislative, and political contexts.
• Demonstratable stakeholder management skills, including negotiation and collaboration.
• Practical understanding of Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023.

If you are results-driven, with excellent communication and analytical skills, and have a great understanding of public sector procurement, we want to hear from you. For a detailed description of the role and required skills, please refer to the job description attached below.Candidates who have applied for the role within the past 12 months need not re-apply. 

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 
• Recognition of continuous service from current employment with a relevant public sector body may apply (please email recruitment@ypo.co.uk for further information)
• 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 Rebecca Shenton at Rebecca.shenton@ypo.co.uk 

Interviews are scheduled to take place the week commencing 13th April, in-person at our office in Wakefield.