Category Lead - HR & People Solutions

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 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 Category Lead to join our HR & People Procurement Services and Supply Solutions team.

View more information about our Framework Services - Procurement Frameworks & Services | YPO Frameworks

In this role, you will have genuine impact across YPO and the Public sector to:

• Lead and support the delivery of strategic procurement projects within the procurement services team, driving category objectives and value creation.
• Ensure high-quality Provider performance to achieve service excellence, cost savings, efficiency, and overall growth and profitability.
• Lead and manage the category with strategic oversight, fostering collaboration, communication, and team development while ensuring operational excellence and resolving customer and provider challenges.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key partners, service providers, stakeholders, other PSBO’s and customers to influence and shape the public sector agenda, supporting a category management approach.
• Ensure all procurement activity is fully compliant with UK and EU legislative requirements, leveraging expertise to uphold governance and best practice.

You’ll join a collaborative, high-performing procurement team, with opportunities to work on innovative and niche projects that make a difference to public sector organisations and communities.

About You

We are seeking a driven, strategic thinking and enthusiastic individual to join our team.   Drawing from the skills and experience section of the Job Description, we are looking for someone who can bring the right blend of experience, skills and behaviours:

• Procurement Leadership: Skilled in designing innovative, compliant procurement frameworks and delivering strategic solutions aligned with the Procurement Act 2023.
• Customer Focus: Champion growth and value by aligning procurement strategies with YPO’s commitment to customers and public service excellence.
• Provider Management: Develop and lead strategic provider relationships to drive category objectives, ensure compliance, and deliver long-term value.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strategic relationships with customers, providers, other Public Sector Buyer Organisations, and internal teams to champion YPO’s category strategies and deliver tailored solutions.
• Market Intelligence: Lead strategic market analysis to anticipate industry trends and evolving customer needs, ensuring category strategies maintain a competitive edge.
• Marketing and Promotion: Develop and lead category-focused marketing strategies to strengthen customer engagement and raise awareness of YPO’s frameworks solutions and team experience.

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

Why join us?

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

• Car Allowance of £2,500 per annum
• Annual leave, from 24 days a year, plus 8 days statutory bank holidays and 3 discretionary closedown days at Christmas
• We have an optional flexi working scheme where if you accrue more hours on top of your standard hours then you can have an additional x1 day off a month 
• Local Government Pension through West Yorkshire Pension Fund 
• Recognition of continuous service from current employment with a relevant public sector body may apply 
• A comprehensive health and wellbeing package
• Hybrid Working (x2 days minimum in the office)
• Flexible working options available 
• Family friendly policies
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Subsidised canteen
• Free parking available
• Wellbeing support service
• Salary sacrifice car scheme available
• Access to Occupational Health Service
• Discounted sports and leisure memberships
• Commitment to staff development and training

Coming from the public sector?
Subject to HR policy and eligibility, we may recognise continuity of service for certain benefits (e.g. pension). 

Grow your career
Join a growing community of experienced procurement professionals with access to mentoring, learning pathways, and opportunities to innovate, progress and lead.

Interested?

To have a confidential and informal discussion about this role, or for any additional support, contact:

Gemma Maw – Strategic Procurement Manager – gemma.maw@ypo.co.uk    

Interviews are scheduled to take place the week commencing 23rd June 2026, in-person at our office in Wakefield