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 Category Lead in the Furniture Category.
As a member of the Procurement Products and Supply Solutions Team, this role is integral to YPO's procurement function. We need a strategic and dynamic leader to drive end-to-end category management within YPO's procurement function. This role will shape category-specific buying strategies aligned with our overall procurement goals, ensuring high-quality supplier performance, cost efficiency, and sustainable growth. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with Sales, Marketing, and Public Sector teams to meet evolving customer needs, while also supporting market capability development and lead the team to deliver key procurement projects. With joint line management responsibilities, you'll champion YPO's values and ways of working, fostering a high-performing and customer-focused team.
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:
* An in depth understanding of public sector purchasing legislation and the ability to Demonstrate a track record of managing and delivering full end to end collaborative frameworks (or similar) that deliver successful outcomes
* Full member or studying towards being a member of the chartered institute of purchasing and supply (CIPS) or appropriate professional institute
* Well-developed leadership skills, which foster a positive and motivated organisational culture and proven ability to work as part of an effective team and foster good inter-personnel relationships.
* Experience of category specific processes in different areas of the public sector
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 for any additional support, please contact Amy Shelley at .
Interviews are scheduled to take place the week commencing 20th October 2025, in-person at our office in Wakefield.