Strategic Partnership Manager

Job Introduction

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 Strategic Partnership Manager.

As a key member of the Procurement Services and Supply Solutions Team, this role is integral to YPO’s procurement function. The successful candidate will provide senior leadership and direction for YPO’s major commercial partnerships, ensuring they deliver long term value for the organisation, its members and the wider public sector.

The role acts as the senior representative of YPO within the partnership, shaping strategy, driving commercial performance and ensuring that the partnership strengthens YPO’s position in the construction market.

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:

• Full member or studying towards being a member of the chartered institute of purchasing and supply (CIPS) or equivalent degree
• In depth understanding of public sector purchasing legislation and the current social, economic, legislative and political environment in which they operate
• Customer focused team player with strong judgement and decision-making abilities
• Knowledge of the Construction Category, the market and supply, understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist within the sector
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to make effective decision on pricing models, rebate levels, proposals and income streams

Experience of working within the Construction category within different areas of the public sector would be ideal, but not essential as this can be developed whilst in the role.

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
• Recognition of continuous service from current employment with a relevant public sector body may apply (please email ***email_hidden*** for further information)
• A comprehensive health and wellbeing package
• Car allowance
• 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 Michelle Walker at [email protected]

Interviews are planned to take place week commencing 27th July 2026 , in-person at our office in Wakefield.