Category Lead – Training Academy

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

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Category Lead (Fixed-Term contract) to join the Public Sector Customer Engagement team at YPO to develop YPO's Procurement Training Academy.

Our Procurement Training Academy offers training and professional development in areas including public sector procurement, commercial skills, category strategy and management, and contract management to boost the commercial and procurement capability of the public sector, which is at the heart of the Government's Naional Procurement Policy Statement.

YPO aims for the Procurement Training Academy and wider training portfolio to support development of public procurement and commercial capability internally and externally.

The Category Lead will work closely with the Principal Procurement Consultant to develop and deliver in-person and virtual training programmes, and ultimately offer state-of-the-art learning experience platforms.

As a Category Lead, you will:

• Develop and deliver a 3-year category strategy and plan in conjunction with the Principal Procurement Consultant and Head of Public Sector Customer Engagement, to ensure it aligns with YPO's purpose and business objectives. This strategy will set specific margin / on-cost targets along with turnover expectations, which the Category Lead will ultimately be responsible for.
• Analyse and assess customer trends and requirements to identify proposition and value creation, and opportunities for business growth while considering YPO's overall business objectives.
• Develop a range of procurement training solutions, ensuring services are to a high quality and delivered on time.
• Lead, manage, coach and mentor the team to ensure successful outcomes are achieved which includes effective customer and supplier engagement.

The post will require someone with a high degree of innovation, motivation, and management skills to ensure that the services are developed and managed to the required standard. The successful applicant will have significant experience in and understanding of public sector procurement, and be confident to deliver procurement training to a a variety of audiences.

What's in it for you?

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

• Generous annual leave, 29 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

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

Further information can be found on the Staff Intranet, or click here to visit our Careers page Start a career at YPO | YPO

To have a confidential and informal discussion about this role, or any additional support, please contact Caroline Brash on or

Interviews are planned to take place on Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th January 2026.