Head of Procurement - Direct Procurement for Customers

We're looking for an experienced procurement leader to take charge of the procurement workstream for our Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) programme.

This is a unique opportunity to shape and deliver a new procurement model that will support the successful delivery of our £3bn Strategic Resource Option (SRO) programme.

You'll design and manage the end-to-end procurement process for a major infrastructure project, ensuring transparency, compliance and value for money.

This role is pivotal in aligning our approach with Ofwat's DPC guidance and the Procurement Act 2023, setting the standard for future projects.

What you'll do

You will:

• develop and implement the DPC procurement strategy in line with Ofwat guidance and industry best practice
• design and manage procurement timelines, evaluation criteria and stakeholder engagement frameworks
• ensure full compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and associated regulations
• lead drafting of procurement documentation (PQQ, ITT and evaluation frameworks)
• manage bidder engagement, competitive dialogue and evaluation processes to deliver fair and transparent outcomes
• collaborate with legal and governance teams to provide assurance to the Board on compliance and risk
• maintain a robust audit trail for regulatory scrutiny
• build internal procurement capability for future DPC projects through knowledge transfer and best practice documentation
• coordinate procurement with operational requirements to ensure seamless integration and long-term sustainability
• manage external procurement advisers and consultants effectively.

What you'll need

You must have:

• an MCIPS qualification or equivalent
• proven leadership experience in large, complex infrastructure procurements (preferably with financing elements)
• strong understanding of utilities procurement law and governance requirements
• expertise in compliance, audit trails and regulated procurement processes
• excellent communication skills with experience engaging at board level
• stakeholder management and negotiation skills to balance competing interests
• experience in competitive dialogue and complex procurement procedures.

You should have:

• experience in major project procurement within regulated utilities, ideally with DPC or similar models (for example, Thames Tideway Tunnel)
• knowledge of water industry supply chains and specialist infrastructure contractors.

What you'll receive

• A combined pension contribution of up to 20%.
• Career progression and professional development opportunities.
• 25 days' holiday rising to 28 with length of service.
• A car allowance (subject to conditions).
• A performance-related bonus (subject to conditions).
• The opportunity to sell up to five days of holiday every year.
• The opportunity to buy up to ten days of holiday each year (subject to conditions).
• A healthcare package that allows you to claim back healthcare costs.
• Life assurance of up to eight times your salary.
• The opportunity to lease a new electric car through salary sacrifice (subject to conditions).
• Cashback and discounts from more than 3,000 retailers.
• One paid volunteering day each year.
• Enhanced family leave and pay arrangements.
• Access to an interactive health and wellbeing platform.
• Support from trained mental health first aiders.
• A £1,000 referral fee if you recommend someone who is successfully recruited by us.

Who we are

YTL UK is part of the international YTL Group based in Kuala Lumpur. The UK companies include:

• Wessex Water – one of the top-performing water and sewerage companies in England and Wales, serving 2.9 million people across the South West
• YTL Developments – a major UK developer currently redeveloping a 350 acre former airfield into an award winning, exciting mix of houses, apartments, schools, commercial space, restaurants and hotels, to make a truly sustainable new community
• YTL Construction UK – a top 20 UK contractor providing fully integrated services to infrastructure, residential, commercial, industry, energy and environmental sectors
• YTL Arena – the development and operation of an entertainment complex that includes a 20,000 capacity arena, conferencing and exhibition space
• plus a number of other retail, environmental and specialist businesses.

Our people tell us that YTL UK is a great place to work, which is why so many of them stay with us!  You will have a unique opportunity to develop and progress your career within such a diverse group.

We are passionate about diversity and inclusion – with that in mind, all applicants are welcome.  We are delighted to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are a Disability Confident Employer.

If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process, please inform a member of our Recruitment team.