YPO appoints head of procurement

Wakefield-based YPO, one of the UK’s largest public buying sector organisations, has appointed Michelle Walker as its new head of procurement services.

Within this newly created role, Michelle will lead on forming strategic stakeholder partnerships, nurturing strong internal relationships and collaborating with customers within the YPO supply chain.

Michelle is an award-winning procurement professional with extensive experience in the public sector, specifically within the NHS and higher education at Sheffield Hallam University. For the past 15 years she has held a position within the NHS North of England Commercial Procurement Collaborative (NOE CPC) in Sheffield, with her most recent role seeing her lead a team within the Healthcare Services and Pharmacy category.

As well as her category work, Michelle conceptualised and delivered a well-regarded suite of training for procurement and non-procurement staff on a national scale, contributing as a keynote speaker at numerous national events.

Michelle also teaches the next generation of procurement professionals, delivering CIPS level 4 and 5 training at the College of York and the University of Hull. Michelle is CIPS qualified and holds a post graduate qualification in Public Procurement Law and Policy from the University of Nottingham.

Michelle said: “YPO is one of the UK’s leaders in procurement innovation, maximising value and support to the public and education sectors. It’s exciting to begin this role at such a pivotal time in the industry, and I am looking forward to strategically working with leaders across YPO and its partners to build opportunities that can develop and grow the organisation whilst delivering an outstanding service.”

Simon Hill, managing director added: “Michelle joins us with a wealth of experience in public sector procurement, working at the NHS for over 20 years in total. She has led teams through some of the most challenging times, such as the pandemic, and truly has a passion for making a difference. The board and I look forward to working with Michelle closely to shape YPO’s procurement strategy for the future.”