Creating Opportunities and Building Connections

Rachael is the YORbuild Framework Manager for West Yorkshire and Humber and our YORscep Manager. Here, she discusses both her procurement job and Supply Chain Engagement Programme role.

Tell us a bit about your career and what led you into your current roles within YORhub

I’ve spent most of my career with Leeds City Council, joining the Corporate Procurement Unit in 2003 shortly after leaving university. I started as a Procurement Support Officer and gradually developed my procurement expertise, completing CIPS Levels 4, 5 and 6 and achieving MCIPS status.

Over the years, I’ve worked across a wide range of procurement areas, including children’s services, business and professional services, environmental services and construction and housing. That variety has given me a broad understanding of public sector procurement and the different challenges organisations face when delivering services and projects.

What does your role as YORbuild Framework Manager involve day-to-day?

I support clients across West Yorkshire and the Humber, helping them procure projects through the framework and ensuring they receive a strong response from our contractors. A key part of my job is maintaining regular contact with clients, understanding their experiences and learning how we can continue to improve the service we provide.

I’m supported by a dedicated framework management team, together we work to ensure clients and contractors remain engaged and informed throughout the procurement process.

What makes the YORhub frameworks, stand out from other frameworks?

One of the reasons I’m passionate about YORhub is that it operates on a not-for-profit basis and is focused entirely on helping public sector organisations deliver successful construction projects across the region. We want to ensure clients have access to honest advice and can choose the procurement route that works best for them. If a framework isn’t the right solution, we’ll say so.

You manage the recently renewed YORscep initiative, can you tell us more about the scheme and what it does?

The programme exists to help local suppliers and subcontractors access opportunities through YORhub frameworks and I’ve been particularly excited to see the launch of the new supply chain portal in partnership with The Supply Chain Network (TSCN) this month. Suppliers can register on the site, build their profile and submit expressions of interest in opportunities.

The new platform offers greater functionality and dedicated support than the previous system, allowing us to go beyond simply recording which contractor has advertised an opportunity. We will now better understand what happens afterwards, whether work packages are awarded and how subcontractors engage with opportunities. That information will help us continually improve the support we provide to the supply chain.

The annual Meet the Buyer event is always a highlight. Since returning after the pandemic, it has continued to attract strong attendance and positive feedback, providing valuable opportunities for contractors, suppliers and clients to connect. It’s something we’re keen to continue growing, alongside our webinar programme and other engagement activities.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about for YORhub over the next year?

I’m looking forward to the forthcoming opportunities presented by the procurement of new YORbuild frameworks for Minor and Medium works and the continuing implementation of the Procurement Act. Both developments will create opportunities to engage more closely with clients and ensure our frameworks continue to evolve in response to their needs.

What would you say to a client considering using YORhub, who hasn’t used us before?

Come and talk to us. We can assist in many ways. You can do an EOI with us and there’s no commitment right up until the project is awarded. If you don’t feel it will work for you or you don’t want to progress, that’s fine. We think you probably will though – once you’ve heard how we can help.

What do you do when you’re not managing construction frameworks?

I’m a passionate Leeds United supporter and season ticket holder. I also sit on the Leeds United Supporters Board, where I help represent supporters’ views and opinions. I enjoy travelling, attending concerts and discovering new music with my family. Recent highlights have included seeing Coldplay at Wembley and Take That at the Etihad.

Finally, what do you enjoy most about working at YORhub?

Being able to offer practical advice based on real local authority experience. Because our team works within local government, we understand the realities our clients face and can provide guidance that reflects genuine procurement challenges rather than simply applying a textbook approach. Relationship-building is another aspect of the role that I really enjoy. I regularly attend industry events, conferences, networking sessions and awards ceremonies on YORhub’s behalf.

Whether I’m supporting a client with a construction project, helping suppliers access opportunities through SCEP or representing YORhub at industry events, I’m proud to play a part in helping deliver successful outcomes for communities across Yorkshire and the Humber