Buyer

South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 3 Buyer role within the Foundation Group Procurement Shared Service, serving George Eliot NHS Trust, South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust, and Wye Valley Trust.

We are looking to recruit an ambitious, hardworking, confident buyer to join a supportive team who all work hard together in making a success of the Foundation Group Procurement Shared Service.

Reporting to the Section Head within the Team, you will support the smooth running of the service by responding to purchase requisitions, obtaining competitive quotations and creating purchase orders, along with responding to routine customer enquiries on product details availability and returns.

Duties will also include gathering and analysing data to ensure goods and services are procured in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.

This is a full-time post working 37.5 hours per week.

Main duties of the job

The role of the Buyer will be to assist the procurement team across the Foundation Group, working on behalf of George Eliot NHS Trust, South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust and Wye Valley Trust.

As part of the procurement team at the Foundation Group Procurement Shared Service, you will provide assistance to the Procurement Managers. The role will include identifying and sourcing appropriate supplies and goods, providing cost-effective solutions for the organisation. You will regularly liaise with suppliers and supply chain teams to ensure value for money and the best service possible is being delivered.

Job responsibilities

1. Undertake purchasing activity associated with the placing of orders, scheduling of requirements, obtaining & evaluating low value quotations in accordance with the Trust's Standing Orders and Standing Financial Instructions.
2. Ensure all appropriate documentation (e.g. PAQ forms, Single Action Waiver forms, quotations etc.) are completed.
3. Responsible for the procurement of products and services in selected areas on behalf wards and departments, liaising with internal managers, dealing with price increase requests, resolving issues with suppliers.
4. Liaise with company representatives as appropriate to discuss product, price, delivery and other related issues.
5. Investigate and evaluate new and existing sources of supply for products and services, making sure to liaise with appropriate members of the department, Clinical Procurement Specialist / Procurement Managers, where appropriate.
6. Ensure value for money is achieved throughout the procurement process utilising all existing resources & tools, such as Spend Comparison Service (benchmarking system) and Procurement Dashboard (analytics system).
7. Contribute to the Trust's Cost Improvement Programme (CIP) by developing and maintaining a sound knowledge of procurement product areas including an awareness of market trends and best buys, recording all savings achieved.
8. Process requisitions on the Trust's electronic purchase order system and the NHS Supply Chain system, ensuring delivery schedules and urgent requirements are met.
9. Contribute to the implementation and operation of the Trust's electronic purchase order system and NHS Supply Chain system.
10. Support ward & department staff in the operation of the Trust's electronic purchase order system and NHS Supply Chain system.
11. Undertake any other tasks as required by the Head of Section Buying Team, in accordance with the grade and nature of the post as required.
12. Promote good relationships with all user departments, suppliers and contractors.
13. To be aware of the correct ethics of transacting public business and display a high standard of conduct at all times.
14. Implement departmental & Trust policies, making comments, suggestions and contribute in the continual development and improvement to the services provided by the Procurement Department.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Good level of basic Education (GCSE level) with good standard of English and Maths.
• CIPS (Foundation level only) or equivalent experience.

Experience

• 2 years experience in NHS Purchasing or similar environment.

Skills

• Knowledge of Departmental procedures
• Good written and communication skills.

Personal Qualities

• Accuracy
• Responsive to requests from departments
• Good team player

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.