Job summary
The successful applicant will work as part of the busy operational purchasing team and will be required to be involved in the day to day purchasing and supply needs of the Trust, ensuring that critical supplies of medical and related goods are purchased in a timely manner and to the rigorous standards of the NHS. This is a crucial role and one which requires the successful candidate to have a determined approach to their work, balancing cost and quality issues with an overriding aim of guaranteeing that the needs of wards and departments are always delivered on time, to maintain patient care. The Procurement Department also takes a leading role in identifying and reporting on cost improvements and the activity of the Buyer is central to this process.
** Previous applicants need not apply**
Main duties of the job
The role includes the purchase of goods and services on behalf of the Trust and at all times endeavour to achieve best value in accordance with the Procurement Department's agreed procurement procedures and policies and the Trusts Procurement Strategy. In carrying out these tasks a buyer must use a number of computer applications, act on their own initiative, be flexible in approach to their duties and advise all users on the optimum supply route for their requirements.
About us
At the Dudley Group our patients and staff are at the heart of all that we do and that is to provide a world class service that aligns with our vision of "excellent health care, improved health for all". We are seeking to recruit staff who share our vision and values of making Dudley Group an incredible workplace.
We are committed to becoming a diverse and an inclusive employer and where people feel sense of belonging. Seeking to expand diversity within our teams, we positively encourage applications from under-represented groups such as ethnically diverse, disabled and LGBTQ+ groups. We are also under-represented in-terms of gender within nursing roles and we would welcome applications from people from male and non-binary backgrounds.
The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust recognises the values and transferable skills that the Armed Forces community bring and recognise their compatibility with NHS roles.
We are committed to home life balance through flexible working and making reasonable adjustments where possible.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Take responsibility for the negotiation of contracts/purchase agreements for goods and services not covered by existing formalised arrangements, where appropriate inviting quotations and tenders on behalf of the Trust.
- Raise purchase orders for goods and services using the IB Solutions computer system in accordance with the respective Trusts Standing Financial Instructions and Standing Orders to achieve best value for the requisitioners / Departmental Managers.
- Use the purchase order system to generate non-stock catalogues. Liaise with requisitioners / Departmental Managers to establish their requirements and ensure purchases are to the agreed standards.
- Investigate and evaluate new and existing sources of supply for all products and services as appropriate, including NHS Supply Chain, Crown Commercial Services and other Procurement Collaborative Purchasing Hubs.
- Consider and use the most appropriate supply route on behalf of the Trust.
- Where appropriate add contracts to the local contract portfolio for renewal.
- Advise requisitioners / Departmental Managers on all supply chain issues, including the use of electronic requisitioning systems.
- Use the Trust intranet/email to conduct internal/external communication as appropriate.
- Access the internet to obtain current information on products and prices and email suppliers.
- Ensure Pre-Acquisition Questionnaires (PAQs) are approved where relevant in accordance with the Trust Medical Devices Procurement Policy, before the purchase proceeds.
- Advise requisitioners / Departmental Managers on procurement protocols and legislation and escalate any issues to the Head / Deputy Director of Procurement when required.
- Participate in all mandatory and other appropriate training sessions arranged.
- Facilitate trials of new products where a potential cost benefit exists.
- Provide information to requisitioners / Departmental Managers on usage and assist in rationalisation and standardisation supply issues.
- Where possible co-ordinate requirements and amalgamate demand across departments to make best use of buying power and where appropriate participate in collaborative purchasing arrangements between Trusts.
- Promote The Dudley Group, Collaborative and National contracts, where appropriate and participate in dialogue with the buying teams employed within the NHS.
- Report all cost efficiencies achieved to the Deputy Director of Procurement.
- Produce summary statements for requisitioners / Departmental Managers of offers received against quotations/tenders invited.
- Expedite outstanding deliveries and investigate all supply chain problems on behalf of the requisitioner / Departmental Managers.
- Operate within the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply Professional Code of Ethics.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Take responsibility for the negotiation of contracts/purchase agreements for goods and services not covered by existing formalised arrangements, where appropriate inviting quotations and tenders on behalf of the Trust.
- Raise purchase orders for goods and services using the IB Solutions computer system in accordance with the respective Trusts Standing Financial Instructions and Standing Orders to achieve best value for the requisitioners / Departmental Managers.
- Use the purchase order system to generate non-stock catalogues. Liaise with requisitioners / Departmental Managers to establish their requirements and ensure purchases are to the agreed standards.
- Investigate and evaluate new and existing sources of supply for all products and services as appropriate, including NHS Supply Chain, Crown Commercial Services and other Procurement Collaborative Purchasing Hubs.
- Consider and use the most appropriate supply route on behalf of the Trust.
- Where appropriate add contracts to the local contract portfolio for renewal.
- Advise requisitioners / Departmental Managers on all supply chain issues, including the use of electronic requisitioning systems.
- Use the Trust intranet/email to conduct internal/external communication as appropriate.
- Access the internet to obtain current information on products and prices and email suppliers.
- Ensure Pre-Acquisition Questionnaires (PAQs) are approved where relevant in accordance with the Trust Medical Devices Procurement Policy, before the purchase proceeds.
- Advise requisitioners / Departmental Managers on procurement protocols and legislation and escalate any issues to the Head / Deputy Director of Procurement when required.
- Participate in all mandatory and other appropriate training sessions arranged.
- Facilitate trials of new products where a potential cost benefit exists.
- Provide information to requisitioners / Departmental Managers on usage and assist in rationalisation and standardisation supply issues.
- Where possible co-ordinate requirements and amalgamate demand across departments to make best use of buying power and where appropriate participate in collaborative purchasing arrangements between Trusts.
- Promote The Dudley Group, Collaborative and National contracts, where appropriate and participate in dialogue with the buying teams employed within the NHS.
- Report all cost efficiencies achieved to the Deputy Director of Procurement.
- Produce summary statements for requisitioners / Departmental Managers of offers received against quotations/tenders invited.
- Expedite outstanding deliveries and investigate all supply chain problems on behalf of the requisitioner / Departmental Managers.
- Operate within the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply Professional Code of Ethics.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Education
Essential
- GCSE English C or above or equivalent
- GCSE Maths C or above or equivalent
Desirable
- European Computer Driving Licence or equivalent
- Possess or be studying for the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Diploma in Procurement and Supply or relevant NVQ or equivalent business qualification
- College educated
Knowledge and Training
Essential
- Be numerate and have a good general level of education
- An ability to follow procedures and manuals
- Able to fulfil the requirements of the role
- Be familiar with spreadsheet and word processing software i.e., Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word or equivalent
Desirable
- Knowledge of the CIPS Professional Code of Ethics
- Familiar with Microsoft Access or equivalent
Experience
Essential
- Have experience of working in a busy procurement / supply / finance office
Desirable
- Significant Healthcare purchasing experience
- Worked with purchase order systems and be familiar with e-commerce processes
- Customer Service experience
Communication & Relationship Skills
Essential
- Honesty, thorough, conscientious, and patient
- Motivated to work in a non-profit making organisation
- Good Verbal communication skills and ability to explain things to other members of the team and customers
Desirable
- Interested in the NHS
- Shows commitment and looks to extend his/her role/experiences
- Ability to be courteous and responsive
- Be pro-active in helping others within and outside the department
- Neat appearance, punctual and can keep to deadlines
- Personable and yet assertive
Analytical & Judgement Skills
Essential
- Good verbal and written communication skills, familiar with email/internet
Planning & Organisational Skills
Essential
- Aptitude for self-motivation and showing initiative
- Flexible approach to work
- Ability to work in a team
Desirable
- Likes to work in the NHS, help to improve patient care
- Enjoys the challenge of new tasks
Physical Skills
Essential
- Ability to handle goods / packaging for return
Desirable
- Ability to manoeuvre delivery cages or similar
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Trust Values
Essential
- Able to provide safe, caring, and effective services
- Values and behaviours that reflect the Trust values of Care, Respect and Responsibility
- Commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that is free from discrimination and where people feel they belong and their contribution is valued
Person Specification
Qualifications & Education
Essential
- GCSE English C or above or equivalent
- GCSE Maths C or above or equivalent
Desirable
- European Computer Driving Licence or equivalent
- Possess or be studying for the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Diploma in Procurement and Supply or relevant NVQ or equivalent business qualification
- College educated
Knowledge and Training
Essential
- Be numerate and have a good general level of education
- An ability to follow procedures and manuals
- Able to fulfil the requirements of the role
- Be familiar with spreadsheet and word processing software i.e., Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word or equivalent
Desirable
- Knowledge of the CIPS Professional Code of Ethics
- Familiar with Microsoft Access or equivalent
Experience
Essential
- Have experience of working in a busy procurement / supply / finance office
Desirable
- Significant Healthcare purchasing experience
- Worked with purchase order systems and be familiar with e-commerce processes
- Customer Service experience
Communication & Relationship Skills
Essential
- Honesty, thorough, conscientious, and patient
- Motivated to work in a non-profit making organisation
- Good Verbal communication skills and ability to explain things to other members of the team and customers
Desirable
- Interested in the NHS
- Shows commitment and looks to extend his/her role/experiences
- Ability to be courteous and responsive
- Be pro-active in helping others within and outside the department
- Neat appearance, punctual and can keep to deadlines
- Personable and yet assertive
Analytical & Judgement Skills
Essential
- Good verbal and written communication skills, familiar with email/internet
Planning & Organisational Skills
Essential
- Aptitude for self-motivation and showing initiative
- Flexible approach to work
- Ability to work in a team
Desirable
- Likes to work in the NHS, help to improve patient care
- Enjoys the challenge of new tasks
Physical Skills
Essential
- Ability to handle goods / packaging for return
Desirable
- Ability to manoeuvre delivery cages or similar
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Trust Values
Essential
- Able to provide safe, caring, and effective services
- Values and behaviours that reflect the Trust values of Care, Respect and Responsibility
- Commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that is free from discrimination and where people feel they belong and their contribution is valued
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
