Head of Procurement

Job description

Job responsibilities

The postholder has the lead role in the management and development of the procurement and purchasing function, its staff, its work and performance against national and locally agreed targets. Accountable for the effective deployment of human, physical and financial resources. Responsibility for the department budget.

Lead responsibility for all procurement processes. This includes ensuring that purchasing policies and financial procedures are in line with NHS and statutory guidelines. The postholder will develop and implement Trust wide policies and performance arrangements to secure effective implementation across all areas of the trust.

To be accountable for the annual trust procurement audits & to ensure Substantial Assurance is achieved.

Undertake in depth analysis of highly complex procurement opportunities and exercise judgement in assessing a range of options, taking into account the constant changes taking place within the wider NHS environment.

Identify and secure the active involvement and engagement of sponsors, key stakeholders including external agencies and key suppliers. Ensure collaborative working and the use of modern management of change processes to overcome resistance the change and ensure successful outcomes

Identify, develop, plan and implement local long term strategies and programmes that deliver national policy and strategy, and that modernizes and improves healthcare delivery and performance across the Trust. Lead responsibility for developing, implementing, reviewing and monitoring the Trust Procurement and Purchasing Strategy.

Advise the Trust on the interpretation of national policy and strategy and recommend action to be taken to ensure implementation and delivery within the Trust.

Responsible for the production of monthly reports and key procurement performance indicators both for internal and external reporting. The postholder will be required to use the KPI information to monitor and improve performance of the operational function ensuring key work streams are delivered (eg standardization, savings, area of influence)

The postholder will be the lead for the Trust on all procurement returns and responsible for providing purchasing information to the Executive Team and Board of Directors.

Lead responsibility for the maintenance and development of the e-procurement system, Atamis and other systems which may be implemented, and ensuring staff compliance with Trust procurement procedures (including leading on their implementation & education trust-wide) Responsibility for the ongoing development of purchasing systems and processes in order to improved efficiencies through the introduction of new technologies.

Identify, develop and deliver appropriate education, training and development programmes to managers within the trust to ensure that Trust procedures are adhered to, and to facilitate the delivery of the procurement strategy.Maintain an understanding of best practice nationally and internationally to support the strategic development of healthcare.

Lead on Trust-wide initiatives in key policy areas, including annual efficiency requirements.

To deputise for and undertake any other duties as delegated by the Director of Contracting, Business development and Procurement.

Person Specification

Education/Qualifications

Essential

• Full CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and supply) membership
• Masters of equivalent level of knowledge
• Evidence of post-qualification development, eg attendance at courses, seminars

Knowledge

Essential

• Advanced specialist knowledge of procurement practice within a public sector organisation.
• Expert and up to date knowledge in a range of procurement disciplines & strategic purchasing management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the financial and organisational complexities of the NHS, Local Authorities and Social Care, including current national policies
• Comprehensive understanding of sustainability/ environmental requirements of the procurement function
• Advanced knowledge of quotation / tendering procedures and relevant legislation

Skills / Experience

Essential

• Literate in IT/Computer Skills
• Good oral and written communication skills based on fluency on the English language
• Significant experience of using computerised purchasing systems
• Significant NHS Procurement Experience
• Experience of leading and managing a team of staff
• Experience of training individuals and groups of staff at all levels of seniority.
• Highly developed influencing and negotiating skills with proven experience of success at the most senior levels of organisations
• Experience of writing and presenting reports at Board level
• Excellent presentation skills
• Able to communicate sometimes highly complex, highly detailed information where barriers to understanding may exist & communicate sometimes contentious recommendations where there are barriers to acceptance.

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Organized - able to manage own and others workload & prioritise as necessary.
• Able to articulate a clear vision with strong networking and high level interpersonal skills
• Ability to influence very senior officers and governance bodies to address financial, performance or governance issues
• Ability to analyse and interpret highly complex information to assess issues and provide workable solutions
• Excellent attention to detail, ability to extract key messages from complex analyses
• Excellent project and time management skills and ability to work to deadlines
• Able to work under pressure
• Proven leadership qualities

Additional Qualities

Essential

• Ability to travel independently across sites as required

Desirable

• Full UK Driving Licence

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Thurrock Hospital

Long Lane

Grays

RM16 2PX

Employer's website

https://eput.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)