Job summary
We now have an opportunity for an Assistant Buyer to help to develop and enhance the delivery of our patient focused services strategy. The post will work within the Buying Team within CHS which plays a vital role in ensuring that effective procurement services are delivered to the Trust.
Regular interaction with staff from all wards and departments is key so a friendly and can-do attitude is required at all times. A team player is essential as the daily challenges will require an individual who has is flexible in their approach to the role.
The Person:
We are looking for someone ideally with experience of:
- Working within a stock control based environment.
- Understanding of the basics of stock replenishment.
- Customer service and a friendly 'can do' attitude.
- Working as part of a team in a time pressured environment.
Personal Development
Annual appraisal
Excellent opportunities to progress and develop new skills
Wide range of apprenticeships for new and existing staff
Library and Learning Centres on each hospital site
Now you know a little about what we offer colleagues we would love to receive an application from you.
Main duties of the job
- Assist in the administration of the procurement department including purchase to pay activity, meeting scheduling etc.
- Help to ensure that goods and services are obtained in the most cost-effective manner, in accordance with the Trust's Financial Procedures.
- Provide a source of information and advice to customers and generally act as a key point of contact for both internal and external stakeholders.
- Maintain appropriate purchasing (and other) records on behalf of CHS/the Trust.
- Support with transactional purchase to pay tasks relevant to the procurement department i.e. ensuring all orders are checked for accuracy/certified before dispatch, turning requisitions in to purchase orders, dealing with queries and unpaid invoices etc.
- Support with maintaining catalogues and encouraging end users to utilise existing catalogue options wherever possible.
- Provide a courteous and quality customer service including providing practical procurement guidance to customers e.g. best route of supply, requisitioning and/or receipting procedures.
- Promptly respond and resolve queries and complaints.
- Assist with the administration and maintaining of contract information i.e. database and flagging contract expiries where possible.
- Support with the purchase of goods and services as delegated, in line with current SFI values.
- Support with general administration on behalf of the procurement team such as meeting scheduling etc.
About us
Calderdale and Huddersfield Solutions Ltd (CHS) provides estates, facilities and procurement services to our partner organisation Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust (CHFT) and other customers. We employ around 450 staff in a wide range of functions, ranging from cleaners, porters, retail and administrative staff to engineers and procurement specialists.
In addition to a competitive salary and NEST pension employer/employee match scheme (up to 6% CHS contribution) we also offer a range of benefits as follows:-
Extensive range of discounts on-line and in store at all your favourite retail outlets
Blue Light discount card for further savings
Staff Lottery scheme
On site restaurant (staff discount), Caf and coffee bar serving Costa coffee and Retail shop
On site Nursery provision and generous Maternity/Paternity and Adoption schemes
Workforce benefit team to support with a range of childcare provision/out of school clubs
Salary sacrifice car and cycle schemes (subject to certain criteria)
Tax free childcare vouchers
Career break scheme
Special leave policies
Flexible working opportunities
On site Occupational Health service
24/7 Care First Employee Assistance scheme that provides:-
Confidential counselling and support
Financial and legal help and advice
Chaplaincy Services, Chapel and Prayer rooms
Dedicated wellbeing hour each week
Job description
Job responsibilities
- As part of the Procurement and Supplies team the post holder will:Ensure that goods and services are obtained in the most cost effective manner, in accordance with the Trusts Financial Procedures.
- Provide a source of information and specialist advice to customers and generally act as a focal point for all communication with suppliers and commercial representatives.
- Maintain appropriate purchasing (and other) records on behalf of CHS/the Trust.
- Have regular communication with suppliers to ensure up to date and best pricing is achieved and maintained.
- Support with pre-purchase activity including benchmarking, product trials etc. and undertake quotation processes in line with Standing Financial Instructions.
- Demonstrate strong negotiation skills in the Buying activity.
- Contribute toward Procurement projects and tender activity as required
Job description
Job responsibilities
- As part of the Procurement and Supplies team the post holder will:Ensure that goods and services are obtained in the most cost effective manner, in accordance with the Trusts Financial Procedures.
- Provide a source of information and specialist advice to customers and generally act as a focal point for all communication with suppliers and commercial representatives.
- Maintain appropriate purchasing (and other) records on behalf of CHS/the Trust.
- Have regular communication with suppliers to ensure up to date and best pricing is achieved and maintained.
- Support with pre-purchase activity including benchmarking, product trials etc. and undertake quotation processes in line with Standing Financial Instructions.
- Demonstrate strong negotiation skills in the Buying activity.
- Contribute toward Procurement projects and tender activity as required
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- 5x A*-C Grade GCSEs (must include English & Maths)
- Vocational courses appropriate to the post
Desirable
- Willingness to undertake appropriate further study
Experience
Essential
- Proven skills in buying and raising orders.
- Proven experience of purchase order systems
- Experience of negotiating and liaising with suppliers
- Experience of working in a customer centred environment.
- Commercial focus or business background
Desirable
- Evidence of delivering cost saving initiatives
- Previous experience in the NHS or other public sector organisation in a purchasing role
- Experience of training others.
Knowledge & Skills:
Essential
- Excellent, clear written / oral communication
- Plan and organise own work within broad professional policies.
- Attention to detail / accuracy
- Ability to cope with conflicting priorities
- Understanding of general purchasing including buying processes
- Must be able to work within a team.
- Enthusiastic and selfmotivated
- Must have a strong customer service focus
- Numerate and literate
- Ability to use telephone in a professional confident manner.
- Computer literacy utilising Microsoft Office applications
Desirable
- Ability to influence others
- Analytical/data skills
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- 5x A*-C Grade GCSEs (must include English & Maths)
- Vocational courses appropriate to the post
Desirable
- Willingness to undertake appropriate further study
Experience
Essential
- Proven skills in buying and raising orders.
- Proven experience of purchase order systems
- Experience of negotiating and liaising with suppliers
- Experience of working in a customer centred environment.
- Commercial focus or business background
Desirable
- Evidence of delivering cost saving initiatives
- Previous experience in the NHS or other public sector organisation in a purchasing role
- Experience of training others.
Knowledge & Skills:
Essential
- Excellent, clear written / oral communication
- Plan and organise own work within broad professional policies.
- Attention to detail / accuracy
- Ability to cope with conflicting priorities
- Understanding of general purchasing including buying processes
- Must be able to work within a team.
- Enthusiastic and selfmotivated
- Must have a strong customer service focus
- Numerate and literate
- Ability to use telephone in a professional confident manner.
- Computer literacy utilising Microsoft Office applications
Desirable
- Ability to influence others
- Analytical/data skills
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).