Buyer

The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust; Dudley; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a buyer to join the busy operational purchasing team. The successful candidate will handle day-to-day purchasing and supply needs, ensuring critical medical and related goods are bought timely and to NHS standards, balancing cost and quality to support ward and department needs.

The role focuses on procuring goods and services within Trust procedures, using computer applications, and advising users on the best supply routes to sustain patient

Qualifications

• Be numerate and have a good general level of education.
• Familiar with spreadsheet and word processing software i.e., Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word or equivalent
• Knowledge of the CIPS Professional Code of Ethics
• Experience of working in a busy procurement / supply / finance office
• Significant Healthcare purchasing experience
• Worked with purchase order systems and be familiar with e-commerce processes
• Customer Service experience

Responsibilities

• Purchase goods and services on behalf of the Trust and achieve best value in accordance with the Procurement Department's procedures/policies.
• Use computer applications, take initiative, and advise users on the optimum supply route for their requirements.
• Identify cost improvements and report activity as part of the Trust's procurement strategy.

Skills

Procurement experience

Healthcare purchasing

Customer service

Negotiation

Communication skills

Education

GCSE English

GCSE Maths

ECDL

CIPS Diploma in Procurement and Supply

College educated

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Access

Job description

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.

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.

As part of the NHS People Promise, your wellbeing is our priority, and we are committed to ensuring our employees achieve a healthy work-life balance supported by our flexible working options and by making reasonable adjustments where possible. We believe no-one should have to sacrifice family, friends, or their personal interests for work. We are a modern employer able to attract and retain high quality staff through our commitment to the NHS People Promise.

As an employer, we foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their best. We want to ensure that our workforce is representative of the population we serve. More information - inclusive practice people promise.

Dudley Group offer many opportunities for our staff to develop and grow within their roles through our Learning & OD Team. These include topics such as communication, wellbeing, team development, cultural competency, and values.

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the attached job description for full details of the main duties and responsibilities that the post holder is required to undertake.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Education

• GCSE English C or above or equivalent
• GCSE Maths C or above or equivalent
• 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

• 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
• Knowledge of the CIPS Professional Code of Ethics
• Familiar with Microsoft Access or equivalent

Experience

• Have experience of working in a busy procurement / supply / finance office
• Significant Healthcare purchasing experience
• Worked with purchase order systems and be familiar with e-commerce processes
• Customer Service experience

Communication & Relationship Skills

• 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
• 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

Analytical & Judgement Skills

• Good verbal and written communication skills, familiar with email/internet
• Accuracy in work produced
• Possess good negotiation skills and shows an ability to be diplomatic

Planning & Organisational Skills

• Aptitude for self-motivation and showing initiative
• Flexible approach to work
• Ability to work in a team
• Likes to work in the NHS, help to improve patient care
• Enjoys the challenge of new tasks

Physical Skills

• Ability to handle goods / packaging for return
• Ability to manoeuvre delivery cages or similar

Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Trust Values

• 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.

£25,760 to £27,476 a yearPro Rata Per Annum