Buyer

Integrated Care System; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A health services organization in Sunderland is seeking a Buyer to manage procurement and supply chain activities. This role requires strong communication skills and experience in an NHS environment, with responsibilities including managing orders and ensuring value for money. Competitive salary from £26,593 to £28,377 annually, pro-rata for part-time.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Cycle-to-work scheme

Access to a Childcare Co-ordinator

Qualifications

• Basic Numeracy & Literacy Skills to Level 1 or equivalent.
• Willingness to work towards CIPS qualification.
• Experience negotiating savings and providing value for money.

Responsibilities

• Manage procurement and supply chain activities daily.
• Ensure effective communication between customers and Procurement Services.
• Utilise electronic procure-to-pay ordering systems.

Skills

Decision-making ability

Interpersonal skills

Customer-oriented approach

Prioritisation skills

Problem-solving

Education

CSE or GCSE Level of Education

Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS) qualification or equivalent

Tools

Basic IT Skills

Job description

Go back City Hospitals Independent Commercial Enterprises Ltd (CHoICE)

Buyer

The closing date is 15 August 2025

The job holder's brief will include the day-to-day management of procurement and supply chain activities to ensure value for money for the whole of CHoICE and STSFT, in a timely and professional manner.

To ensure effective communications between the customer base and the Procurement Services Department, with particular regard to the procurement of goods and services required by CHoICE and South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, to meet the required standards of patient care, in line with all relevant Public Sector Requirements and Local Requirements.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be expected to offer support within the Purchasing team to ensure that an effective and efficient procurement service is provided to the Organisation, and that all Purchase Orders are processed correctly and invoices paid within the Organisation's Standard Financial Instructions and Public Sector Payment Policy. Excellent communication skills are essential to this post, as is the ability to recognise the most appropriate and effective method of communication for the task at hand.

Process computerised receipts, order amendments to reflect invoicing details, and liaise with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure order details are correct and match invoices.

Joint working with Accounts Payable to identify areas where improvements can be made.

About us

Please help us by adding your telephone number to your application form; this will allow us to contact you quickly if required.

City Hospitals Independent Commercial Enterprises Ltd (CHoICE - trading since 2014) is a wholly owned subsidiary company of South Tyneside & Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT). Based at Sunderland Royal Hospital, providing a full range of Facilities Management, Procurement, and Outpatient Pharmacy services. We employ around 650 staff in a wide range of functions, including cleaners, porters, engineers, procurement specialists, and pharmacists.

Commitment, Care, and Compassion - our team contributes to the overall hospital environment, providing safe, secure, and comfortable facilities for access by patients, staff, and visitors. CHoICE is an exciting place to work that offers opportunities for growth and development. Many staff work flexibly, including part-time, and we are committed to offering flexible working arrangements where possible. We provide benefits such as a Fitness Centre (SRH), cycle-to-work scheme, and access to a Childcare Co-ordinator to assist with childcare arrangements.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, or maternity, especially from under-represented groups.

Note: We will not accept applications that are AI-generated.

Job responsibilities

To ensure effective communication between the customer base and the Procurement Services Department, particularly regarding the procurement of goods and services required by CHoICE to meet patient care standards, in line with all relevant Public Sector and Local Requirements.

The job brief includes managing procurement and supply chain activities daily to ensure value for money for CHoICE in a timely and professional manner.

To reduce processing activity by utilising electronic procure-to-pay ordering systems.

PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE

Please note the Trust cannot offer Skilled Worker Sponsorship for this role as it does not meet the UKVI threshold requirements. Applicants should consider this when applying. Further information is available at Gov.UK.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Basic Numeracy & Literacy Skills to Level 1 or equivalent
• CSE or GCSE Level of Education
• Basic IT Skills
• Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS) qualification or equivalent, or willingness to work towards it.

Skills

• Decision-making ability.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Customer-oriented approach.
• Prioritisation skills.
• Methodical, numerate, problem-solving, motivated, analytical, influential, and assertive with tact and diplomacy.

Experience

• Previous NHS experience in a Supplies Department involving procurement of goods and services.
• Experience negotiating savings and providing value for money.
• Experience analysing procurement data.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement rules and regulations.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Willingness to visit wards/departments within the hospital and other sites for meetings.
• Ability to undertake new tasks as required.
• Proactive and reactive in addressing situations.
• Desire to add value and promote procurement roles.

Personal Qualities

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Team player.
• Caring attitude.

Employer name

City Hospitals Independent Commercial Enterprises Ltd (CHoICE)

£26,593 to £28,377 a year, pro-rata for part-time (37.5 hours/week)