Buyer

NHS; Woking; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company within the NHS is looking for a Procurement Support Officer to assist in delivering efficient procurement services. The role requires engagement with internal teams and suppliers, evaluating quotations for best value, and conducting thorough analyses of purchasing data. Ideal candidates will have procurement experience in healthcare settings, strong administration skills, and a proven ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders.

Benefits

Excellent training and development opportunities

5% Fringe High-Cost Allowance

Qualifications

• Experience in NHS or similar healthcare settings.
• Public procurement experience across various functions.
• Line management within a matrix structure.

Responsibilities

• Support procurement processes ensuring cost efficiency.
• Conduct cost comparisons and identify value-for-money solutions.
• Manage supplier relations and facilitate new supplier setups.

Skills

Office administration

Customer service skills

Stakeholder interaction

Education

GCSE level education

Higher education to A levels or equivalent

CIPS Level 4 or equivalent NVQ/National diploma

Job description

The post holder will support the Procurement Manager in providing an effective and professional procurement service that delivers ongoing cost efficiencies and benefits to CSH Surrey, in line with organizational and departmental objectives.

As first-line customer support to internal stakeholders and suppliers of the procurement service, including management of the procurement mail inbox, the post holder will ensure the effective and efficient delivery of day-to-day transactional purchase order processing, sourcing of goods, managing internal electronic catalogues, and obtaining competitive quotations to ensure best value.

Kay Verge, the Recruiting Manager, will be on annual leave during the week commencing 9th June and will not be available to respond to any queries until her return on 16th June.

Depending on start date, you may be paid on the 24/25 scales with backdated pay processed once the new pay scales come into effect.

Please note we NOT offer UKVI sponsorship; all applicants require the right to work in the UK.

Main duties of the job

1. Provide professional procurement support and guidance to internal stakeholders, managers, and customers regarding low-value quotations to obtain value for money.
2. Undertake cost comparison of alternative quotations and select the best value options in liaison with stakeholders.
3. Assess customer requirements for appropriate methods of ordering and distribution (e.g., urgency, quality, price, supply route to market).
4. Analyze financial and purchasing data to determine the best value for money options.
5. Assess problem situations and determine the most appropriate resolution method in conjunction with customers or suppliers.
6. Understand and analyze spend information on specific products or services and communicate this to customers.
7. Identify opportunities for contracting or tendering.
8. Work closely with user departments to review goods and services purchased.
9. Facilitate the setup of new suppliers and promote the use of catalogued items, communicating benefits to users.
10. Liaise with clinical and enabling services to ensure value for money and attend meetings as required.
11. Identify products to be added to the e-catalogue, ensuring pricing and amendments are maintained timely.

About us

CSH Surrey, part of the NHS, is Surrey’s largest and longest-established NHS community services provider, with over 1500 employees receiving NHS pay, pensions, and a 5% Fringe High-Cost Allowance.

We offer excellent training and development opportunities, including the Care Certificate, apprenticeships, numeracy and literacy courses, access to the Nursing Associate programme, and various management and leadership courses.

We CARE about our staff through our values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence. Our active employee council, The Voice, ensures colleagues’ voices are heard at the Board level. CSH is a diverse organization; if you are passionate and person-focused, apply to join CSH Surrey today!

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds who meet the essential criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact the specified individual or our recruitment team.

Job responsibilities

• Provide professional procurement support and guidance regarding low-value quotations to obtain value for money.
• Conduct cost comparisons of quotations and select the best options with stakeholders.
• Assess customer requirements for ordering and distribution methods.
• Analyze financial and purchasing data for best value options.
• Determine appropriate resolutions for problems in conjunction with customers or suppliers.
• Analyze spend data and communicate findings to customers.
• Identify opportunities for contracting or tendering.
• Work with departments to review purchased goods and services.
• Facilitate new supplier setups and promote catalogue use.
• Liaise with clinical and enabling services to ensure value for money and attend meetings.
• Maintain pricing information and amendments for catalogue products timely.

Person Specification

Experience

• Office administration and customer service skills.
• Experience interacting with stakeholders at all levels and external partners.
• Experience working in NHS or similar healthcare settings.
• Experience in public or major corporate procurement.
• Line management experience within a matrix structure.

Knowledge

• Understanding of procurement tendering processes and value for money delivery.

Qualifications

• GCSE level education.
• Higher education to A levels or equivalent.
• CIPS Level 4 or equivalent NVQ/National diploma or experience.

Salary: £28,860 to £31,671 per year, inclusive of 5% High Cost Area allowance, pro-rata.