Category Buyer

Cencora | Pharma solutions; Chester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust in Chester is seeking a Category Buyer to manage procurement projects aimed at cost improvement and efficient services. The successful candidate will collaborate with various stakeholders, oversee contract management, and ensure compliance with policies. This role is crucial for delivering value from the Trust's expenditure and enhancing service quality.

Benefits

Opportunities for career development

Professional advice and support for career growth

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement processes and contract management.
• Proficiency in stakeholder engagement and project management.
• Understanding of financial regulations and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for procurement projects and cost-saving strategies.
• Manage supplier contracts and monitor performance.
• Provide professional advice to clinicians and managers.

Skills

Financial acumen

Contract management

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Procurement expertise

Job description

Working Full time: 37.5 hours per week

A new and exciting opportunity has arisen to join our dynamic team as a Category Buyer.

As a Category Buyer, you are accountable to the Senior Category Manager, supporting all aspects of the Trust's Cost Improvement Programme and Cash Releasing Savings Strategy.

The Category Buyer is responsible for contributing to the delivery of:

• Obtaining maximum benefits from Trust expenditure on goods and services, seeking best value, reliability, responsiveness, and innovation from suppliers.
• Releasing additional cost savings, adding value, and ensuring probity through the contracting process and ongoing performance monitoring of contracts and suppliers.
• The proactive management of Trust Procurement projects and initiative delivery.
• Acting autonomously in making financial recommendations, ensuring compliance with Standing Financial Instructions and the Scheme of Delegation.
• Producing briefing papers for the Procurement Manager and all Stakeholder groups to ensure actions align with the Trust's corporate objectives.

Below is a selection of duties. For a full list, please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification.

To assist with delivering the Trust's Cost Improvement Programme Strategy through procurement projects and tendering processes up to and including above threshold.

To manage various projects supporting the department’s annual work-plan in line with Trust policies and relevant legislation, ensuring timely and effective completion.

To engage with customers at all levels within the organization and external clients, maintaining high standards of service quality.

Provide professional advice and support to Trust clinicians and managers involved in commercial activities, ensuring understanding of complex procurement stages and legal requirements.

Conduct complex procurement exercises, interpreting specifications to ensure appropriate contract awards.

Deliver procurement process reports, ensuring compliance with Trust policies and legislation.

The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust provides services to West Cheshire and Welsh patients, collaborating within the Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership. It operates from three locations:

• The Countess of Chester Hospital: 438 beds.
• Ellesmere Port Hospital: 56 beds for rehabilitation, intermediate, and outpatient services.
• Tarporley War Memorial Hospital: community services for the local rural population.

The Trust employs over 5,916 staff and provides a range of services, with over 503,342 patient attendances in 2022/2023.

See Job Description for further details.

Recruitment is based on competence and values. Applicants will need to pay for their DBS check, with costs deducted over the first three months. Enrolment in the DBS Update Service is encouraged, with a small annual fee of £16.

New NHS entrants will start at the minimum of the salary scale. Early applications are encouraged, as the vacancy may close early if filled.

Good luck with your application.