Procurement Manager

-; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in the UK is seeking an experienced IT Procurement Manager to support procurement across multiple trusts. The role involves leading high-value procurement projects, negotiating complex contracts, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Applicants should have strong interpersonal and negotiation skills. This position offers a chance to significantly contribute to optimal procurement strategies and improve service delivery across the healthcare system.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a procurement team.
• Experience of staff management.
• Experience negotiating complex contracts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead high-value procurement projects.
• Provide excellent customer service to clinicians and service users.
• Coordinate high-value quotations and tenders.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Negotiation skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Degree or diploma level graduate (CIPS or procurement related)

Good general standard of education including Mathematics and English Language – GCSE grade 4

Job description

Job Summary

We’re on the lookout for a knowledgeable, hard‑working IT Procurement Manager to join our team based in One Lancashire and South Cumbria, hosted by East Lancashire Hospitals. You will be responsible for providing dedicated procurement support to all Trusts. The objective of the role is to identify, develop and deliver credible savings/work plans within the IT category and engage with stakeholders for the corporate functions, whilst ensuring all procurement activity is undertaken in accordance with public procurement legislation and Trust standing financial instructions. The individual must be an IT Procurement Specialist with in‑depth knowledge of supplier technology and services in the marketplace, and experience working with suppliers to negotiate enterprise contracts in a variety of IT categories, specifically on the following solutions and suppliers:

• Acquisition of software, hardware, maintenance/support
• Acquisition of IT managed services/outsourcing arrangements
• Experience working with a variety of IT suppliers
• Lead colleagues through all steps of the procurement processes, to ensure best value for money and risks mitigated
• Advise on efficient and effective procurement, be seen as a Trusted Partner by building positive and collaborative working relationships
• Negotiate with suppliers to establish commercially robust agreements

Previous applicants need not apply.

Main Duties of the Job

The Procurement Manager will work within the Procurement tower to support the delivery of the procurement strategy and achieve "balanced scorecard" targets. This includes delivering against the following objectives: savings and efficiency targets, improving and maintaining compliance with procurement regulations, and customer service. You will be expected to work with stakeholders at all levels to present the procurement cluster as a progressive and responsive group that works collaboratively, provides new thinking and positively influences system improvement and efficiency. Contribute as part of the One LSC Procurement team to the strategy and direction of the team and work on specific/allocated projects against agreed timescales and outcomes for One LSC Procurement customers, including sourcing goods, equipment, materials and services that meet requirements by demonstrating value for money and promoting an integrated approach to procurement.

Job Responsibilities

1. Work with colleagues in the procurement team to design and execute the delivery of the procurement strategy and balanced scorecard objectives through the work plan.
2. Provide excellent customer service to clinicians and service users across the One LSC Trusts and customer trusts.
3. Develop and lead high‑value procurement projects, including planning and tender selection strategies, working closely with clinical and non‑clinical staff to achieve project support and sign‑off.
4. Develop appropriate procurement documents via the tendering system and assist in setting up the award evaluation system.
5. Be responsible for the procurement of high‑value, complex contracts, ensuring appropriate project management processes are in place and status reports are compiled.
6. Lead on commercial negotiations with suppliers in accordance with the project.
7. Support and guide the professional and training developmental needs within the team.
8. Supervise a dedicated buying team aligned to a selected customer.
9. Manage day‑to‑day Senior Buyer and Lead Buyer within delegated limits, maintaining motivation and morale.
10. Support budget holders in managing their budgets for allocated projects and provide regular update reports.
11. Significantly contribute to the One LSC procurement team’s strategy and direction, particularly regarding category spend.
12. Assist Senior Procurement Managers in developing and executing the Procurement tower and wider Lancashire Procurement Cluster strategy, ensuring it is communicated and supported by budget managers and clinicians.
13. Lead the uptake of local benefits from collaborative arrangements with partners.
14. Ensure compliance with statutory and local policies, standards, and procedures throughout the procurement process.
15. Coordinate high‑value quotations and tenders, ensuring compliance with Trust Standing Orders and standing financial instructions.
16. Identify and deliver projects and efficiencies to achieve agreed performance.
17. Analyse spend, control expenditure, understand markets and identify savings opportunities in partnership with other Trusts.
18. Ensure that all contract data is captured on the One LSC wide contract register.
19. Record efficiencies as savings from budget and inflation/cost‑avoidance.

Person Specification

Qualifications – Essential

• Good general standard of education including Mathematics and English Language – GCSE grade 4.
• Degree or diploma level graduate (CIPS or procurement related) or equivalent relevant experience.

Qualifications – Desirable

• Supervisory/management qualification or equivalent.
• Project management qualification or equivalent.
• Willing and able to complete CIPS or working towards it.

Experience – Essential

• Experience working in a procurement team.
• Experience of staff management.
• Experience in corporate services procurement covering IT areas/category.
• Demonstrable successful project management experience with proven ability to deliver projects on‑time within a varied portfolio.
• Experience of contract, stakeholder & supplier management.
• Experience working with a wide range of stakeholder groups.
• Experience negotiating complex contracts.
• Sound knowledge of contract management.
• Knowledge of best practice in procurement & supply.
• Experience of working in a busy target‑driven environment to deliver savings opportunities.

Experience – Desirable

• Experience in public sector or NHS procurement.
• Knowledge of UK procurement legislation, tendering processes & procedures.
• Experience using online tendering platforms such as Atamis.
• Delivery of demanding savings targets through procurement activities.

Skills – Essential

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with people/stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to identify and manage issues and demonstrate problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent negotiation and financial adjudication skills to manage complex high‑value projects.

Other – Essential

• High level of personal professionalism.
• Evidence of commitment to continual professional development (CPD).
• Confidence presenting/representing procurement at senior meetings.
• Pro‑active can‑do attitude.
• Committed to delivering positive outcomes.
• Team player.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Flexible working times and location, with access to transport to move across sites.
• Adaptable to changing demands or service needs.

Other – Desirable

• Ability to cope under pressure.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a disclosure check will be required to confirm no relevant criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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.

Employer Details

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust

Address
Royal Blackburn Hospital – to work across sites, Blackburn, BB2 3HH