Procurement Officer

NHS; Bolton; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a motivated Procurement Officer/Apprentice to join their dynamic team. This role offers a unique opportunity to support the Trust's purchasing needs while gaining valuable experience in procurement and supply chain management. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering projects across various categories, utilizing best practices to enhance contract compliance and achieve cost savings. With a supportive environment that encourages personal development, this position is perfect for those eager to start their career in procurement. If you're ready to make a difference and grow professionally, this role is for you!

Benefits

Free onsite parking

Qualifications

• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills with ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in IT, especially in word processing and spreadsheets.

Responsibilities

• Provide procurement advice to internal customers within the Trust.
• Support day-to-day purchasing requirements of the Trust.

Skills

Good communication skills

Teamwork

Organisational skills

Analytical skills

IT proficiency

Problem-solving skills

Willingness to learn

Education

GCSE or equivalent

Job description

The Trust currently has a Procurement Officer/Apprentice post available within the existing Procurement team; this is a truly challenging and rare opportunity for the right individual to provide a high-quality level of support and administration for all the day-to-day Purchasing requirements of the Trust.

The successful candidate will be required to provide procurement advice to internal customers within the Trust, communicating effectively with staff at all levels; they must be confident and tolerant of dealing with queries from internal customers by phone, email or face to face.

The candidate will play a key role in the effective delivery of a portfolio of projects across a wide range of categories both clinical and non-clinical, using best practice tools and techniques to achieve contract compliance, cost reductions and savings whilst ensuring continuous improvement in quality.

As an apprentice, you will receive 80% of the top of Band 4 (currently £24,169 per annum) for the first 12 months. Due to an uplift in the national living wage from 1st April 2025, the Trust has temporarily increased the pay rates for this role. This will be reviewed once we receive the annual pay uplift notification from NHS Employers for 2025/26.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate must have competent administration and computer literacy skills, an organised approach to work, and attention to detail when using the Trust system(s). The ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines is essential. Experience in a procurement environment and understanding of public sector procurement legislation will be advantageous.

It is expected that the candidate will have strong team and analytical skills, be able to identify opportunities for continuous improvement, and drive change to optimise e-procurement systems and expand the Trust's internal supply chain, logistics, and stores management.

The role requires working from Ladybridge Hall, Bolton, with flexibility to meet the demands of the role. Free onsite parking is available at Ladybridge Hall.

The successful candidate may be required (depending on experience and qualifications) to undertake and complete the Procurement and Supply Assistant Level 3 Apprenticeship - Procurement and Supply Assistant / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

About us

North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust provides 24/7 emergency services, including accident and emergency care, patient transport, and NHS 111 services across the North West.

Job responsibilities

Please ensure you read the full Job Description and Person Specification before applying. Applications are accepted via our online form only; CVs are not accepted. The Trust reserves the right to close the post once sufficient applications are received. We encourage early application to avoid disappointment.

NWAS is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all underrepresented groups to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

Key recruitment dates: Advert closes 9 May 2025. Interview date: Thursday 29 May 2025.

Person Specification

Skills

• Good communication and presentation skills for diverse audiences.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, remaining calm under pressure.
• Proficiency in IT, especially in word processing, spreadsheets, and databases (or willingness to train).
• Smart appearance, motivated, proactive.
• Willingness to undertake the Procurement and Supply Assistant Level 3 Apprenticeship.
• GCSE or equivalent, including Maths and English.
• Evidence of continuous personal development.
• Willingness to undertake necessary training.

Experience

• Experience in procurement or office environments.
• Understanding of e-procurement and stock control systems.
• Knowledge of data protection and confidentiality.

Values

• Collaborative and inclusive working.
• Professionalism, adaptability, and pride in work.
• Compassion, kindness, and integrity.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This role is subject to a DBS check in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.