Senior Buyer

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare organization in Basingstoke seeks a Senior Buyer to enhance the procurement function. Responsibilities include processing requisitions, analyzing trends for catalogue development, and offering superior customer service. Candidates should possess a CIPS Level 3 or equivalent and have GCSE qualifications in Mathematics and English. This role comes with NHS terms of service and additional employee benefits, promoting a supportive work environment.

Benefits

NHS terms of service and annual leave

Employee benefits platform with discounts

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of contract law and EU Procurement law.
• Member of CIPS or equivalent.
• Track record of achieving cost reductions.

Responsibilities

• Process Non-Catalogue requisitions within agreed timeframes.
• Review requisition trends for opportunities in catalogue development.
• Support senior staff in implementing change in procurement services.

Skills

CIPS Level 3 or equivalent knowledge and experience

GCSE Mathematics

GCSE English

Knowledge and interest in procurement areas

Customer service experience

Education

Certificate in Purchasing & Supply (level 3)

Passed GCSE Mathematics and English

Tools

Procure to Pay system knowledge

Supply chain knowledge

Job description

Senior Buyer

The closing date is 17 November 2025

We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity to join our team at Wessex NHS Procurement Limited (WPL).

Please refer to the detailed job description below for more information about the role.

Please Note: WPL does not hold a Home Office Workers Licence and is therefore unable to offer sponsorship.

This vacancy is currently restricted to individuals directly employed by WPL or the HIOW ICB system including the following organisations:

• Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB
• Isle of Wight NHS Trust
• Portsmouth Hospital University NHS Trust
• South Central Ambulance Service
• University Hospital Southampton
• Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS FT

Main duties of the job

We're entering an exciting phase in the Operational Buying Team, following the successful promotion of internal colleagues into senior roles. As part of this growth, we're looking to recruit two Buyers to support the requisition process for Hampshire Hospitals NHS Trust, based in Basingstoke.

In this role, you'll work closely with the Senior Buyer and Procurement Managers to contribute to the delivery of the Cost Improvement Plan (C.I.P) and ensure a high‑performing e‑procurement service for end users. You'll be expected to deliver excellent customer service to both internal and external stakeholders, using initiative and procurement expertise to drive value and efficiency.

This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your career in a dynamic and supportive environment. If you're passionate about procurement and ready to make an impact, we'd love to hear from you.

About us

At WPL, we play a key role in supporting the NHS in Hampshire, delivering end‑to‑end procurement and supply chain services for University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. As a wholly owned subsidiary of both Trusts, WPL offers the opportunity to contribute to the wider NHS family and improve healthcare services across the region.

Our services include strategic sourcing, value creation, tendering, contract management, inventory oversight, distribution and materials management across Southampton, Basingstoke, Winchester and Andover. Joining WPL means being part of a dynamic, forward‑thinking team, working alongside stakeholders to drive innovation, efficiency and value.

Employee Benefits:

• NHS terms of service and annual leave
• Access to an employee benefits platform offering discounts on groceries, high street shopping, family outings, holidays, and more

For more information, visit: www.wessexprocurement.nhs.uk

Southampton offers an excellent quality of life, located on the south coast with an international airport and direct train links to London. The area boasts the stunning New Forest National Park, beautiful beaches along the Jurassic Coast, and living costs around 20% lower than London. With 14 Ofsted‑rated "Outstanding" schools, it's a great place to live and work.

Job responsibilities

Key responsibilities include:

• Processing Non‑Catalogue requisitions within agreed timeframes, ensuring compliance with governance policies.
• Reviewing requisition trends to identify opportunities for catalogue development and supplier contract expansion.
• Supporting senior staff in implementing change and driving continuous improvement across procurement services.

What we are looking for:

• CIPS Level 3 or equivalent knowledge and experience
• GCSE Mathematics and English
• Knowledge and interest of office and/or procurement areas
• Ability to travel to all WPL sites

Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting.

For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the Job Description and Main Responsibilities section below. To understand the day‑to‑day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached.

Person Specification

Knowledge and experience demonstrable through the application

• Certificate in Purchasing & Supply (level 3) or equivalent level of knowledge, skills and experience
• Passed GCSE Mathematics and English Application Questions & Interview X
• Knowledge and interest of office and/or procurement areas
• Understanding of contract law, EU Procurement law, Corporate Governance
• Member of CIPS or equivalent
• Market and supplier/product knowledge including Procedures and catalogue management
• Track record of achieving cost reductions
• Experience of obtaining quotations
• Procure to Pay system knowledge
• Supply chain knowledge
• Experience in a customer service environment
• Working knowledge of public sector procurement processes

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum pro rata