Senior Buyer

University Hospital Southampton NHS FT; Southampton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare trust in the UK is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee procurement services. The role involves managing a team, ensuring efficient purchasing processes, and supporting training initiatives. Candidates should have a CIPS Foundation Diploma and experience in procurement. The position offers a diverse working environment with opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Flexible working environment

Continuous professional development

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a procurement environment.
• Track record of achieving cost reductions.
• Experience in supporting the management of team members.

Responsibilities

• Manage operations team for services in purchasing goods and services.
• Ensure procedures and processes are up to date.
• Train new staff and manage their induction.

Skills

Customer-focused service

Team management

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

CIPS Foundation Diploma in Purchasing & Supply or equivalent

GCSE Mathematics and English

Job description

Overview

Wessex NHS Procurement Limited is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please note this role will be based at Royal South Hants Hospital - Brintons Terrace, Southampton SO14 0YG, and Basingstoke Hospital - Aldermaston Rd, Basingstoke RG24 9NA.

Main Duties

Wessex NHS Procurement Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The company provides end to end Procurement and Supply Chain services to hospitals in Basingstoke, Winchester, and Southampton.

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.

Working for our organisation

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Main Duties

Details of the role are described in the attached job description. The key responsibilities include:

• Responsible for the Operations team to deliver a customer-focused and efficient service in the purchasing of goods and services.
• Day-to-day management of a team, including HR procedures such as attendance, performance and appraisals.
• Undertaking training for the team in relevant procedures and processes, and ensuring procedures and processes are kept up to date.
• Play a key role in induction and training of new staff.
• Plan own workload and the team’s workload to ensure all order requests are processed, queries resolved and catalogues reviewed as required.
• Ensure all reports are produced for line manager within specified time frames.
• Budget and resource management.
• Support the team with CIP opportunities and catalogue management.
• Record savings made using appropriate procedures.
• Source suppliers for goods and services in line with user department requirements.
• Train Trust staff on e-procurement tools.
• Communication: negotiate with suppliers to maximise value for money and cost improvement opportunities; communicate with suppliers for pre-purchase questionnaires related to purchasing medical equipment; establish and manage supplier relationships; support charity/donation purchases in line with Trust protocol; communicate delays and discrepancies with customers.
• Analytical and judgemental skills: assess customer requirements for ordering and distribution; analyse financial and purchasing data to determine value for money; assess problem situations and determine resolutions; understand spend information and relay to customers; identify opportunities for contracting or tendering; work with user departments to review goods and services purchased.
• Policy and service development: work according to policies and procedures, suggesting amendments where feasible; monitor supplier performance against contract KPIs and standing orders; assist with development and implementation of departmental policies and procedures.
• Information resources: enter data onto purchase ordering system; produce pricing data; check stock and availability; ensure contract documentation compliance; use e-tendering and supplier management tools; facilitate continuous improvement in catalogue system.
• Research and Development: audit operations to ensure targets; undertake market analysis to identify alternative suppliers offering cost efficiencies without detrimental clinical impact; guide customers on value for money; communicate discrepancies; maintain internal stakeholder relationships; undertake any other duties as allocated by the line manager.

Person Specification

Qualifications / Training Required

Essential criteria

• CIPS Foundation Diploma in Purchasing & Supply (level 3) or equivalent knowledge, skills and experience
• GCSE Mathematics and English

Desirable criteria

• Member of CIPS or equivalent

Previous or relevant experience

Essential criteria

• Previous experience in a procurement environment
• Market and supplier/product knowledge including procedures, catalogue management and contract law
• Track record of achieving cost reductions
• Previous experience in a customer service environment
• Experience in supporting the management of team members

Desirable criteria

• Procure to Pay system knowledge
• Vendor management
• Supply chain knowledge
• Working knowledge of public sector procurement processes
• Experience supervising or line managing staff

Aptitudes And Skills Required

Essential criteria

• Computer literate with good keyboard skills

Special requirements of the post

Essential criteria

• Travel required to customer and site locations

Trust Values and Behaviours

• Agile
• Supportive
• Trusted
• Engaged