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Job summary

Main area
Procurement
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 3
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Monday - Friday)
Job ref
253-0825-7388826
Employer
The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
RHH
Town
Dudley
Salary
£24,937 - £26,598 Pro Rata Per Annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
14/09/2025 23:59
Interview date
14/10/2025

Employer heading

The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust logo

Buyer

NHS AfC: Band 3

Job overview

The successful applicant will work as part of the busy operational purchasing team and will be required to be involved in the day to day purchasing and supply needs of the Trust, ensuring that critical supplies of medical and related goods are purchased in a timely manner and to the rigorous standards of the NHS. This is a crucial role and one which requires the successful candidate to have a determined approach to their work, balancing cost and quality issues with an overriding aim of guaranteeing that the needs of wards and departments are always delivered on time, to maintain patient care. The Procurement Department also takes a leading role in identifying and reporting on cost improvements and the activity of the Buyer is central to this process.   

** Previous applicants need not apply**

Main duties of the job

The role includes the purchase of goods and services on behalf of the Trust and at all times endeavour to achieve best value in accordance with the Procurement Department’s agreed procurement procedures and policies and the Trusts Procurement Strategy. In carrying out these tasks a buyer must use a number of computer applications, act on their own initiative, be flexible in approach to their duties and advise all users on the optimum supply route for their requirements.

Working for our organisation

At the Dudley Group our patients and staff are at the heart of all that we do and that is to provide a world class service that aligns with our vision of “excellent health care, improved health for all”.  We are seeking to recruit staff who share our vision and values of making Dudley Group an incredible workplace.

 As part of the NHS People Promise, your wellbeing is our priority, and we are committed to ensuring our employees achieve a healthy work-life balance supported by our flexible working options and by making reasonable adjustments where possible.  We believe no-one should have to sacrifice family, friends, or their personal interests for work.  We are a modern employer able to attract and retain high quality staff through our commitment to the NHS People Promise.

 As an employer, we foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their best. We want to ensure that our workforce is representative of the population we serve. More information - inclusive practice people promise.

 Dudley Group offer many opportunities for our staff to develop and grow within their roles through our Learning & OD Team. These include topics such as communication, wellbeing, team development, cultural competency, and values. 

Please click below to view our EDI page: Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion - The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust (dgft.nhs.uk)

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please refer to the attached job description for full details of the main duties and responsibilities that the post holder is required to undertake.

Person specification

Qualifications & Education

Essential criteria
  • GCSE English C or above or equivalent
  • GCSE Maths C or above or equivalent
Desirable criteria
  • European Computer Driving Licence or equivalent
  • Possess or be studying for the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Diploma in Procurement and Supply or relevant NVQ or equivalent business qualification
  • College educated

Knowledge and Training

Essential criteria
  • Be numerate and have a good general level of education
  • An ability to follow procedures and manuals
  • Able to fulfil the requirements of the role
  • Be familiar with spreadsheet and word processing software i.e., Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word or equivalent
Desirable criteria
  • Knowledge of the CIPS Professional Code of Ethics
  • Familiar with Microsoft Access or equivalent

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Have experience of working in a busy procurement / supply / finance office
Desirable criteria
  • Significant Healthcare purchasing experience
  • Worked with purchase order systems and be familiar with e-commerce processes
  • Customer Service experience

Communication & Relationship Skills

Essential criteria
  • Honesty, thorough, conscientious, and patient
  • Motivated to work in a non-profit making organisation
  • Good Verbal communication skills and ability to explain things to other members of the team and customers
Desirable criteria
  • Interested in the NHS
  • Shows commitment and looks to extend his/her role/experiences
  • Ability to be courteous and responsive
  • Be pro-active in helping others within and outside the department
  • Neat appearance, punctual and can keep to deadlines
  • Personable and yet assertive

Analytical & Judgement Skills

Essential criteria
  • Good verbal and written communication skills, familiar with email/internet
  • Accuracy in work produced
  • Possess good negotiation skills and shows an ability to be diplomatic

Planning & Organisational Skills

Essential criteria
  • Aptitude for self-motivation and showing initiative
  • Flexible approach to work
  • Ability to work in a team
Desirable criteria
  • Likes to work in the NHS, help to improve patient care
  • Enjoys the challenge of new tasks

Physical Skills

Essential criteria
  • Ability to handle goods / packaging for return
Desirable criteria
  • Ability to manoeuvre delivery cages or similar

Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Trust Values

Essential criteria
  • Able to provide safe, caring, and effective services
  • Values and behaviours that reflect the Trust values of Care, Respect and Responsibility
  • Commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that is free from discrimination and where people feel they belong and their contribution is valued

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Apprenticeships logoNo smoking policyPositive about disabled peopleAge positiveDisability confident leaderInvestors in People: GoldImproving working livesMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.ENEI Gold '22Care Leaver CovenantNHS Pastoral CareArmed Forces Covenant Bronze Award

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Jane Ashmore-Hall
Job title
Head of Operational Procurement
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01384 244284
Additional information

Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm contactable via telephone / email only.

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