Job summary
- Main area
- Procurement / Corporate
- Grade
- Band 6
- Contract
- (secondment opportunities may be considered, however filling the position on a permanent basis is the preferred option)
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 210-2024-166-C
- Employer
- Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Countess of Chester Hospital
- Town
- Chester
- Salary
- £35,392 - £42,618 pa
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- Today at 23:59
Employer heading
Senior Buyer
Band 6
Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, staff pride themselves on not only leading through clinical excellence, but also by creating an environment where all staff are valued and appreciated. To achieve this, the Trust has embarked on an exciting new strategy focused on continuous improvement.
Our vision is to improve the lives of our community and provide excellence in healthcare, through partnership and innovation
Our High Performance Culture will support everyone to be the best version of themselves by being true to our Trust vision, values and behaviors.
We welcome applications from colleagues from our local and neighbouring communities of all backgrounds and identities, who are currently under-represented within our region such as Black, Asian, Minority ethnic and those with disabilities.
As a region we are reviewing the way we work, and exploring how new working practices that support flexible working can create a positive work-life balance. As part of our recruitment process we will explore how our inclusive employment policies, flexible working, staff engagement forums, Trust facilities and services can be of mutual benefit.
Job overview
Working Full time: 37.5 hours per week
The Senior Buyer role sits within our Contracts Team, delivering on behalf of the Trust. The Team is made up of a range of Buyers, a Data Specialist and a Commodity Advisor (Clinical Procurement Specialist Nurse.)
The Senior Buyer is responsible for: contributing towards the delivery of the Trusts Procurement Cost Reduction Strategy; through delivery of allocated procurement projects and carrying out tendering processes at EU/UK level
Manage complex and varied projects across all categories, contributing to the workplan delivery. Lead/Conduct full end to end procurement process for large/complex requirements
The Senior Buyer is responsible for assisting in the training and development of junior procurement members of staff and has supervisory responsibility.
To engage customers at all levels within both the internal organisation and external client organisations
Discuss and manage detailed and complex contractual issues
Ensure that the appropriate procurement processes are followed with application of knowledge and experience of Public Contract Regulations 2015
Ensure process followed in line with current legislation, internal SOPs and SFIs
Deputise for Head of Procurement Contracting as and when required
We are looking for someone who is proactive, is good at multitasking, good at working to challenging deadlines and is keen to learn and develop.
Previous applicants need not apply
Main duties of the job
- An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the procurement contracting team. You will report to the Head of Procurement Contracting and form part of a team which is responsible for contributing towards the Trusts challenging cash releasing savings target through the delivery of allocated procurement projects from a complex and varied contract portfolio.
- You will be running EU/UK compliant tender processes
- The role requires experience in public sector procurement and application of the Public Contract Regulations 2015.
- In addition you will need to have the following skills:
- Negotiation skills;
- Confident in presenting;
- Be able to act autonomously;
- Understanding of the current health economy;
- The candidate is required to have a knowledge of procurement principles acquired through either, MCIPS accreditation or actively working towards it (minimum level of 5 must have been achieved,) relevant degrees or experience
- The role requires you to undertake a wide range of duties, please read the full job description for more details.
What this Opportunity means:
- Developmental opportunities in Procurement
- Full Trust corporate and departmental inductions given
- A friendly and supportive working environment (see our Trust Behavioural Standards)
- Competitive Salary, with incremental pay progression
- Excellent holiday entitlements 27 days + bank holidays
- Staff support, health and wellbeing opportunities & other employee benefits
Working for our organisation
The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust provides services to West Cheshire and to Welsh patients covered by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. The Trust works collaboratively within the wider Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership. Its services are provided from three locations:
- The Countess of Chester Hospital: providing 438 general and acute beds
- Ellesmere Port Hospital: providing 56 beds as a rehabilitation, intermediate and outpatient facility
- Tarporley War Memorial Hospital: a base for community services which serve the local rural population.
The Trust employs over 6258 staff (headcount) which includes temporary bank staff and provides acute emergency and elective services, primary care direct access services and obstetric services to a population of approximately 407,000. This includes 357,000 residents in Chester and West Cheshire which includes Ellesmere Port and Neston as well as the Deeside area of Flintshire which has a population of approximately 50,000.
The Trust is a busy district general hospital and in 2022/2023, there were more than 503,342 patient attendances (inpatient, outpatient and diagnostic) ranging from a simple outpatient appointment to major cancer surgery. This is an increase of nearly 10,000 compared to the previous year when there were 494,387 patient attendances.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
See Job Description for further details.
Recruitment selection processes are based on competence (see Person specification) and values.
Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment. The cost of the DBS application is £23 (standard) or £43 (enhanced), this cost will be deducted from your salary over the first three months of employment.
You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. A small annual fee of £13 per year applies.
New entrants to the NHS will commence on the minimum of the scale stated above.
Applicants are advised to apply early as if a large number of applications are received for this post, we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the advertised date.
Good luck with your application.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Full Member of the Chartered Institute of Purchase and Supply, MCIPS accredited or actively working towards it (Minimum Level 5 must have been achieved) and/or relevant experience
- Evidence of continuing professional development through attendance of relevant courses.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria
- Experience of procurement processes including undertaking complex Tender process at EU level.
- Experience of working with a range of stakeholders at all levels of different organisations
- Experience co-ordinating the production of all the documentation required for the procurement process in liaison with other parties
Desirable criteria
- Experience being responsible for procurement information systems
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Helen Bunnell
- Job title
- Head of Procurement Contracting
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01244 365143
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