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Job summary

Main area
Procurement
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 5
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
Job ref
202-8344277
Employer
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Trust Headquarters
Town
Exeter
Salary
£32,073 - £39,043 per annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
22/10/2026 23:59

Employer heading

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust logo

Assistant Procurement Contracts Manager

NHS AfC: Band 5

Job overview

We are seeking an Assistant Procurement Contract Manager to join our friendly and supportive Procurement Team at South Western Ambulance Service. This is an exciting opportunity to work across a diverse portfolio of goods and services, supporting procurement projects, contract management activities, and value-for-money initiatives that directly contribute to frontline patient care.

Working with stakeholders across the Trust, you will support the delivery of compliant procurement processes, manage contract information, lead on supplier and contract administration, and help ensure the Trust achieves the best possible outcomes from its non-pay expenditure. You will also assist with contract renewals, tendering exercises, supplier performance management, and maintaining the Trust's contract register.

This role would suit someone with experience in procurement, contract management, commercial administration, or supply chain management who enjoys building relationships, solving problems, and working in a fast-paced environment. We offer opportunities for professional development, including support towards CIPS qualifications, flexible working arrangements, and the chance to contribute to projects that make a real difference across the South West.

The Procurement Team currently works on a hybrid basis, with team members working from home and attending Trust Headquarters in Exeter once a fortnight on a Wednesday.

INTERVIEWS WILL TAKE PLACE IN PERSON IN EXETER

Main duties of the job

  • Supporting and leading procurement activities from initial quotation and tender stages through to contract award and implementation.
  • Managing a portfolio of contracts and suppliers, ensuring effective contract performance, value for money, and delivery of agreed outcomes.
  • Providing procurement advice and guidance to stakeholders across the Trust on the procurement of goods and services.
  • Maintaining and developing the Trust's contract register, procurement records, and supplier information.
  • Supporting supplier performance reviews, contract monitoring, and ongoing relationship management activities.
  • Developing tender documentation, evaluation materials, contract award reports, and other procurement documentation.
  • Analysing spend and contract data to identify opportunities for efficiencies, savings, and service improvements.
  • Supporting the management of procurement projects and contract renewal programmes to ensure deadlines are met.
  • Building effective working relationships with colleagues, suppliers, NHS organisations, and collaborative procurement partners.
  • Contributing to the delivery of the Trust's financial, sustainability, and governance objectives through compliant procurement practices.
  • Supporting the continuous improvement of procurement processes, systems, and ways of working across the Trust.

Working for our organisation

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking Procurement Team that directly supports frontline patient care. No two days are the same, and you will work on a diverse range of projects while helping to shape the future of procurement across one of the largest ambulance services in England.

Working for SWAST is an experience like no other. We provide emergency and urgent care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, operating across the largest ambulance region in England.

Our Procurement Team plays a vital role in ensuring our clinicians and operational colleagues have the products, services and equipment they need to deliver outstanding patient care.

Based in Exeter, the role offers hybrid working and the opportunity to join a supportive, ambitious team committed to innovation, collaboration and excellence.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For further information about this role please see the attached job description and person specification.

Right to work / Certificate of sponsorship

This role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current Home Office regulations. You must have the existing right to work in the UK to be considered for this position.


For further information on visa sponsorship and eligibility, please refer to the UK Government guidance on Skilled Worker visas: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Person specification

Education and qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Educated to Diploma/Degree Level or equivalent experience
  • 5 x GCSEs including English and Mathematics (Grades 9-4 or A-C) or equivalent qualifications
Desirable criteria
  • Training towards being fully qualified Member of Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) or appropriate professional institute or relevant experience

Previous experience

Essential criteria
  • Commercial/NHS experience and knowledge in purchasing and supply
  • Purchasing procedures
  • Experience of Tendering

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Apprenticeships logoNo smoking policyAge positiveInvestors in People: GoldImproving working livesMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Armed Forces Covenant

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Lewis Wells
Job title
Senior Procurement Contract Manager
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
07977 352575
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