Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Job Overview

The Associate Procurement Director will provide inspirational leadership and direction to the Procurement teams across both Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS FT (SABP) and Sussex Partnership NHS FT (SPT). This is a pivotal post across both Trusts with responsibility for the strategic development and management of non-pay spend across the organisations, developing long term procurement strategies, policies and work plans. You will be an experienced and effective manager, the principal expert in all procurement related matters and lead across all departments and directorates in relation to all relevant procurement rules and best practice.

Suitable for someone who

Is commercially astute and has the capability and drive to provide inspirational leadership and management to the Procurement Teams across two organisations. You will work autonomously, enjoy managing and supporting people to achieve their potential, have a strong customer focus, and will be an active participant across both organisations

Key Responsibilities of the role are:

·        Lead and manage the delivery of an effective integrated procurement function across Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

·       Devise, implement and continually review a joint procurement strategy to ensure innovation and improved value for money from non-pay expenditure across both SABP and SPT

·       Production of an annual joint procurement work plan, which is consistent and integrated with the procurement strategy and business objectives of both SABP and SPT

·       Developing and maintaining the procurement policy and guidance documents for both SABP and SPT

·       Lead on complex procurements covering a broad range of commodities and providing strategic advice to Senior Management and Divisional Leads across SABP and SPT

·       Evaluate cost saving opportunities by using benchmarking and re-negotiation, re-engineering and volume leverage

·       Collaborate effectively with other Collaborative Procurement Organisations and NHS Trusts on contracting opportunities

·       Provision of expert technical advice and knowledge on UK procurement regulations to ensure all Trust procurement activities are in accordance with the Trusts’ policies and procedures, Standing Orders, Standing Financial Instructions and all current legislation

·       Lead cross functional and across Trust teams on major procurement projects, coordinating, planning and monitoring of all project work

·       Review national policy and procurement practice, recommend changes and lead on change management

·       Be responsible for the preparation of appropriate tender documentation (specifications and terms and conditions of contract), undertake option appraisals and evaluation of tenders and award contracts

·       Ensure effective contract management arrangements are in place for both SABP and SPT

·       To continually assess and develop internal controls to ensure compliance with relevant regulatory and legislative requirements 

·       Ensure processes and procedures are in place to complement and support current systems so that financial transactions are accurately and promptly recorded and that information produced can be relied upon to enable effective decision making

·       Plan, review and prioritise the work of both SABP and SPT Procurement teams to ensure that each Trust’s priorities are met and responsibilities for areas of work are appropriately allocated. Crucially, set the culture and personal development priorities for the integrated team, creating the environment for the team to excel, and ensure effective management is in place

·       To ensure that all staff within the Trust understand and comply with the requirements of the Trust’s Standing Financial Instructions, financial procedures and other financial matters, and provide guidance on the application and development of these policies. To undertake performance reviews and objective setting for all team members on an annual basis ensuring feedback on performance is given at regular intervals throughout the year.

·       To manage the performance of the integrated procurement function applying Trust policies and procedures, identify and provide for all relevant training of team members, and encourage and motivate staff to achieve their full potential

·       Ensure that subordinate staff are aware of and comply with Standing Orders, Standing Financial Instructions and the Trust Financial and Personnel Policies and Procedures and that consistent and financially sound advice is provided to budget managers

·       To evolve a climate that recognises and rewards achievement, and challenges under performance through excellent management, communication and engagement with the team

·       To provide opportunities for personal development for all team members to maximise individual potential and develop and maintain staff competence to meet current and future needs of the Trust

·       To constantly challenge the team to aspire to demanding goals and build the desire and passion to excel

·       To work flexibly and co-operatively with other finance colleagues to ensure the finance service covers its entire responsibility and meets the needs of the Trust