Job summary

Due to growth the Lancashire Procurement Cluster are seeking applications for a Senior Buyer

Applications are sought from across the private and public sector. The successful applicants will bring energy and customer focus to the role. It is important that we recruit the best possible candidate, recognising that innovation and continuous improvement will be key to deliveringsustainable NHS services for the future.

Training and support is offered to the right candidates to ensure they can be successful in the role.

If you think you have the skills and motivation to take on these challenging and exciting roles and would like an informal discussion regarding the opportunity please contact the Senior Procurement Manager.

The LPC encourage applications from those keen on agile working flexibility.

As well as the job description there is an induction pack/staff handbook available on request to support your application and the transition into the NHS and the LPC should you be successful.

Main duties of the job

Working in the Clinical category team - focus will be on supporting customers to deliver value for money on projects ensuring legal compliance.

The Senior Buyer will work within the Procurement tower to support the delivery of the procurement strategy and achieve \balanced Scorecard targets. This includes delivering against the following objectives:Savings and efficiency targetsImproving and maintaining compliance with procurement regulationsCustomer service

You will be expected to work with stakeholders at all levels to present the procurement cluster as a progressive and responsive group who work collaboratively, provide new thinking and positively influence system improvement and efficiency.

Contribute as part of the LPC Procurement team to the strategy and direction of the team.

Work on specific/allocated projects against agreed timescales and outcomes for LPC customers. This will include sourcing of goods, equipment, materials and services that meet requirements by demonstrating value for money and promoting an integrated approach to procurement.

Provide professional support to users in respect of the procurement process, including EU regulations and required process to be followed.

Contribute as part of the LPC Procurement team to the strategy and direction of the team.

About us

Created in November 2017 The Lancashire Procurement Cluster (LPC) provides strategic procurement, commercial, logistics and supply chain services to the Trust Partners - Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust and Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The organisation is a shared service model, hosted East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust. The LPC has four distinct service lines:- Procurement- Strategic Relationship Management- Systems & e-Commerce- Logistics and Supply Chain

Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will take direction from the Procurement Manager but also work independently and proactively to:

Work with colleagues in the procurement team to support the delivery of the procurement strategy and balanced scorecard objectives through the work plan. Provide excellent customer service to clinicians and service users across the Lancashire Procurement Cluster Trusts and customer trusts. Lead a range of procurement projects including planning and tender selection strategies. This involves working closely with clinical and non-clinical staff in order to achieve project support and sign off recommendations. Developing appropriate procurement documents via the tendering system and assisting in setting up the award evaluation system. Responsible for the procurement of high value, complex contracts, ensuring appropriate project management processes are in place, status reports are compiled and EU procurement requirements are met. Lead on commercial negotiations with suppliers in accordance with the project timescale. Support and guide the professional and training developmental needs within the team. Supervise a dedicated buying team aligned to a selected customer base. Day to day management of Lead Buyer, Buyer and Assistant Buyer as required and directed by the Procurement Manager. Support budget holders in managing their budgets for allocated projects (across the whole life cycle) and the provision of regular update reports against agreed timescales. Contribute as part of the Lancashire Procurement Cluster procurement team (tower) to the strategy and direction of the tower. Support in the delivery of the Procurement tower and wider Lancashire Procurement Cluster strategy by ensuring it is communicated, understood and supported by budget Managers and Clinicians, so achieving the LPCs objectives and ensuring commercial arrangements are optimised throughout the member Trusts. Lead on the uptake of local benefit from collaborative arrangements with all collaborative partners. Ensure compliance with statutory and local policies/standards/procedures throughout the procurement process. Co-ordination of quotations and tenders ensuring that there is compliance with Trust Standing Orders and Standing Financial Instructions Identify and deliver projects and efficiencies to achieve agreed performance targets. Working closely with partner Trusts, to analyse spend, control expenditure, understand markets and identify savings opportunities. Ensure that all contracts data is captured on the LPC wide contract register. Record efficiencies in the form of savings from budget and inflation/cost-avoidance.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Good general standard of education including Mathematics and English Language - GCSE level or equivalent
• Degree or diploma level graduate (CIPS or procurement related) or equivalent relevant experience.
• Good knowledge of professional purchasing principles and commercial acumen.

Desirable

• Vocational courses appropriate to the post.
• Willingness to undertake further appropriate study

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working within a procurement or operational purchasing team.
• Experience of working with clients/stakeholders to deliver projects or agreed service level.
• Experience of working in busy, target driven team.
• Buying experience within a large multi-functional organisation.
• Experience of managing staff.

Desirable

• Experience of working within a, Finance or Accountancy team
• Experience of working with suppliers

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• IT literate with well-developed skills for the use and application of information technology systems (especially MS Office products)
• Good communication and skills (written & oral) with the ability to work positively with colleagues.
• Evidence of complex analytical and problem solving skills with a focus on delivering results.
• Team work and some leading experience
• Strong purchasing and supply chain expertise, and ability to demonstrate success in achieving VFM
• Tendering and project management experience.
• A good 'people person' able to effectively influence and persuade people.

Desirable

• Understanding of EU Procurement Law.
• Experience of NHS/government.
• Sound knowledge of public sector finance procedures/legislati on.
• Large 'blue chip' private sector experience.
• Advanced knowledge of MS Excel.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Commitment to continuous improvement of: ? Self; ? Team, and; ? LPC performance.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Effective presentation skills.
• Presentable and professional appearance.
• Strong team player/team skills.
• Good organisational and administrative skills.
• Good motivator and a positive attitude towards change and development
• Ability to cope under pressure.

Desirable

• Leadership and delegation skills

Other

Essential

• Must be a car driver and able to work between sites.
• Able to flexibly work across all Trust locations as required by the service.
• Flexibility and adaptiveness to the changing needs of the service

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

435-C096-23