Senior Buyer

at  Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

The post holder will assist the Associate Director of Procurement , their Deputy and the E-Procurement Manager in delivery of an efficient and effective procurement service. There is an expectation that this will be achieved by the application of original thinking and effective management of resources.
To secure for customers the purchase of supplies, which represent best value for money in the context of price and quality, which should be consistent with need as and when, required.
Interview Date - TBC
Interview maybe include an assessment
The Trust delivers acute hospital care, intermediate care, community, and primary care services to a population of over 600,000 people with a combined workforce of around 9000 dedicated and skilled staff from 17 locations including Whiston, Southport & Formby, St Helens, Ormskirk and Newton hospitals.
The Trust provides regional services for burns, plastic surgery and spinal injuries to more than 4 million people across Mersey and West Lancashire, Cheshire, the Isle of Man and North Wales.

KEY DUTIES

The post holder will be expected to contribute ideas and proposals which demonstrate objective thought and be capable of persuading staff and users of the service as to the relevance of any proposals. The post holder will be required to manage change as the systems and procedures within the Department are adapted and developed.
To assist in the procurement aspects of Capital Schemes as required. This will involve assisting in the identification and specification of equipment leading to actual purchase.
The post holder will need to be well informed and understand markets and the factors which influence cost so as to secure the best value for money in a dynamic supply situation and to provide customers with appropriate advice and guidance. The post holder will need to develop strategies to ensure that they are able to understand these factors in the application of specific projects and ideas.
Utilising appropriate purchasing arrangements/contracts provided by Purchasing Organisations including (but not limited to) CCS, NHS Supply Chain, HTE and NHS SBS as part of the procurement service they provide to the Trust.
The post holder will be expected to assist in the introduction of new methods of delivering service which challenge accepted procedures and methodologies and reduce the cost of service delivery to both the Department and our customers and report these savings to the Deputy Head of Procurement.
The post holder will be expected to implement policies and procedures as they apply to duties and responsibilities. In particular the post holder needs to ensure compliance with Corporate Governance, Health & Safety and Standing Financial Instructions. Compliance with the Trust Code of Conduct for Staff will be a requirement of this post. This duty will be given priority when taking up post as it will influence all other duties and responsibilities.
Assist with the production of specifications, information or estimates required by CCS, NHS Supply Chain, HTE and NHS SBS to assist them in the provision of procurement service to the Trust.
The post holder will be expected to understand and apply IT techniques to achieve targets. Working with the departments managers the post holder will be expected to apply the recommendations of the Procurement Strategy in so far as they relate to IT
Contribute to the maintenance of supplier catalogues and be aware of directories and other sources of information which will assist procurement.
To be responsible for any other relevant duties assigned by the Head of Purchasing & Supplies or their Deputy.

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

The post holder will be responsible for the continued upkeep of the departmental quotation register. They will also be responsible for the management of all purchases requiring quotation exercises that are valued between £10,000 and £50,000, ensuring best value for money is obtained and any appropriate legislation is adhered to.
Management of procedures register
Ensure all finance reports are submitted on time
Ensure the Buying Team adhere to all SFI’s

LINE MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

To manage staff, cultivate a team approach and ensure that they make the most effective contribution to the service offered by the Department. Ensure that all staff are appropriately motivated and supported.
Undertake appraisals
Undertake return to work interviews