The successful applicant will work as part of the busy operational purchasing team and will be required to be involved in the day to day purchasing and supply needs of the Trust, ensuring that critical supplies of medical and related goods are purchased in a timely manner and to the rigorous standards of the NHS. This is a crucial role and one which requires the successful candidate to have a determined approach to their work, balancing cost and quality issues with an overriding aim of guaranteeing that the needs of wards and departments are always delivered on time, to maintain patient care. The Procurement Department also takes a leading role in identifying and reporting on cost improvements and the activity of the Buyer is central to this process.
** Previous applicants need not apply**
Main duties of the job
The role includes the purchase of goods and services on behalf of the Trust and at all times endeavour to achieve best value in accordance with the Procurement Department’s agreed procurement procedures and policies and the Trusts Procurement Strategy. In carrying out these tasks a buyer must use a number of computer applications, act on their own initiative, be flexible in approach to their duties and advise all users on the optimum supply route for their requirements.
Working for our organisation
At the Dudley Group our patients and staff are at the heart of all that we do and that is to provide a world class service that aligns with our vision of “excellent health care, improved health for all”. We are seeking to recruit staff who share our vision and values of making Dudley Group an incredible workplace.
As part of the NHS People Promise, your wellbeing is our priority, and we are committed to ensuring our employees achieve a healthy work-life balance supported by our and by making reasonable adjustments where possible. We believe no-one should have to sacrifice family, friends, or their personal interests for work. We are a modern employer able to attract and retain high quality staff through our commitment to the NHS People Promise.
As an employer, we foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their best. We want to ensure that our workforce is representative of the population we serve. More information - inclusive practice people promise.
Dudley Group offer many opportunities for our staff to develop and grow within their roles through our Learning & OD Team. These include topics such as communication, wellbeing, team development, cultural competency, and values.
Please click below to view our EDI page: Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion - The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust (dgft.nhs.uk)
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description for full details of the main duties and responsibilities that the post holder is required to undertake.
Person specification
Qualifications & Education
Essential criteria
1. GCSE English C or above or equivalent
2. GCSE Maths C or above or equivalent
Desirable criteria
3. European Computer Driving Licence or equivalent
4. Possess or be studying for the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Diploma in Procurement and Supply or relevant NVQ or equivalent business qualification
5. College educated
Knowledge and Training
Essential criteria
6. Be numerate and have a good general level of education
7. An ability to follow procedures and manuals
8. Able to fulfil the requirements of the role
9. Be familiar with spreadsheet and word processing software i.e., Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word or equivalent
Desirable criteria
10. Knowledge of the CIPS Professional Code of Ethics
11. Familiar with Microsoft Access or equivalent
Experience
Essential criteria
12. Have experience of working in a busy procurement / supply / finance office
Desirable criteria
13. Significant Healthcare purchasing experience
14. Worked with purchase order systems and be familiar with e-commerce processes
15. Customer Service experience
Communication & Relationship Skills
Essential criteria
16. Honesty, thorough, conscientious, and patient
17. Motivated to work in a non-profit making organisation
18. Good Verbal communication skills and ability to explain things to other members of the team and customers
Desirable criteria
19. Interested in the NHS
20. Shows commitment and looks to extend his/her role/experiences
21. Ability to be courteous and responsive
22. Be pro-active in helping others within and outside the department
23. Neat appearance, punctual and can keep to deadlines
24. Personable and yet assertive
Analytical & Judgement Skills
Essential criteria
25. Good verbal and written communication skills, familiar with email/internet
26. Accuracy in work produced
27. Possess good negotiation skills and shows an ability to be diplomatic
Planning & Organisational Skills
Essential criteria
28. Aptitude for self-motivation and showing initiative
29. Flexible approach to work
30. Ability to work in a team
Desirable criteria
31. Likes to work in the NHS, help to improve patient care
32. Enjoys the challenge of new tasks
Physical Skills
Essential criteria
33. Ability to handle goods / packaging for return
Desirable criteria
34. Ability to manoeuvre delivery cages or similar
Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Trust Values
Essential criteria
35. Able to provide safe, caring, and effective services
36. Values and behaviours that reflect the Trust values of Care, Respect and Responsibility
37. Commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that is free from discrimination and where people feel they belong and their contribution is valued
Using AI for jobs applications:
Whilst we encourage the use of technology to help manage time and support innovation. However, it is your responsibility to ensure your application is personalised and clearly reflects your own skills and experiences. While AI can assist with drafting, it should only be used as a support tool. The content must be your own work and accurately represent your knowledge, abilities, and values. Over-reliance on AI-generated content may result in your application being rejected. A common issue arises when we receive multiple applications with identical or overly generic language.
The use of AI during assessments, including interviews, is not permitted unless it has been pre-approved as part of a reasonable adjustment. For digital interviews, you may be asked to provide a 360-degree view of your surroundings on camera and confirm that no additional devices are present. If we suspect AI is being used during an interview, we may pause the process to clarify or adjust our approach to questioning.
Caring for patients demands integrity, honesty, and accountability. We expect your application and participation to be authentic and a genuine reflection of your own experiences and values.
Multi-site working
The four partner Trusts of the Black Country Provider Collaborative (Dudley Group NHS FT, Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Sandwell & West Birmingham NHS Trust, and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust) are actively working in partnership to deliver a collective vision focused on providing "better, faster and safer care to the population of the Black Country and beyond".
To support this vision, we are (where appropriate and safe to do so) actively looking at new models of care which:
38. Better protect elective / planned care service delivery across the system by organising on a 'hot and cold' arrangement
39. Consider the optimal use of resources through consolidation and specialisation, and
40. Seek to reduce unwarranted variance, level up / standardise care through a 'Networked Service Solution' approach across the four sites
Against this context, although this post is hosted by The Dudley Group, there may be an expectation to work flexibly across the four partner Trusts to better meet patient and service needs.
Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the United Kingdom (UK) are welcome and will be considered, dependant upon Job Role and Salary needed to meet the criteria for sponsorship, alongside all other applications. Please note that from January 2021, to work in the UK all candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland (RoI) nationals require sponsorship unless you have permission to work via another route. Non UK / RoI candidates wishing to apply can self-assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship here Work in the UK.
It is vital that you provide full and accurate details of your current immigration status on the application form. Overseas applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided in continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.
Not everyone needs a ‘Skilled Worker’ visa.