Job overview
To ensure that the Trust’s non-pay expenditure is used effectively by providing value for money in accordance with the Trust Standing Financial Instructions and Standing Orders, and legislative requirements.
Engage with the Trust’s directorates and departments to deliver savings against the Trust’s challenging Cost Improvement Programme. Whilst actively supporting and advising Trust members of the procurement process, ensuring all procurement processes follow best practice.
Lead on specific/allocated projects under the direction of the Head of procurement manager delivering against agreed timescales and outcomes for the Trust. This will include sourcing and procuring goods, equipment, materials, and services, which meet customer requirements by demonstrating value for money and promoting an integrated approach to procurement.
Identifying cash releasing and cost avoidance measures, add value through the contracting process ensuring the ongoing performance/monitoring of contracts and suppliers.
Ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, UK law, Trust Standing Financial Instructions and NHS procurement guidance.
Obtain the maximum benefits from the Trust’s expenditure on goods and services, seeking best value, reliability, responsiveness and innovation from the suppliers.
Main duties of the job
To support the Procurement Teamwork plan by taking the lead in the delivery of allocated procurement projects for a range of goods and services across the Trust.
Lead on Greater Manchester ICS collaborative procurement projects as specified by the HOP.
When necessary, develop and implement service improvements to bring the procurement process in line with the latest guidance for example the procurement act 2023.
Carry out Procurement exercises for a range of contracts establishing robust evaluation method through the Trust electronic tender solution. Carrying out the comparison and assessing the bids whilst following a clear and transparent approach.
Conduct all administration for RFQ/Tenders/Mini Competitions, including de-briefing unsuccessful suppliers whilst providing full details on the evaluation.
Conduct supplier negotiations, advise user groups, monitor supplier’s performance.
Determine most advantageous purchasing routes for the Trust to follow providing information on UK purchasing legislation and the Trust’s Standing financial instructions.
The post holder will be required to maintain constructive relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders. clinical teams/directorates.
Participate in relevant internal and external working groups/projects.
Working for our organisation
Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 7000 members of staff, who deliver services from more than 122 locations.
We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford, Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond.
Greater Manchester is one of the world's most innovative, original and exciting places to live and work. From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment and dining options.
Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour and generosity.
Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached job description and person specification for full outline of roles and responsibilities. Please ensure you meet all the essential criteria as your application will be shortlisted against this.
Staff benefits
1. Pay Enhancements – 30% additional for Evenings (8pm onwards) and Saturdays and 60% additional for Sundays and Bank holidays.
2. 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
3. Excellent pension
4. Cycle to work scheme
5. Salary sacrifice car scheme
6. Wellbeing programme
Person specification
Experience
Essential criteria
7. Experience of procurement processes including undertaking competitive exercises
8. Experience of working with a range of stakeholders at all levels from different organisations
9. Experience co-ordinating the production of documentation required for the procurement process in liaison with other parties
10. Relationship Management: Extensive experience in developing/building effective working relationships with proven ability to manage conflict resolution; engage
11. Teamwork: Extensive experience supporting and being a team member
Desirable criteria
12. Experience of managing complex projects
13. Experience in negotiating with other parties.
14. Experience being responsible for procurement information systems
15. Demonstrable success in managing change projects involving stakeholders
16. Experience of developing and delivering training.
17. Experience of service redesign, preferably within NHS
Knowledge
Essential criteria
18. The post holder should: Knowledge of Procurement and be able to demonstrate the latest knowledge of Procurement Legislation
19. Understanding of the current issues impacting on the NHS in particular knowledge and understanding of the commercial health care landscape
20. Advanced IT skills and advanced working knowledge and computer proficiency of all Microsoft Office packages ( word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail and internet
Desirable criteria
21. Knowledge of Central Commercial function initiatives.
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
22. Data analysis and interpretation skills involving highly complex data, with outstanding problem solving skills
23. Interpersonal skills to communicate highly complex information succinctly and in difficult environments and highly sensitive issues in an organised and appropriate manner both verbally and in writing at all levels: Ability to write clear reports appropriate for different audiences
24. Problem solving and forward thinking. With an innovative and creative approach to problem solving; being assertive and influencing in negotiation
25. Confident, strategic thinker. Being forward looking, having a flexible and adaptable approach, maintaining a positive attitude and being solution focussed to deliver timely standards of work under challenging deadlines, conflicting demands and pressures
26. Excellent level of planning and organisational skills with a strong work ethic and being able to solve complex challenges. Well-developed concentration skills and ability to prioritise/remain focused when workload is heavy and/or unpredictable;
Desirable criteria
27. The ability to effectively lead, manage, and develop junior procurement professionals.
Education / Qualifications
Essential criteria
28. Evidence of continuing professional development through attendance of relevant courses.
Desirable criteria
29. Full Member of the Chartered Institute of Purchase and Supply, MCIPS accredited or actively working towards it
The Trust mandates all post holders who require a DBS for their role to subscribe to the DBS Update Service. You will be required to enrol for this service for a fee of £16 per year and maintain registration throughout your employment with GMMH.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for posts at Greater Manchester Mental Health who have direct experience of mental health, learning disability or drug and alcohol services either as a service user or a carer.
The Trust is also committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We are aspiring to ensure our workforce is representative of the diverse communities that we serve, and we are strongly committed to removing barriers to employment for candidates from under-represented groups, for example BAME, Disabled and LGBT+ communities. If you would like to have an informal chat about the recruitment process for this role or would value some additional support, we’d love to hear from you.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) when writing job applications
A candidate may utilise the help of AI when writing job application. The assessment of an application is made on its entirety and most times AI-generated content does not fully grasp the context and requirements of the job one applies for thus producing inaccurate and misleading information, especially in the supporting statement section of an application that can lack real life examples of one’s achievements, success and challenges.
We have added a disclaimer to our application process advising that the use of AI is monitored. GMMH reserves the right to follow up with a candidate at the interview on specific responses and those examples used in the supporting statement to explore it further.
Sponsorship
We are proud to be an approved sponsor for the Skilled Worker visa. Applications from individuals who require sponsorship will be considered alongside all other applications. Please be aware that not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. You can review the list of eligible roles and salary requirements on the UK Government’s website – click .
If you are offered a role with us and you require sponsorship, we will check your eligibility in line with the information on the above website. Your offer of employment could be withdrawn if the role is not eligible for sponsorship, and you are not otherwise able to evidence your right to work in the UK.
The Home Office introduces new changes from 22/07/2025 that impact the health and care sector, you may wish to familiarise with it.
Do you have experience outside the NHS?
We want to attract and retain people with diverse skills and experience, to deliver inclusive healthcare services to our communities.
We will consider relevant experience outside the NHS to calculate your salary on appointment.