Job overview
This Assistant Director is part of the senior procurement leadership team within University Hospitals Sussex. The post-holder will provide a single point of leadership for all Non-Clinical procurement activities including delivery of the Trust’s Capital Plan and the Trust’s 3Ts Hospital Development Programme. The post-holder will be responsible for developing strategic relationships with suppliers and for the provision of a procurement business partnering with operational and corporate departments and through this ensuring that the Trust maximises the value for money from all procurement activities, complies with its internal governance requirements and relevant legislation whilst balancing the demands of service delivery in a dynamic, multi-site acute and teaching hospital.
In addition to the category management teams, the Assistant Director of Procurement will have responsibility for the Non-Clinical Procurement function service levels, ensuring that all corporate and clinical stakeholders are engaged and consulted in procurement decisions.
As the largest care provider in the Sussex Health and Care Partnership, the Assistant Director of Procurement will be expected to play an active part in collaborative procurement activities with the Integrated Care System (ICS) and beyond.
Main duties of the job
Develop/co-create and implement procurement strategies requiring supplier innovation, senior stakeholder engagement, and/or market building/shaping.
Lead and manage the non-clinical procurement teams, providing guidance and support to ensure optimal performance.
Support on the delivery of efficiency and CIP opportunities ensuring the long term sustainable future of the Trust.
Review procurements for highly detailed, high value contracts that require analysis, comparison and assessment.
Identify and drive opportunities to collaborate on procurement opportunities within the ICS and more widely.
Monitor procurement performance metrics and implement continuous improvement initiatives to optimise efficiency and reduce costs
Critically assess markets and competitive behaviour undertaken by all suppliers and take action to improve or protect the Trust’s interests across the whole contract life-cycle.
Effectively identify and manage risks and strategic opportunities associated with all procurement and the whole contract life-cycle across the Trust.
Develop and oversee the implementation of the Trust’s strategic approach to contract management, supporting and advising staff in respect of high value and complex contracts.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria. For example, applicants for the Senior HCA role must be able to evidence a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the same role to qualify for sponsorship.
If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.
Engage with and influence stakeholders at all levels and in sensitive situations, delivering difficult messages where required to Executive and Trust Directors and senior clinical and operational leaders.
· Employ effective communication, negotiation and influencing skills to enable stakeholder relationships to deliver objectives over the duration of projects/programmes including within change programmes where there may be complex and conflicting stakeholder objectives.
· Build and maintain the reputation of the procurement service as a highly professional and enabling business partnering service.
· Champion procurement and promote the benefits of leading procurement practices internally and externally, resulting in procurement having a visible and high profile within the capital programme.
· Lead the negotiation of significant, highly complex, multi-year contracts for services on behalf of the Trust.
· Provide expert guidance and counsel to the appropriate Trust’s leadership team advising on issues with significant, complex, and strategic implications for the Trust’s immediate, medium and long term position resulting in reducing levels of contract disputes, off contract spend, and waivers from standing orders year on year.
· Lead, develop and manage the Non-Clinical Category Teams, building a collaborative working environment and a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
· Ensure that procurement professionals in the Trust are confident, highly motivated, empowered, delivery focussed and operate effectively.
· Provide assistance to patients and visitors during incidental contact.
· Liaison and engagement with patients, patient representatives and patient advocates on specific projects as part of stakeholder engagement.
· Attend mandatory training updates as required.
· Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the line manager as part of the personal development process.
· Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales.
· Identify own learning needs and jointly plan training requirements with your line manager
· Participate in the Trust’s appraisal process to discuss how your role will help deliver the best possible care to our patients and help to deliver any changes in service.
Person specification
Experience
Essential criteria
1. Experience in Procurement/ Supply (indirect/ non clinical experience mandatory)
Leadership Skills
Essential criteria
2. Experience leading a team and proven track record in collaboration with stakeholders
Clinical Knowledge
Essential criteria
3. Leadership experience in indirect categories such as IT, FM, Professional Services and Construction/Infrastructure
Procurement and Supply Expertise
Essential criteria
4. Experience in a Supply Chain and Procurement related role with comprehensive knowledge of processes
Financial Acumen
Essential criteria
5. Strong financial analysis skills to assess market volatility/inflation/price indices implication of services working capital
Strategic Thinking
Essential criteria
6. Track record in desiging or re-designing services, applying innovation and leading new pathways
Communication Skills
Essential criteria
7. Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills - role is required to present to senior stakeholders
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
8. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
9. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications