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Job Overview
Job overview
Join BWPC as a Buyer – Make a Meaningful Impact in NHS Procurement
3 positions available. 1 X 12 months Fixed term, 2 X 6 months Fixed term
Are you ready for a new challenge in a dynamic and evolving procurement environment? Bristol & Weston NHS Purchasing Consortium (BWPC) is looking for a motivated and detail-oriented
Buyer
to support our category teams and help deliver high-quality procurement services to two major NHS Trusts in the Bristol region.
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking team that plays a vital role in supporting clinical services through strategic purchasing and sustainable procurement practices.
Why Join BWPC?
* Be part of a collaborative and supportive team
* Work in a fast-paced environment where your contributions make a real difference
* Gain exposure to a wide range of stakeholders and procurement activities
* Help shape the future of NHS procurement
Your Role
As a Buyer, you'll be responsible for managing the transactional acquisition of products, ensuring cost-effective purchasing and a smooth purchase-to-pay process. You'll work closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to meet clinical needs efficiently and professionally.
Main duties of the job
*Key Responsibilities*
* Purchasing Execution: Create and maintain catalogues and purchase orders, source ad-hoc and transactional products.
* Administrative Excellence: Maintain accurate procurement data and records to support efficient operations.
* Supplier Relationship Management: Collaborate with suppliers to address market pressures, delivery timelines, and supply issues.
* Customer Relationship Management: Ensure a seamless buying experience for BWPC clients, aligning procurement with clinical requirements.
* Process Improvement: Contribute to the continuous improvement of purchasing processes and systems.
If you're calm under pressure, confident in managing multiple priorities, and passionate about making a difference in healthcare procurement, we'd love to hear from you.
Working for our organisation
North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset from our award-winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre of excellence in a range of services and major specialities. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered.
North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.
*Key Responsibilities*
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
* Purchasing Execution
* Create and manage product catalogues and purchase orders across multiple categories.
* Source ad-hoc and transactional items in response to clinical and operational needs.
* Ensure timely and cost-effective procurement in line with Trust policies and procedures.
* Administrative Excellence
* Maintain accurate procurement records, including purchase order data, supplier information, and catalogue updates.
* Support reporting and audit requirements through consistent and reliable data entry.
* Assist in monitoring compliance with procurement standards and financial controls.
* Supplier Relationship Management
* Engage with suppliers to resolve issues related to delivery delays, product availability, and payment queries.
* Build effective working relationships to support continuity of supply and value for money.
* Stay informed of market trends and supply chain developments relevant to your category.
* Customer Relationship Management
* Act as a point of contact for internal stakeholders, providing guidance on procurement processes and product availability.
* Work collaboratively with clinical and non-clinical teams to ensure purchasing decisions support service delivery.
* Respond promptly to queries and support users in navigating procurement systems.
* Process Improvement
* Identify opportunities to streamline purchasing workflows and improve efficiency.
* Contribute to system enhancements and support the implementation of new procurement tools or procedures.
* Share feedback and ideas to help shape the future of procurement within BWPC.
Person specification
Education / Training / Qualifications
Desirable criteria
* Education / Training / Qualifications
Work Experience
Essential criteria
* Experience in analysing data to present in chart or report form
* Experience of customer and supplier relationship management practices
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
Essential criteria
* High standard of communication and presentation
* Confident stakeholder management skills
Desirable criteria
* Strong understanding of customer and supplier relationship management processes and procedures
* Basic understanding of contract and procurement law
* Adept at managing and manipulating large volumes of data quickly and without error
Personal Qualities / Special Circumstances
Essential criteria
* An analytical problem solving approach to activity
* Confident, professional and well-presented
If you apply for this vacancy and have not received a communication from North Bristol NHS Trust within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful.
Please note that North Bristol NHS Trust does not reimburse travel expenses relating to interview attendance.
If you feel you meet the requirements of the Disability Act / Two Ticks scheme and require further support/advice, please contact us on tel
North Bristol NHS Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
The successful applicant(s) will normally commence at the minimum of the scale unless they have previous NHS service at the same band. Progression through the scale is by annual increments.
At North Bristol Trust (NBT), we know diverse and inclusive environments lead to happier and healthier teams and improved patient care and outcomes. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are currently underrepresented in NBT's workforce at Band 8a and above. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQIA+ people.
Please note that stringent pre-employment checks are undertaken on all successful applicants prior to commencement in post.