The Trust is currently under-represented in terms of individuals from BME backgrounds and welcomes applicants from these communities. DCHS is also an LGBT inclusive employer. Selection will be on a basis of merit. The Trust has achieved the status of a Disability Confident Leader and guarantees to invite to assessment applicants who meet the criteria for the job vacancy. To ensure the diversity of the workforce and understand the differing needs of our communities, the Trust is committed to the principles of Positive Action.
Be outstanding – join an outstanding team
Job overview
The Procurement Department is looking for a customer-focused, methodical, enthusiastic buyer with good communication and negotiation skills to join our small friendly team.
This position involves working with all services across the trust to procure goods and services at the best value for money so delivering a trusted and compliant procurement service.
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. The overriding aim is to guarantee the needs of our wards, services 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.
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Overarching duties will be the purchasing of goods and services utilising the Unit 4 (Agresso) Purchase to Pay eProcurement system whilst seeking opportunities to save money or add value. You will deal with queries and requests for information on a daily basis and will need to build and maintain sound customer and supplier relationships.
Working for our organisation
Our purpose is to provide community health services to a patient population of over one million people in Derbyshire and Derby, as part of Joined Up Care Derbyshire.
We employ around 4,200 substantive staff, caring for patients in 11 community hospitals and more than 30 health centres, as well as in clinics, GP practices, schools, care homes and, increasingly, in people's own homes and via virtual consultations.
During the pandemic response we have led the implementation of public vaccination centres in collaboration with partners across health and social care.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Strategy and Service Development
· Undertake the purchase of goods and services including call-off supply arrangements in accordance with agreed standards and targets
· Place orders in such a manner as to ensure proper delivery receipting and payment
· Deal with queries and requests for information to provide a full and extensive response/resolution
· Be aware of and ensure adherence to trust purchasing policies and external regulatory requirements as appropriate to the product area covered
· Build and maintain sound customer and supplier relationships
· Develop and maintain a sound knowledge of delegated product areas
· Expedite orders on behalf of customers in accordance with agreed protocols
· Develop and maintain a sound working knowledge of regulatory and legal issues commensurate with the job role
· Undertake official quotations for low value contracts and orders in accordance with SFIs where appropriate
· Provide advice and guidance to customers on all procurement related issues
· Adhere to the Trust's Procurement Strategy and Policy and actively participate in the delivery of the Procurement Plan
· Carry out robust and timely supplier and contract management for key purchasing suppliers
· Act on Unit 4 workflow tasks in a timely and responsive manner to resolve issues
· Identify repeat products and following a full value for money exercise, put forward for consideration as a catalogue product
· Monitor purchasing trends
· Liaise with end-users at all levels to ensure compliance in the use of standardised products and catalogues
· Research and streamline the supplier and product base so the Trust can benefit from greater purchasing leverage
· To attend any relevant training as requested
· To act as an ambassador for the Procurement team and promote benefits to customers
· Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post
Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust (DCHS) is one of the largest providers of specialist community healthcare in England and we currently employ around 4,500 staff. We deliver a variety of services across Derbyshire, caring for nearly 1.8 million patients each year.
We deliver patient care through 11 community hospitals, 4 minor injury units, 29 health centres and a learning disability centre. Another key part of our service is out in the community where we care for people in their own homes via therapists, health visitors and district nurses, and promoting public health in the wider community. As a Trust we care for patients of all ages with a special focus on the needs of elderly people and the very young.
DCHS has been recognised as a top 10 NHS organisation to work for in the UK by the Health Service Journal and NHS Employers in their Best Places to Work 2015 campaign. The Trust is also the runner-up in the category for the best NHS community trust employer.
TWITTER/FACEBOOK - DCHS has its own Social Media accounts for recruitment. Follow us/like us via @dchsjobs
Our vision "to be the best provider of local healthcare and to be a great place to work"
Our values:
1) To get the basics right
2) To act with compassion and respect
3) To make a difference
4) To value and develop teamwork
5) To value everyone's contribution because everyone matters
The majority of our locations offer free parking facilities for staff.
We will communicate with you regarding your application via email so please check your email account on a regular basis. If using hotmail, MSN or yahoo email accounts please check your 'junk/spam' mail regularly.
If you require any support in completing the application form please do not hesitate to contact the Recruitment Team,, option 1, option 1 or [email protected] and we will be happy to provide assistance.
Please note - if we receive a high number of applications for this position we reserve the right to withdraw the post before the closing date, therefore it is advisable that you apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for our service and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement whether that's job share, part time or another flexible pattern.