Buyer

To provide support in the provision and management of the procurement service, with specific responsibility to relevant Category.
- To ensure Trust and Departmental policies and procedures are followed at all times
- To provide effective procurement, whilst ensuring a high level of service and value for money
- To liaise and negotiate with suppliers, and Trust staff, to achieve maximum value for money in all transactions, identify the most appropriate procurement process and manage issues of supplier performance
- To manage a portfolio of contracts for goods and services conducting detailed negotiations and awarding contracts

Plans and coordinates workplan with Category Manager

Maintain and build relationships on a project by project basis thereby affording maximum use of resource

Establish relevant user groups.

Responsible for contract management of suppliers/contracts to ensure compliance and achievement of service levels, timely delivery of goods and services within budget and guidelines etc.

Assess possibilities for standardisation and rationalisation of products within allocated division/portfolio

Identify appropriate savings and opportunities for improvement through market research.

Achieve target financial savings and overall value for money for the Trust.

Deputises for Category Manager and provides cover for other Buyers and Assistant Buyers

Collating, analysing and presenting data and information.

Contribute towards the development of suppliers and their products in support of the Trust’s continuous product rationalisation initiative, including the implementation of systems to monitor supplier performance.

Proactively offer advice and guidance to user departments in all matters associated with the procurement of goods and services, meeting with customers on site where this is deemed to be beneficial.

The department consists of 18 Purchasing staff and 17 Logistics staff. The department procures goods and Services on behalf of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, with responsibility for non-pay expenditure of over £183 million per annum. The Logistics department provides a stock replenishment service to designated department and distributes sterile supplies to the wider healthcare community.
We are part of the Peninsula Purchasing and Supply Alliance, which provides Procurement services to Trusts in the South West peninsular.

Why work with us

Strengths Based Working(Respect and Dignity)
- To act with professionalism and integrity, being a role model to those around us and ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity.

Individualised Approach(Everyone Counts)
- To provide a service that is tailored to meet the needs of the individual and to understand what our patients/customers need and be adaptable and responsive

Quality(Commitment to Quality of Care)
- To provide a high-quality customer service which complies with relevant legislation and NHS Employment check standards.
- To be honest and learn from mistakes, and help to create a “no-blame” culture were people feel able to share and learn from experiences together.

Partnership and Collaborative Working(Working Together for People)
- To work as part of a team demonstrating effective communication, and working collaboratively with colleagues inside and out of the department.

Managing Connections and Relationships(Compassion)
- Acknowledge that you need to continually deliver greater value to customers.
- Be honest about your biggest challenges and create a culture of curiosity and openness.
- Make a deliberate effort to connect with strangers from different walks of life and invite them to share their ideas.

Service Delivery and Improvement(Improving Lives)
- Be curious and creative about new possibilities, whilst identifying what works well and to do more of it.
- Help to develop and foster a learning environment where feedback is welcomed and valued.

Most Rewarding Part of the Role

Enabling the delivery of products and services that improve the health of the local community.

Primary Duties and Areas of Responsibilities
- To support the Head of Procurement and Logistics in the fulfilment of stated objectives.
- Buyers associated with their designated Category, become experts in their commodities and share practices according to full use of their skill set/knowledge
- Responsible for service development and improvement within designated division
- Plans and coordinates workplan with Category Manager
- Provides training to new and less experienced staff
- Maintain and build relationships on a project by project basis thereby affording maximum use of resource
- Establish relevant user groups within division. Lead and support specific commodity focused activity, acting as secretary as required.
- Ensure that the correct Tendering processes are followed in line with Trust’s Standing Financial Instructions and Standing Orders
- Responsible for contract management of suppliers/contracts to ensure compliance and achieveme