Assistant Buyer

An opportunity has arisen for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join the Procurement & Supplies team. This position has responsibility for the day-to-day management of purchase orders, liaising with suppliers and the Trust’s internal customers, identifying and delivering financial and efficiency savings and expediting orders to ensure an effective and efficient procurement service is provided to the Trust.

You will be highly customer focused, articulate with a good standard of education, including English Language and Mathematics, you will also be IT literate with an excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office products. You must be self-motivated and possess the ability to plan and prioritise your workload to meet frequent tight deadlines, your skills as a team player will be paramount as will your focus upon organising, accuracy and detail.

This position has responsibility for the day-to-day management of purchase orders, liaising with suppliers and the Trust’s internal customers, identifying and delivering financial and efficiency savings and expediting orders to ensure an effective and efficient procurement service is provided to the Trust.

A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to nurseries at EDGH and Conquest, staff restaurants and on-site staff accommodation.

In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme which is available to staff 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Onsite parking is available from only £30 a year.

1. Process non-stock requisitions within pre-determined timescales and to agreed objectives,
2. To be fully conversant with the Trust Standing Financial Instructions, Standing Orders and Department Operational Policies and Procedures and Procurement Legislation, to ensure all purchases comply with the relevant guidance,
3. Ensure all purchase requisitions, orders and associated documentation are fully and accurately completed.
4. Provide a source of information and advice to customers and generally act as a key point of contact for both internal and external stakeholders.
5. Proactively seek value for money opportunities and initiatives and report any cost savings or benefits achieved.
6. Obtain and record competitive supplier quotations for the supply of goods and services.
7. Develop and maintain close links and good communications within the Buying, Contracts and Materials Management Teams.
8. Undertake expediting activities to ensure orders are delivered promptly.
9. Assist with the maintenance and management of the sections filing systems (including Departments library) and the organisation of the working environment and the management of the workload in a tidy, efficient and effective manner.
10. Carry out administrative tasks as necessary to ensure invoice queries are clarified and cleared promptly.
11. To be aware of the duties of other members of the Procurement & Supplies Department and stand in when required. This may include work at Trust locations other than the nominal base.
12. Develop and enhance supplier relationships ensuring the Trust receives maximum service and value for money from its supplier base.