Procurement Specialist

Job Summary Wessex NHS Procurement Limited is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Procurement Specialist based at Royal South Hants Hospital. This role is open only to applicants from the Hampshire & Isle of Wight NHS system. Note: WPL does not hold a Home Office Workers Licence and therefore is unable to offer sponsorship. About Us At WPL we play a vital role for the NHS in Hampshire, providing end‑to‑end procurement and supply chain services for University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Wholly owned by both trusts, we contribute to improving healthcare across the region through strategic sourcing, value creation, tendering, contract and inventory management, distribution and materials management for hospitals in Southampton, Basingstoke, Winchester and Andover. Job Responsibilities Lead procurement processes by delivering a portfolio of contracts and implementing effective risk management processes. Participate as a senior member of the procurement team in the development and implementation of complex procurement strategies. Lead tenders and supplier relationships, taking the lead in pre‑ and post‑tender supplier meetings. Commercially manage specific category areas and lead procurement responsibility for a defined selection of projects, working directly with senior stakeholders. Proactively review and develop selected areas of non‑pay spend, plan, design and implement value‑for‑money contracts aligned to WPL’s strategy. Deputise and assume responsibility to resolve issues in the absence of the Procurement Manager. Negotiate with suppliers and service users to ensure optimum value, transparent decision making and value for money. Deliver and prioritise new projects and continue to contract‑manage and renew existing arrangements. Deliver excellent levels of customer service, resolving queries and complaints promptly. Develop effective ways of working and create strong partnerships with stakeholders at all levels. Build collaborative relationships, proactively contribute to delivery of targets through both individual and team efforts, and manage and control risk. Assist Procurement Managers with writing and implementing tender procedures and policies. Build and sustain effective communications with internal and external customers, facilitate discussions, field questions and listen to concerns and suggestions. Challenge stakeholder assumptions and behaviours, where required, to realign with commercial and risk‑reduction interests of the client trusts. Supervise and support junior procurement staff within the team. Develop and implement innovative ways to evaluate tenders to release savings. Create opportunities through proactive monitoring of contracts. Increase the level of knowledge and skills within the team by documenting key learnings and supporting others to develop their professional abilities. Form working relationships with government departments, national agencies and key stakeholders internationally, nationally, regionally and across multiple sectors. Provide specialist procurement knowledge across a broad range of categories. Purchase goods and services by delivering a portfolio of complex and high‑value contracts supported by the Procurement Manager. Develop new and innovative methods of maximising savings and other added‑value benefits. Produce Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) advertisements and complex tender and contract documentation. Work closely with service users to ensure complete, accurate and relevant specifications and weighting criteria are developed. Offer commercial and contractual advice and guidance to all divisions as required. Attend and lead tender adjudication meetings, acting as chairperson or secretary, and provide procurement support throughout. Prepare and analyse evaluation methodologies, business cases, savings reports, opportunities reports and sourcing plans. Take an active role in the development and delivery of the annual procurement work plan, identifying areas for further savings and added value. Support the development and implementation of departmental policies and procedures. Use an electronic tendering portal for all tendering activities. Ensure that the procurement workplan is always up to date. Make assessments and advise the Procurement Manager of the best value‑for‑money options. Person Specification Essential Qualifications / Training Required Postgraduate diploma in Purchasing & Supply or equivalent knowledge, skills and experience. Expertise in Contract Management and EU Procurement obtained through further formal training and significant experience. Knowledge of professional purchasing principles. Evidence of continuous professional development. Desirable Project Management experience or equivalent qualification. Experience of working within the public sector and knowledge of regulations. Membership of CIPS. Previous or Relevant Experience Necessary – Essential Significant experience negotiating with suppliers and customers in a large organisation, with a track record of achieving significant cost reductions. Demonstrable experience of competitive tenders/quotations. Significant experience of negotiating contracts, adding value activities. Sound knowledge of procurement law and contract management to provide specialist advice. Experience of complex competitive tenders/quotations. Evidence to demonstrate new and innovative methods of achieving savings. Previous or Relevant Experience Necessary – Desirable Experience and training in contract management. Proactive category management experience. Presentation skills. Aptitudes and Skills Required – Essential Ability to communicate complex information persuasively. Strong negotiation skills. Competent with Word, Excel and purchasing and inventory software. Interpersonal skills; able to work as part of a large team. Able to use initiative and work independently. Well organised; able to prioritise workload. Good knowledge of systems and quality control processes. Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information, visit the website. Employer Details Wessex Procurement Limited Royal South Hants HospitalBrintons TerraceSouthamptonSO14 0YG Seniority level Mid‑Senior level Employment type Full‑time Job function Health Care Provider Industries: Staffing and Recruiting #J-18808-Ljbffr