Senior Procurement Officer

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Support the Trust Deputy Head of Procurement and Head of Procurement and under their direction lead a range of procurement projects including planning and selection strategies; tendering and commercial dialogue. This involves working closely with clinical and non-clinical staff in order to achieve Project support and sign off of recommendations. To assess the financial implications of Contract awards to Trust budget holders including reporting formally on the implications of supplier and product changes. To provide professional advice to senior managers in respect of the procurement process, including UK regulations and the specification and evaluation of equipment and services.

Accuracy is vital as errors can lead to legal challenge which could be costly and reputation damaging Responsible for the procurement of complex and high value contracts, ensuring appropriate project management processes are in place, status reports are compiled and UK/Statutory procurement requirements are met Responsible for ensuring value for money, development of auditable evaluation methodologies and achieving stakeholder sign off in respect of all procurement decisions. Evaluation of financial and purchasing data, this will include the selection of appropriate purchasing routes based on the limitation of risk to the Trust, evaluation and adjudication of tenders, and producing reports to support the evaluation process. Determine most advantageous purchasing route for the Trust to follow, providing information on UK purchasing legislation and the Trusts SFO/SFIs. This will involve making recommendations to senior managers across the Trust and influencing the decision-making process to ensure the appropriate conclusion is reached.

To be the lead procurement expert for allocated projects, which involves planning the process, which can typically take between 3 and 9 months to complete, ensuring all deadlines are met, being the main point of contact between suppliers and senior managers, producing reports and debrief letters, ensuring all rules and regulations are adhered to in order to avoid the risk of challenge by suppliers. To advise senior managers of the optimum procurement option for each project, resolving any conflicting views and/or challenges. To identify project risks and put in place mitigation strategies for an extensive range of procurement projects. To take account of whole life/life cycle costing issues and make recommendations to senior managers accordingly.

To identify the cost implications of all procurement projects and advise budget holders accordingly. Working with the Trust Deputy Head of Procurement and Head of Procurement, provide expert advice on the appropriateness of procurement strategies including advice on alternatives. To liaise with the stakeholders and other project representatives to determine precise requirements in terms of specification and other clinical or user-based requirements. To lead on commercial negotiations with suppliers and hold supplier contract management and review meetings.

To work to solve problems and differences using negotiation and persuasive skills. To manage own workload and agenda modifying these in relation to changing priorities within the Trust or wider NHS agenda Attendance at meetings, conferences, development workshops etc at any location within the country as deemed necessary and appropriate Organise and chair meetings as necessary to achieve objectives Take procurement and commercial decisions on behalf of the Trust within the parameters of the Trusts Standing financial instructions and standing orders and scheme of delegation, Trust policies and UK legislation. Commercial decisions will be taken in accordance with the terms of reference of the project in hand, the aims and objectives of the division involved and with the agreement of the key stakeholders.Ensure use of appropriate procurement information systems and manage the introduction of new systems. To regularly use information systems to create documents and reports.

To provide ongoing advice and support to procurement team members. To work closely with collaborative organisations such as GMICS, NHS SBS, Supply Chain Coordination Limited (SCCL), etc. Assist in the development of procurement procedures and policies. Deputise for the Deputy Head of Procurement in his/her absence.

To supervise the Procurement Officer, when required. Demonstrates the agreed set of values and is accountable for own attitude and behaviour.