At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement exercises and ensure compliance in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Foodbuy, a key player in food procurement for the NHS.
- Benefits: Career growth, learning opportunities, and a chance to support the NHS.
- Other info: Hybrid working with travel opportunities across the UK.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare through effective procurement solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Location: Hybrid – Chertsey / Wakefield / Daresbury / Birmingham
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
About Foodbuy
Foodbuy is a leading food procurement organisation, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland. We support a wide range of clients across public and private sectors, using our scale, expertise and insight to deliver value, innovation and sustainable supply chain solutions. Within Foodbuy, NHS Supply Chain: Food plays a critical role in supporting hospitals and healthcare organisations across the UK — helping Trusts deliver outstanding food and dining services while meeting commercial, quality and regulatory expectations. Our teams work in close partnership with the NHS to drive engagement, improve performance and identify opportunities that genuinely make a difference.
The Role
We are looking for a Governance Buyer to join our NHS Supply Chain: Food team. This is a key role focused on ensuring procurement activity is fully compliant, commercially robust and aligned with organisational strategy. You will lead and support end-to-end public procurement exercises, working closely with Category teams and wider stakeholders to design and deliver procurement solutions that are transparent, efficient and compliant — while driving best practice and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead full framework tender exercises and the establishment of Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPS), from strategy development through to contract award.
- Draft and manage tender documentation, publish notices, design compliant evaluation methodologies and lead evaluation and moderation processes, ensuring a robust audit trail.
- Provide governance oversight and advice for mini competitions, RFQs, e-auctions and direct awards under existing frameworks and Dynamic Markets.
- Advise on route-to-market decisions, evaluation approaches and regulatory compliance.
- Operate and optimise the eProcurement system (Jaggaer), configuring tender stages and ensuring governance controls are embedded throughout.
- Contribute to Category and Sourcing Strategies, providing governance and regulatory input to support savings delivery and market engagement.
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, templates and guidance to ensure consistent ways of working.
- Support and deliver training and awareness sessions to embed best practice procurement processes.
- Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and support the resolution of complex procurement matters.
What You’ll Bring
- Strong working knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 and Public Contracts Regulations 2015.
- Experience managing or supporting public sector procurement exercises, including frameworks and mini competitions.
- Sound understanding of procurement governance, transparency and audit requirements.
- Experience drafting procurement and tender documentation.
- Experience using Jaggaer or a comparable eProcurement system.
- Strong stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills.
- Ability to manage multiple procurement activities and work to challenging deadlines.
- Strong analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Commercial awareness and understanding of sourcing and category management principles.
Working Pattern
This is a full-time hybrid role, aligned to offices in Chertsey, Wakefield, Daresbury or Birmingham, depending on home location. Some travel to UK-based sites and offices will be required.
Why Join Us
In return, we offer clearly defined career pathways, strong learning and development programmes, and progression opportunities to support long-term career growth — alongside the opportunity to play a meaningful role in supporting the NHS through compliant and impactful procurement.
Governance Buyer in Chertsey employer: Compass Group UK
Foodbuy is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With a strong commitment to supporting the NHS and a focus on sustainable procurement practices, employees can expect meaningful work that makes a real difference in the community. The hybrid working model across multiple locations provides flexibility, while comprehensive training programmes ensure that team members are well-equipped to excel in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Governance Buyer in Chertsey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to NHS Supply Chain: Food. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that job descriptions just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to procurement governance and compliance. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of your past procurement experiences to the table. Whether it’s managing frameworks or drafting tender documents, real-life stories make you memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Governance Buyer in Chertsey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with public sector procurement and governance. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Governance Buyer, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Knowledge:Demonstrate your understanding of the Procurement Act 2023 and Public Contracts Regulations 2015 in your application. We’re looking for someone who knows their stuff, so include examples of how you’ve applied this knowledge in past roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. Remember, we appreciate a well-structured application!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super straightforward – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK
✨Know Your Procurement Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the Procurement Act 2023 and Public Contracts Regulations 2015. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will show that you understand the legal framework you'll be working within.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with stakeholders in previous roles. This is crucial for a Governance Buyer, so having specific instances ready will help demonstrate your communication and influencing skills.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Jaggaer
If you have experience using Jaggaer or similar eProcurement systems, be ready to discuss it. If not, do some research on its functionalities and how it supports procurement processes, as this knowledge could set you apart.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in procurement scenarios. Think about past challenges you've faced and how you resolved them, especially in terms of compliance and governance.
