Job summaryAre you a procurement professional ready to make your skills count where it matters - improving patient care?
We're looking for a Senior Buyer to join our friendly and experienced Procurement Team at Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. You'll use your commercial expertise and public sector knowledge to directly contribute to the quality, efficiency and impact of NHS services across the region.
We're looking for a team player who can: Manage complex, high-value tenders and contractsNegotiate effectively with suppliers and stakeholdersDrive cost-saving initiatives and value for moneySupport service improvements that benefit patient care.
You'll be responsible for delivering value through compliant and timely procurement of goods and services. You'll support the Tender Manager and Head of Procurement to meet financial targets, maintain governance standards, and promote procurement excellence at all levels of the organisation.
Join an experienced, supportive team who offer excellent work-life balance and hybrid working, enjoying 27 days annual leave + bank holidays and a generous NHS pension scheme. The base for this role is London House in Bracknell, however, much of your work can be remote. Our Trust is rated 'Outstanding' by the CQC, who highlight our positive culture, staff morale and innovation. We're committed to employee well-being and career development.
Main duties of the jobLead compliant tendering processes for contracts over 10k + VAT in line with procurement legislation and Trust policiesDevelop tender documentation, evaluate bids (including full life cycle costing), and coordinate award recommendationsManage supplier relationships, including negotiating improved pricing and resolving disputes, while maintaining patient care standardsApprove contracts and orders up to 30k, and advise on authorisation for higher-value procurementsOversee a portfolio of contracts, ensuring performance, compliance, and delivery of value for moneyValidate invoices where required, and ensure contracts are accurately recorded in the Trust's Contract Management SystemPublish transparency notices on the Central Digital Platform and manage resulting expressions of interestSupport the Tender Manager and Head of Procurement with strategy development, policy updates, business cases, and procurement work plansProvide expert advice to stakeholders across the Trust on procurement processes and best practiceDeliver internal training and help ensure organisational compliance with procurement policiesPromote product standardisation and support regional collaboration via NHS Commercial Alliance and BOB ICSContribute to delivering annual cost savings and supporting procurement-related projects as required.
About usBerkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we're committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we're committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish. Our values at Berkshire Healthcare are: Caring for and about you is our top priorityCommitted to providing good quality, safe servicesWorking Together with you to develop innovative solutions.
Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include: Flexible working options to support work-life balance27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sellGenerous NHS pension schemeExcellent learning and career development opportunities'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehiclesAccess to a range of wellbeing tools and servicesDiscounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurantsStaff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equalityGenerous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leaveFree parking across Trust sites.
DetailsDate posted08 September 2026Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 7Salary
51,657 to 58,785 a year
per annum (incl of HCAS)
ContractPermanentWorking pattern
Full-time
Reference number371-TAP-CS403Job locationsProcurement DeptBracknellRG12 2UTUnited KingdomJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesThe must haves for this role: Public procurement experience (which may be demonstrated by 3-5 years experience or equivalent)Knowledge of public procurement law (including the Provider Selection Regime and Public Procurement Act 2023)Attained or working towards CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply or equivalentTrack record of managing multiple complex procurement projects and contracts.
For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification. Your application is your opportunity to demonstrate to us how you meet the requirements of the role. We recognise thatAItools can support accessibility, equity and confidence for applicants.
However, its important that examples and responses given in your supporting statement genuinely reflect your own experience and abilities, as these will be explored further during the selection process. AImust not be used to provide misleading or false information during any stage of the application journey.
In addition to explaining how you meet the person specification, you must complete your employment history for at least the last five years. Any experience, skills or responsibilities referenced in your supporting statement should be evidenced within your employment history. Applications that do not include sufficient employment history to support the experience claimed may not be shortlisted.
Were committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.
We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please dont hesitate to call Mike Pollard on 07521 950239 or by email on mike.pollard@berkshire.nhs.uk wholl be delighted to help. Please note, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.
Job description
Job responsibilitiesThe must haves for this role: Public procurement experience (which may be demonstrated by 3-5 years experience or equivalent)Knowledge of public procurement law (including the Provider Selection Regime and Public Procurement Act 2023)Attained or working towards CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply or equivalentTrack record of managing multiple complex procurement projects and contracts.
For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification. Your application is your opportunity to demonstrate to us how you meet the requirements of the role. We recognise thatAItools can support accessibility, equity and confidence for applicants.
However, its important that examples and responses given in your supporting statement genuinely reflect your own experience and abilities, as these will be explored further during the selection process. AImust not be used to provide misleading or false information during any stage of the application journey.
In addition to explaining how you meet the person specification, you must complete your employment history for at least the last five years. Any experience, skills or responsibilities referenced in your supporting statement should be evidenced within your employment history. Applications that do not include sufficient employment history to support the experience claimed may not be shortlisted.
Were committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.
We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please dont hesitate to call Mike Pollard on 07521 950239 or by email on mike.pollard@berkshire.nhs.uk wholl be delighted to help. Please note, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.
Person Specification
Education, qualifications or training
EssentialCIPS professional diploma qualification (Degree Level)
Previous Experience
EssentialExperience of large public procurement tendersContract managementExperience of public procurement proceduresDesirableExperience in the NHS
Additional Requirements
EssentialAbility to manage high level of workload, multiple complex projectsAdvanced keyboard skillsAbility to Drive
Person Specification
Education, qualifications or training
EssentialCIPS professional diploma qualification (Degree Level)
Previous Experience
EssentialExperience of large public procurement tendersContract managementExperience of public procurement proceduresDesirableExperience in the NHS
Additional Requirements
EssentialAbility to manage high level of workload, multiple complex projectsAdvanced keyboard skillsAbility to DriveDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Employer detailsEmployer nameBerkshire Healthcare Foundation TrustAddressProcurement DeptBracknellRG12 2UTUnited KingdomEmployer's websiteEmployer detailsEmployer nameBerkshire Healthcare Foundation TrustAddressProcurement DeptBracknellRG12 2UTUnited KingdomEmployer's website
Senior Buyer in Bracknell employer: National Health Service
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for healthcare professionals in North Wales. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on compassionate care, staff have access to continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in both acute and community paediatrics. The Health Board's integrated approach ensures that employees are part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving health outcomes for the local population.
