At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships to deliver savings and value.
- Company: Join Milton Keynes University Hospital, a forward-thinking NHS Trust committed to patient care.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Exciting growth opportunities as we expand our services and facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare procurement while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in a commercial subject and experience in public sector procurement.
The predicted salary is between 56515 - 56515 £ per year.
We are looking to recruit a dynamic individual to join our Procurement team in delivering a high-quality procurement service to the Trust. The successful candidate will have experience of conducting tendering processes within a public sector organisation and therefore have good knowledge of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015.
You will be a skilled negotiator, able to influence and manage internal customer expectations as well as maintaining good supplier relationships. You will have excellent communication and presentation skills, be results focused with a track record of savings and benefits delivery.
Main duties of the job:
- Leads the delivery of the Trust's procurement strategy, ensuring compliance with procurement legislation, regulations, and organisational objectives.
- Manages high-quality procurement and materials management services, supporting Cost Improvement Plan (CIP) targets and delivering value, savings, and quality improvements.
- Builds effective relationships with clinical, operational, and commercial stakeholders to secure best-value procurement solutions and ensure contractual requirements are met.
- Leads strategic sourcing, supplier management, and contract management activities within designated spend areas.
- Works with the Head of Procurement to monitor procurement and supply chain performance, contributing to reports for Trust committees and boards.
- Provides specialist procurement advice, supports compliance with legislative requirements, facilitates stakeholder meetings, and represents the Trust at regional and national forums.
- Conducts supplier and market research, evaluates supplier performance, and supports continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensures social value is embedded within procurement processes and maintains strategic partnerships with key suppliers to support effective contract delivery and long-term value.
About us:
Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and education. With a "Good" rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.
As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.
Details:
- Date posted: 30 July 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 7
- Salary: 49,387 to 56,515 a year per annum
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time
- Reference number: 430-CORP26-567
- Job locations: Supplies Dept (Dept), Milton Keynes, MK6 5LD, United Kingdom
Person Specification:
- Qualifications and knowledge:
- Degree level or equivalent qualification in a commercial based subject
- Registered full membership of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (MCIPS) or equivalent experience or working towards the qualification
- Project management (Prince 2 Practitioner)
- Knowledge of Public procurement processes and regulations
- Knowledge of contract law
- Knowledge of purchase to pay systems and other e-procurement tools
- Experience:
- Worked within a procurement environment
- Developed procurements that comply with EU Procurement law
- Significant experience of successfully operating in a politically sensitive environment
- Managing complex procurement projects including business case, options appraisal, tender documentation, tender evaluation and contract award processes
- Experience of setting up and implementing internal processes and procedures
- Experience of managing risks and reporting
- Supplier Relationship Management, including supplier performance, continuous improvement and management of supplier expectations
- Customer Relationship Management, support to internal clients and delivery of agreed outcomes
- Experience of consistently delivering savings and benefits targets
- Demonstrable Market Analysis to support project decisions business case and options
- Understanding of confidentiality and Data Protection Act
- Experience of creating and giving presentations to a varied group of internal and external stakeholders
- Spend analysis and development of workstreams with identified priorities
- Experience of using e-procurement tools including e-tendering, e-sourcing and reverse auctions
- Experience of creating and managing e-catalogues to facilitate corporate discipline within procurement activity
- Experience of interacting with senior executives, providing advice and guidance on procurement issues
- Skills:
- People management skills, able to resolve issues in a positive and productive manner
- Excellent negotiation skills, ability to deliver commercial advantage for the Trust, and resolve contractual disputes in an advantageous manner
- Excellent Commercial awareness, able to spot opportunities and ensure these are exploited to the benefit of the Trust
- Excellent IT skills able to use Microsoft office products to a good standard
- Excellent communication and presentation skills. Ability to engage at all levels within the Trust
- Ability to use some informed persuasion to influence others
- Ability to identify risks, anticipate issues, create some solutions to projects and service delivery
- Excellent time management skills able to identify priorities and ability to delegate effectively
- Ability to work without supervision
- Excellent knowledge of contract law and ability to influence contract documentation to minimize risk for the Trust
- Knowledge of Public Contracts Regulations and experience of managing procurement projects within closely defined processes
- Interpreting national policy for implementation
- Numerate and able to understand complex financial issues combined with deep analytical skills
- Personal and people development:
- Positive and enthusiastic approach
- Inclusive Team focused supportive approach
- Desire to learn, seeks continuous improvement
- Communication:
- Excellent written and oral communication Skills, able to engage at all levels within the Trust
- Ability to use visual communication tools such as Microsoft Office Applications
Procurement Business Partner in Milton Keynes employer: National health service
The London Ambulance Service NHS Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises patient safety and service improvement. With a strong commitment to employee development, including leadership training and apprenticeship programmes, staff are empowered to grow their skills while contributing to the health of London. The Trust's inclusive culture and focus on quality management ensure that employees feel valued and supported in their vital roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Business Partner in Milton Keynes
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like National health service.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Business Partner in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to National health service:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to National health service. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like National health service.
How to prepare for a job interview at National health service
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at National health service!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at National health service. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into National health service's culture.
