At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to manage procurement and ensure best value for NHS Scotland.
- Company: Join NHS Scotland, a diverse organisation committed to equality and community health.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while working in a collaborative and inclusive culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Early application is encouraged due to high interest; potential changes in criminal records check from April 2025.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.
- Please note we anticipate a high level of interest in this position and may close the vacancy early once a sufficient amount of applications are received. Therefore, please make sure you complete and submit your application at an early stage**
Role: To supervise the category team and utilise the procurement journey and procurement tools across the commodity area to manage spend and deliver best value
By engaging with stakeholders to understand their needs, develop a customer focused approach to ensure queries, complaints sourcing requests and product availability is communicated efficiently and effectively across the category area
Provide procurement advice to stakeholders to ensure compliance with EU procurement rules and standing financial instructions. Ensuring governance of spend and minimise risk
For further information on what is included in the role and what skills/experience are being looked for, click on the links at the bottom of the screen to the job description and person specification. If after reading this information you have any questions please contact Jill Shearer on 07977 246891 or email
Due to legislative changes from 1 April 2025, this post may require a different level of criminal records check done than is currently the case. If the post is assessed as a \”regulated role\”, your appointment will be subject to joining the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. If there is any change to what is currently required, this will be confirmed by either the Hiring Manager or the Recruitment Team. For more details on these changes please visit: Disclosure Scotland Changes. #J-18808-Ljbffr
222124 R2 - Lead Buyer (AJM) employer: NHS Ayrshire & Arran
Contact Detail:
NHS Ayrshire & Arran Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 222124 R2 - Lead Buyer (AJM)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with NHS Scotland's values and commitment to equality and diversity. This will not only help you align your approach during interviews but also demonstrate your understanding of their organisational culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current or former employees in similar roles through platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide valuable insights into the procurement processes and stakeholder engagement strategies that are effective within NHS Scotland.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed procurement projects in the past. Highlight your ability to deliver best value and manage spend effectively, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on EU procurement rules and any recent changes in legislation that may affect the role. Being knowledgeable about compliance will show your commitment to governance and risk minimisation in procurement.
We think you need these skills to ace 222124 R2 - Lead Buyer (AJM)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Carefully read the job description and person specification for the Lead Buyer position at NHS Scotland. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in procurement and stakeholder engagement. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage spend and deliver best value, as well as your understanding of EU procurement rules.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to highlight any relevant skills such as communication, problem-solving, and compliance with financial instructions. These are crucial for the role and should be evident in your application.
Submit Early: Given the high level of interest in this position, ensure you complete and submit your application as early as possible. This will increase your chances of being considered before the vacancy closes.
How to prepare for a job interview at NHS Ayrshire & Arran
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and person specification. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Lead Buyer, especially around procurement processes and stakeholder engagement.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in procurement and how it aligns with the role. Be ready to provide examples of how you've managed spend and delivered value in past positions.
✨Demonstrate Compliance Knowledge
Since compliance with EU procurement rules is crucial, brush up on these regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure governance of spend and minimise risk in your procurement practices.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your ability to engage with stakeholders effectively. Prepare examples of how you've developed customer-focused approaches to address queries and complaints in previous roles.