Buyer

Buyer

Swansea Full-Time 20400 - 21800 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support procurement by processing orders and ensuring value for money.
  • Company: Join NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership, a leader in healthcare support services.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working arrangements and a commitment to inclusivity.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and excellent customer service.
  • Qualifications: A Level or NVQ Level 3 in procurement or related experience required.
  • Other info: Welsh language skills are desirable; remote work options available.

The predicted salary is between 20400 - 21800 £ per year.

Main area: Buyer Grade Band 3

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Monday-Friday). Flexible working arrangements available with a blend of office and home working.

Job ref: 043-AC245-1124-A

Site: Neath Port Talbot Hospital

Town: Swansea

Salary: £24,433 - £26,060 per annum

Salary period: Yearly

Closing: Today at 23:59

Job overview: The post holder will support the Head of Procurement and Central Sourcing Teams in providing a service through customer service and the processing of orders. Responsible for the purchase of selected goods and services in accordance with Procurement policies and procedures by obtaining and analysing quotations, processing orders/entering data in line with the COM, onto the computerised purchase order system achieving financial and performance targets. Assist in the acquisition of routine and non-routine goods and services for Health Board/Trust’s, recommending sources of supply and savings opportunities to customers, ensuring efficiency and demonstrating value for money in accordance with the Standing Orders/Standing Financial Instructions, EC Directives and all other relevant legislation. Undertake the negotiation of non-compliant Non Pay expenditure in accordance with Standing Orders/SFIs and all other relevant legislation, to ensure reduction in non-catalogue requests and increase in catalogue usage. Assisting the Procurement Business Relationship Team in the delivery of the Health Board’s/Trust’s Cost Improvement Non-Pay savings plans. The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Main duties of the job: The successful candidate will have experience working in a busy office environment with an understanding of basic purchasing principles, will provide an efficient and professional customer service, which delivers ongoing cost efficiencies/benefits in line with the Procurement teams' objectives. A member of the Team, who will be required to adopt a flexible approach to any activities undertaken, which will require the exercise of initiative, although operating within procedural guidelines. Liaison with staff at all levels within the stakeholder organisations, other NHS staff and external suppliers.

Skills required for the role include attention to detail, working to deadlines (time management skills) and the understanding and use of multiple operating systems (IT literacy important).

Working for our organisation: At NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership we expect everyone to embrace our values of Listening and Learning, Working Together, Taking Responsibility and Innovating. Our organisation encourages an agile working approach and we pride ourselves on being a learning organisation motivated by continuous improvement. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values equality, diversity and inclusion, focussing on the wellbeing and belonging of our people. Excellent customer service is something we strive for, for both our internal and external customers. NWSSP work in an agile way where possible, all posts will have a contractual base but as part of agile ways of working that may mean working from home and other locations. We also look at how we balance flexibility with community, and how to manage opportunities to learn from each other.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities: You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click “Apply now” to view in Trac.

Person specification:

  • Qualifications and Knowledge: A Level qualification OR Educated to NVQ Level 3 OR Advanced certificate in procurement and supply OR Ability to demonstrate understanding of or has worked within a role that includes basic purchasing principles, stock control, and customer care. Knowledge of Oracle Financial Management Systems.
  • Experience: Experience in a busy office environment. Previous NHS Finance and/or Procurement experience. Quality Assurance. Use of Financial Management Systems. Experience in a procurement function.
  • Skills and Attributes: Demonstrate confidence in using figures. Ability to use a range of IT software packages such as Microsoft Excel & Word. Effective time management and organisational skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Able to organise own and others workload efficiently. Ability to communicate with staff at all levels and disciplines in the organisation. Ability to work as a member of a team and own initiative. Capacity for sustained concentration. Ability to establish good relationships. Ability to deal with stressful situations and irate suppliers and to demonstrate customer care skills. Accurate with attention to detail. Welsh Language Skills are desirable to level 3 in understanding, speaking, reading and writing in Welsh.
  • Other: Motivated. Adaptable and Flexible approach to work. Ability to travel across sites in a timely manner. Willingness to undertake further studies and attend personal development courses. Deliver excellent customer service to our internal and external customers, helping us to maintain the customer service excellence standard. We are committed to flexible working and equal opportunities.

If you are shortlisted for interview you will be contacted by email using the email address with which you registered. Please ensure that you check your email account regularly. Prior consideration for this vacancy will be given to staff awaiting redeployment. We therefore reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any stage. When applying for this post it is essential that you read the Job Description and Person Specification (where available) and demonstrate how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of the person specification. Only candidates who clearly demonstrate how they meet the person specification will be shortlisted.

To work in the UK, all candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland (RoI) nationals require sponsorship to obtain either a Health and Care visa or Skilled Worker visa, unless you have permission to work via another route. Non UK/RoI candidates wishing to apply should self-assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship by visiting Work in the UK. If you are eligible for the Health and Care visa, application costs are lower and you do not need to pay the annual Immigration Health Surcharge.

Buyer employer: NWSSP Legal & Risk Services

At NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that values continuous improvement and employee development. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to excellent customer service, our team members enjoy opportunities for personal growth while contributing to meaningful healthcare procurement initiatives in the vibrant community of Swansea.
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Contact Detail:

NWSSP Legal & Risk Services Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Buyer

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the NHS procurement processes and policies. Understanding how procurement works within the NHS will give you a significant advantage during interviews, as you'll be able to demonstrate your knowledge of the specific challenges and requirements of the role.

Tip Number 2

Network with current or former NHS procurement professionals. Engaging with people in the field can provide you with insider insights and tips that are not readily available in job descriptions, helping you to tailor your approach and stand out.

Tip Number 3

Brush up on your IT skills, particularly with Oracle Financial Management Systems and Microsoft Excel. Being proficient in these systems is crucial for the role, and showcasing your ability to use them effectively can set you apart from other candidates.

Tip Number 4

Prepare examples of how you've delivered excellent customer service in previous roles. The ability to demonstrate your customer care skills will resonate well with the values of the NHS, making you a more attractive candidate.

We think you need these skills to ace Buyer

Attention to Detail
Time Management Skills
IT Literacy
Customer Service Skills
Negotiation Skills
Understanding of Basic Purchasing Principles
Experience with Financial Management Systems
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Effective Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Teamwork and Collaboration
Adaptability and Flexibility
Problem-Solving Skills
Ability to Build Relationships
Capacity for Sustained Concentration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Job Description: Carefully read the job description and person specification. Highlight key skills and experiences required for the Buyer role, such as attention to detail, customer service, and experience in procurement.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job requirements. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your understanding of purchasing principles and your ability to work in a busy office environment.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only introduces yourself but also explains why you are a great fit for the Buyer position. Mention your relevant experience, your understanding of procurement processes, and your commitment to excellent customer service.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your CV and cover letter. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.

How to prepare for a job interview at NWSSP Legal & Risk Services

Understand the Procurement Process

Familiarise yourself with basic purchasing principles and the procurement process. Be prepared to discuss how you have applied these principles in previous roles, especially in a busy office environment.

Showcase Your Customer Service Skills

Since excellent customer service is a key focus for the organisation, think of examples where you've provided outstanding service. Highlight your ability to handle stressful situations and irate suppliers effectively.

Demonstrate IT Literacy

Be ready to discuss your experience with various IT systems, particularly Oracle Financial Management Systems and Microsoft Office applications. Mention any specific projects where you used these tools to improve efficiency.

Emphasise Teamwork and Flexibility

The role requires working collaboratively with different teams. Prepare to share examples of how you've worked as part of a team and adapted to changing circumstances or requirements in your previous jobs.

Buyer
NWSSP Legal & Risk Services
Location: Swansea
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