Clinical Specialist (formerly Clinical Engagement and Implementation Manager)

Clinical Specialist (formerly Clinical Engagement and Implementation Manager)

Please note this role is not in a clinical setting.

We are seeking a

Tissue Viability Specialist health professional , who will be the specialist working alongside a procurement team advising on the Tissue viability portfolios within NHS Supply

Chain: General Wound Care, Advanced Wound Care, Vascular Therapy and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy.

The role will provide clinical practice and professional knowledge into the procurement of products by NHS Supply Chain, as part of a national catalogue to meet the needs of health and social care delivery.

This role will draw on candidates’ clinical practice, and professional knowledge, to ensure that our offering optimises patient safety, quality of care, efficiency and delivering value sustainably.

Reporting to the Head of Clinical, the successful candidate will work as part of a procurement category team; accountable for the clinical needs of the category portfolio; focused on range optimisation, service resilience, quality and safety, to meet the needs of NHS providers.

The successful candidate will need to have excellent communication skills; internally working with peers from different professional backgrounds; and externally working with health providers considering and exploring regional practice, and national drivers.

Applicants must have significant health care experience within Tissue Viability field, ideally experience of working both in acute and community care environments, to have meaningful and credible discussions over service and product provision with stakeholders, which may include challenging views/concepts, qualifying decisions made, and providing guidance and support for product offerings.

This role focusses on the needs of clinical teams and their patients, helping them to navigate their way through the procurement process.

Within the Tissue Viability portfolio you will be responsible for delivery of specifications, quantifying product variations, managing feedback from diverse stakeholder groups, and validating decisions and output, to provide an offering for NHS Trusts and/or Integrated Care Systems.

Conducting complex analytics to review “current clinical practice needs” vs “future clinical practice needs” whilst ensuring that the end users are complying with national initiatives and programs and understand how decisions made may impact on these.

Managing stakeholders through a clinical engagement process, working across clinical and non-clinical stakeholder functions including regular presentations to teams of specialist clinicians and managing suppliers as part of portfolio activity.

Undertaking complex project management with and on behalf on groups of stakeholders.

Influencing uptake and the continuous improvement of the commercial offers by the suppliers through these projects.

Making recommendations for opportunities with products from across the market which promote standardisation, are clinically sound and have fiscal responsibility for best use of the budget.

We are very proud to be part of the NHS family and the savings we generate directly benefit the patient.

We ensure that the NHS can access the products it needs at the right time and at the right price.

Relevant and informed clinical engagement is at the heart of our processes and keeps the interests of the patient at the forefront.

Every day you will….

Using your clinical/product experience and knowledge, your role has responsibility for engaging with healthcare, divisional and procurement professionals in NHS Trusts and providers to:

• Understand their requirements for products, based on their current operating preferences, sub‑specialty practices, clinical environment and any key issues which may hinder progress such as product safety notices, recalls.
• Support them in making savings for their area through effective clinical engagement and procurement initiatives.

Each Clinical Specialist works closely with and is supported by a Category Manager and a Procurement Assistant member of staff.

• Build and manage effective relationships with healthcare professionals within NHS organisations/providers to ensure the clinical “voice” is captured when product specifications are detailed and options for clinical change are put forward.
• Build and manage relationships with Supplier/Industry professionals, in particular when working on projects with relevant NHS Trusts.
• Provide project leadership and support, ensuring the delivery of quality services that represent best value and understand the key strategic direction of the organisation to ensure that processes are adhered to, and projects are effectively managed with a clear understanding across different stakeholders.
• Work with clinicians to optimise their product base and care delivery through product change and service provision, whilst ensuring patient centric care is the focus.
• Lead on product evaluations at individual or groups of NHS Trusts, developing product specifications and data analytics to support the decision‑making process, ensuring key personnel from any NHS Trust project are engaged and informed.
• Participate in and develop own clinical forums and networks to ensure NHS SC is appropriately represented and engaged in best practice and up‑to‑date thinking on products and services.
• Be aligned and aware of national strategies and directives.
• This home‑based role requires regular travel to NHS hospitals and NHS Supply Chain locations, working closely with a range of clinical and non‑clinical stakeholders across NHS Trusts.

While most meetings are conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams, candidates must have a suitable home‑working environment.

IT equipment will be provided.

What can we offer you?

• Hybrid working opportunities, giving you the flexibility to work collaboratively in the office and remotely.
• We recognise our employees’ hard work and contributions with annual bonus schemes, long service, and colleague recognition awards.
• We are dedicated to your development, through in‑house training, support, and access to external qualifications to maximise your potential.
• A focus on your well‑being offering 1 day of paid well‑being leave and free access to the 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Generous pension scheme (with us contributing 12% when you contribute 6%).
• Access to our Flexible Benefits Scheme, where you can choose from a variety of benefits such as Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, Income Protection, Health Cash Plan, Dental Insurance, and additional pension contributions that suit you.
• 2 days of paid volunteering leave allowing you to give back to your community.
• Access to many discounts from the Blue Light Card to NHS Discounts.

What skills will help you thrive in this role?

• We are looking for a health professional with significant Tissue Viability experience, exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.

A person with the ability to process information, understand clinical needs, drivers, patient demographics and user experience.

An individual who can gain credibility with clinicians due to product and clinical knowledge, and professional experience.

• A rounded understanding of procurement and contracting would be advantageous although this role is supported by procurement professionals.
• Have an established network of peers within their clinical environment, and/or with products industry.
• Experience of managing projects is desirable.
• IT capable, with an analytic and attention to detail competence. Training is given for those who need it, but a propensity is important.
• Willingness to travel, with a valid British driving licence, travel may also be by public transport – mileage, train travel and accommodation is provided or is expensed.
• We are looking for a self‑motivated individual who is comfortable with managing their own diary.

Gaps in your understanding will be developed and, as such, being able to take on a new challenge and develop expertise in relation to products is key.

• This role will require an ability to conduct detailed work at a computer for long periods and so a mental capacity for this whilst working remotely is essential.
• Confident with great energy and an engaging manner.
• Our Inclusive Commitment

At NHS Supply Chain, we are committed to building an inclusive environment where difference is not only valued, but celebrated, giving everyone the opportunity to thrive in their career.

Developing our people is key to our success, so if this role sounds like the right next step in your career but your experience doesn’t match perfectly with the job advert, we encourage you to still apply.

We reserve the right to close any vacancy from further submissions when we have received sufficient applications from which to make a shortlist.

Please apply without delay if you wish to be considered for this role.

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