Procurement Contracts Manager in Exeter

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

Procurement Contracts Manager

The closing date is 25 September 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWAST) as a Procurement Contract Manager, based at Trust Headquarters in Exeter.

We are looking for a motivated and commercially minded person to join the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust Procurement Team. Working closely with stakeholders across the Trust, you will manage a portfolio of contracts within areas such as ICT, Fleet and Estates, Medical and Clinical, or Corporate Services. You will lead procurement projects, support strategic sourcing activities, and ensure value for money while maintaining compliance with procurement legislation and Trust governance requirements.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, influence service improvements, deliver savings, and contribute to the ongoing development of procurement excellence within a busy and supportive team.

The role offers hybrid working, professional development opportunities, and the chance to play a key role in supporting frontline ambulance services across the South West.

The Procurement Team currently operates a hybrid working arrangement, with team members working from home and attending Trust Headquarters in Exeter once every fortnight on a Wednesday.

Main duties of the job

As a Procurement Contract Manager, you will lead and deliver a portfolio of procurement projects, managing the full procurement lifecycle from initial planning and market engagement through to contract award and supplier management.

Working closely with stakeholders across the Trust, you will provide procurement and commercial advice, identify opportunities for innovation and collaboration, and ensure the delivery of value for money, contractual compliance and sustainable savings.

You will play a key role in shaping procurement strategy within your category areas, developing strong supplier relationships, leading tendering activity, and supporting the Trust's wider objectives of delivering high-quality patient care and financial sustainability.

As a member of the team, you will also contribute to the development of colleagues, champion best practice, and help drive continuous improvement across the Procurement function.

About us

Working for us is an experience like no other. We provide emergency and urgent care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, operating across the largest ambulance region in England and responding to an average of 2,650 incidents every day.

We remain committed to ensuring that we provide the best possible care for all our patients, which is reflected in our new five-year strategy which has continually improving patient care at its very core.

If you embody our values of one team, compassionate and innovative and are looking to make a real difference to peoples' lives, then we would love to hear from you.

In return we will equip you with the skills and resources you need to thrive in your role.

You will have opportunities to progress to roles across the Trust and enjoy continuous professional development.

• A standard working week of 37.5 hours
• Holiday entitlements of 27 days per year, plus general and public holidays, rising to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
• Pay enhancements for out of hours, shift and overtime working
• Career and salary progression
• Car leasing scheme (this is subject to your pay not falling below the National Living Wage)
• Free parking across Trust sites
• Staff networks
• Wide range of discounts from various organisations across the UK

Job responsibilities

This role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current Home Office regulations. You must have the existing right to work in the UK to be considered for this position.

For further information on visa sponsorship and eligibility, please refer to the UK Government guidance on Skilled Worker visas: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

For further information about this role please see the attached job description and person specification.

Education and qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience
• Training towards being fully qualified Member of Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) or appropriate professional institute or relevant experience
• Specialist commercial / NHS experience and knowledge in purchasing and supply
• Purchasing procedures
• Experience of Tendering at a high level e.g. PCR2015 and Procurement Act 2023
• Experience of contract management - the ability to manage multiple contracts to ensure best value for money with high service levels
• Experience of project managing complex procurement activities from initial planning to contract award
• Experience of working under pressure to strict deadlines and prioritising workload
• Experience of supplier relationship management
• Experience of building collaborative partnerships
• Significant experience & understanding and application of Strategic Sourcing methodologies
• Experience in resolving queries and influencing people

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This 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 name

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust