At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement processes for Estates & Facilities, managing high-value orders and projects.
- Company: Join the dynamic team at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and structured training programme.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare procurement while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths & English; experience in procurement or customer services preferred.
The predicted salary is between 33677 - 40996 £ per year.
This role is an opportunity to join Hertfordshire and West Essex NHS Procurement Services on a 12-month fixed-term / secondment basis as a Band 5 Procurement Officer within the Non-Clinical Strategic team. The successful applicant will support the Estates & Facilities category.
Estates & Facilities is an exciting and dynamic procurement category. This role provides an opportunity to develop transferable skills and experience, and a structured training programme will be provided to help the successful candidate settle into the role in the first few weeks. The Estates & Facilities category team is currently working on over 100 projects and is looking for someone who can efficiently manage a high-volume workload, build relationships, and offer strategic advice on compliant routes to market. This role will give the successful applicant the opportunity to learn about different procurement processes and regulations.
Main duties of the job:
- The candidate will be expected to advise the Tactical and Transactional team on best practice steps to ensure compliance for high value orders above public sector thresholds, and to advise Trust stakeholders on correct procurement processes in line with Trust SFIs, identifying appropriate frameworks to procure requirements and progress contract renewals compliantly.
- The candidate will provide support on, and ultimately manage their own, RFQ and ITT procurement processes. These processes include the drafting of documentation, managing clarifications, notifying suppliers of contract award decisions and managing procurement data sources (Atamis contract database, workplan, CIP register).
- The candidate should be a team player but able to work independently and manage time effectively, switching between ongoing procurement projects. A willingness to absorb learning, to be proactive and to use initiative and ask questions to aid development and understanding is desirable.
Working for our organisation:
With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re‑imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities:
The primary objectives of the role will be to provide tactical and strategic guidance on high value orders above specific public sector spend thresholds, ensuring compliance with Trust Standing Financial Instructions, Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023, and to provide support on discrete tactical and strategic procurement projects within the Estates & Facilities contract portfolio. The role will require regular engagement with other members of the Estates & Facilities category team, different Trust stakeholders and the Tactical and Transactional Buying Team.
Person specification:
- Education and qualifications: 5 GCSEs at Grade C and above, including Maths & English, or equivalent qualifications; Evidence of further professional development.
- Knowledge: Principles of Public Sector Procurement; Trust SFI thresholds; NHS Procurement Frameworks; FTS Thresholds; Public Contracts Regulations 2015; Procurement Act 2023.
- Experience: Proven ability to establish and enhance effective working relationships with stakeholders; Working in a pressurised, results-driven Procurement or Customer Services environment; Working in Public Sector Procurement, ideally in the NHS; Project management; Data analysis and reporting.
Band 5 - Procurement Officer (Non-Clinical), Estates & Facilities in Welwyn Garden City employer: Westhertshospitals
West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises staff wellbeing and professional development. With a focus on innovation in healthcare and exciting projects underway, such as the new hospital in Watford, employees have ample opportunities for growth and to make a meaningful impact in their community. The Trust values empowerment, compassion, professionalism, and inclusivity, making it a rewarding place to work for those seeking a fulfilling career in the NHS.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Band 5 - Procurement Officer (Non-Clinical), Estates & Facilities in Welwyn Garden City
✨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 Westhertshospitals.
✨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 Band 5 - Procurement Officer (Non-Clinical), Estates & Facilities in Welwyn Garden City
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 Westhertshospitals:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Westhertshospitals. 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 Westhertshospitals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Westhertshospitals
✨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 Westhertshospitals!
✨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 Westhertshospitals. 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 Westhertshospitals's culture.
