Buyer Clinical Team

Communication/Relationship Skills Forming a strong and enduring relationship with Trust end-users and suppliers to ensure that contracts operate as intended. To advise end-users of the appropriate procurement channel(s) to be used. Supporting on managing a category of products and/or services as delegated across all Trusts. Communicating concisely and in a timely manner in terms of providing advice or updates on requests for information. Sourcing recurring requirements as part of the PPS work plan. Liaising with departmental colleagues to resolve problems. Interrogation, updating and maintaining the integrity of corporate procurement systems. Liaising and negotiating firmly with suppliers on performance (quality), cost and delivery. Seeking advice from other procurement organisations and disseminating it appropriately to end users within the Trusts being supported. Working closely with clinical specialists as part of tender/quote activity. Assisting in the recording of performance information, including benefit reports as required. Analytical and Judgmental Skills To review responses to quotes and tenders and be capable of formulating a recommendation in writing for authorisation to proceed. To use own judgement whether to answer questions directly, or refer those which require more senior management or specialist intervention. Planning and Organisational Skills To plan daily workload in terms of prioritising enquiries and assistance required to meet end user requirements and timelines. To expedite enquiries and requests for assistance to meet customer agreed timescales. Work within unpredictable patterns. To attend meetings as requested by the Trusts and/or PPS management. To be capable of understanding and following procurement procedures and practices. Information Resources Regular creation of on-going reports/part-reports on enquiries/information requests. To provide the appropriate level of feedback to customers regarding their enquiries. Policy To ensure that Trust-wide policies relating to PPS are disseminated. Human Resources Work with unpredictable patterns. To engage in attaining qualifications and continued professional development courses relevant to this position. Financial The ability to develop financial evaluation criteria as part of a tender and to undertake the evaluation of tender and quotation responses and report firm recommendations to senior managers and Trust stake-holders. The placement of purchase orders on behalf of the Trusts once authorised by the respective budget holder. The post-holder has no financial delegated powers for the placement of purchase orders without being prior authorised. The enforcement and reinforcement of the procurement system to ensure that compliance with SFIs is being maintained across all Trusts. To maintain the product databases used, including pricing and supplier information, where delegated to do so and for those sub-categories allocated. Freedom To Act To work mainly unsupervised, prioritising workload to the best advantage of PPS and using judgement and logic to decide priorities for action. To escalate issues as required to line management. Emotional Effort To notify suppliers of the results of quotation and tender processes; the majority of which shall be unsuccessful. To routinely impart news to Trust staff in relation to their goods and service expectations. Mental Effort Frequently necessary for periods of concentration and attention to detail during regular on-going discussions with customers. Has to respond to frequent interruptions at any time on different topics from Trust staff, suppliers and own team, without detriment to quality of work. Is frequently required to deliver answers to urgent requests for information. Working conditions Is principally office based with the flexibility to complete some days at home. Physical conditions Considerable periods of time sitting in a restricted position working on the PC. Required to attend limited number of meetings at varying locations. General Leading and assisting in the preparation of tender and quotations in accordance with each Trusts Standing Orders and Standing Financial Instructions. To undertake other purchasing and supplies duties commensurate with the grade as directed by line management. To comply with the Host Trusts Equal Opportunities Policy and treat staff, patients, colleagues and potential employees with dignity and respect at all times. To take personal responsibility for promoting a safe environment and safe patient care by identifying areas of risk and following the Incident, Serious Incidents and Near Misses reporting policy and procedure. To comply with the Host Trust policies for personal and patient safety and for prevention of healthcare-associated infection (HCAI); this includes a requirement for rigorous and consistent compliance with Trust policies for hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment and safe disposal of sharps. In accordance with the Host Trust's responsibilities under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 to undertake work and alternative duties as reasonably directed at variable locations in the event of and for the duration of a significant internal incident, major incident or pandemic. To be aware of and adhere to all Host Trust policies and procedures, the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Data Protection Act. To maintain confidentiality at all times. Other These guidelines are provided to assist in the performance of the contract but are not a condition of the contract. The job description is not intended to be exhaustive and it is likely that duties may be altered from time to time in the light of changing circumstances and after consultation with the post-holder. All staff will be regularly assessed on their knowledge, skills and behaviour, and application of all aspects of the job description, in line with the Host Trusts Personal Development Review (PDR) process. Staff will also be expected to abide by the relevant code of professional practice relating to their discipline.