Procurement Buyer

Overview

Go back South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS TrustProcurement BuyerThe closing date is 08 October 2025Our active, high-profile Finance and Procurement department wants a new team member who is keen to help patients and support colleagues in buying a wide range of goods and services, promoting social value and providing excellent customer services. As part of a friendly team, you will be encouraged to work on your own initiative and develop buying skills and gain experience in a key support serviceCareer Progression pathways and development opportunities:We are committed to getting the very best out of our staff and support staff in their career aspirations. We offer access free training to develop your skills and knowledge to enhance your potential career development.Main duties of the job

You will be a key member of a small team in sourcing goods and services using electronic procurement systems. You will do this by turning internal requisitions into purchase orders which will often first involve seeking information from suppliers and clarifying requirements with requesters.You will be using emails and other methods of communication to respond to customer queriesYou will maintain accurate procurement records to help with reporting requirementsYou will help advise customers how to engage with procurement and follow correct processesYou will be required to work to a high level of accuracy with very good communication skills and a pro-active approach to managing your tasks. Computer skills and the ability to learn new systems is essentialYou will need to be able to manage your own tasks following instruction and engage with and support other team membersWe are proud to offer agile and flexible working opportunities as part of our new ways of working, and we are happy to talk flexible working at the interview stage. In this role you will be able to work Monday to Friday in the time frames from 9 to 5, giving you the very best of good work life balance.About us

We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George''s Mental Health NHS Trust.We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as ''good'' - we aspire to be ''outstanding''.This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services as we invest a further £120m to upgrade and modernise our estate by 2027.We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.We offer flexible working, career development and a variety of benefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive.Come and join our inclusive teams and help our patients on their recovery journey.Tolworth Hospital, SurbitonJob responsibilities

Sourcing

Ensures that the identification of sources for the provision of goods and services is compliant with the Trusts Procurement Policy and Standing Financial Instructions.Seeks market knowledge to support purchasing activityAssists with the research and evaluation of new sources of supply.Ensures that orders are prepared accurately and in a timely manner utilising whatever manual or electronic means are appropriateSupports purchasing activity which contributes to social valueManages the trust electronic catalogue of approved products in consultation with departments using Trust procedures.Ensures that product records are consistent with agreed formats in terms of coding, description and entry into electronic data bases including any used for the production of orders.Contract making and public procurement

Assists in the development, analysis and the award process of contracts in accordance with Trust Procurement Policy, Standing Financial Instructions and applicable internal and external governanceLeads on the evaluation of quotations and support with tenders as directed by the Head of Procurement.Assists in the monitoring and review of contract performance.Leads on specific contracts/projects under the direction of the Head of Procurement.Leads on reviewing and maintaining the contract data base.Person Specification

Training and Qualification

Evidence of continuing professional developmentMembership of CIPSAttendance at customer services, procurement training or other relevant on-line or in person eventsExperience

Relevant experience of buying, requesting or managing goods and servicesPractical experience of assisting and communicating with internal and external people within an organisationExperience of prioritising work and managing multiple tasks to meet deadlinesExperience of working in healthcareExperience of involvement in purchasing and contracting using competitive processesRecent experience in purchasing software systems information databasesKnowledge and Skills

Good written and verbal communication skillsGood interpersonal and customer service skillsGood working knowledge of Microsoft products including Word, Excel, OutlookKnowledge of public procurement legislation, principles and technique and its useUnderstanding of value for money and cost improvementDisclosure 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.South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust£32,199 to £34,876 a yearper annum inclusive of outer London ..... full job details .....