Buyer

We are currently recruiting for a Buyer role within the Procurement Department. The role will be full time (37.5h/w) on Permanent basis. This is an opportunity to join a busy procurement team who are focused on delivering a wide range of contracts and procurement activities as well as supply chain management, which helps the Trust to deliver high quality healthcare. The Procurement team is part of the Finance Department but works very closely with all Directorates and Departments throughout the whole Trust. You will support the Procurement Team in providing an effective and professional procurement service which delivers on-going cost efficiencies / benefits to the Trust in line with departmental objectives. The Procurement Buyer will be required to supportcompliance with all Statutory Regulations, Procedures, Standing Financial Orders and Trust Policies generally and as directed. Main duties include:

• Placing orders.
• Managing Procurement Cards.
• Answering queries.
The Buyer will have opportunity to develop further skills including running tenders from start to finish as well as providing support in a contract management capacity., 1. To ensure that all orders you place are in line with SOs/SFls. Orders placed will normally be under £50k. For orders valued between £10k - £50k you will need to get 3 quotations. Orders will be placed using financial system Unit4, or any subsequent systems. 2. To place stock orders with NHS Supply Chain (NHSSC) in accordance with customer requirements and internal instructions. This includes use of Unit4 and NHSSC on-line. 3. To communicate and negotiate with Suppliers the needs of organisations, including obtaining better prices or services and resolving disputes. 4. To sign orders / contracts up to £10k. Making recommendations on authorisation to Deputy head of Procurement / Head of Procurement. 5. To carry out low value tenders. The tender process will include:
• Analysing expressions of interest from tenderers.
• Working with clients in producing output driven specifications.
• Producing invitation to tender documents.
• Analysing tenders, including cost lifetime costing, contractual compliance etc.
• Pro-active discussions with clients over award recommendations.
• Post tender negotiation with Contractors.
• Producing contract documentation.
6. To act as the coordinator for the Procurement Card use. 7. To manage a contract portfolio including supplier and client liaison. 8. To answer queries from clients about the procurement process.

Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we're committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. We value diversity and are proud to be a Stonewall Top 100 Employer.We work hard to create an inclusive environment where you'll be supported by friendly and professional colleagues to flourish. Our values at Berkshire Healthcare:
• Caring for and about you is our top priority
• Committed to providing good quality, safe services
• Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions
We welcome people who share these values to come and work for us.

Benefits of working for us include:
• Flexible working options to support work-life balance
• 27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
• Generous NHS pension scheme
• Excellent learning and career development opportunities
• 'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles
• Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
• Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
• Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality
• Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave
• Free parking across Trust sites