Pharmacy Purchasing Officer

Are you interested in a varied role which includes efficient management of drug supply to help in caring for our patients?, We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated Procurement Officer to join our Procurement Team in our friendly Pharmacy department at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. This role would be working across Luton and Dunstable and the Bedford Hospital site. We are looking for a candidate to provide leadership and support for our department's Procurement function and be a key member of the wider Pharmacy team

The Pharmacy department helps support to ensure patients receive the right medicines at the right time and that we provide an efficient, timely and friendly service to departments and patients.

The post holder plays a key role within the Procurement team ensuring the daily sourcing and purchasing of medicines to meet the needs of our patients.

Experience of the purchasing process and a familiarity with drug names would be an advantage but full training will be available for the successful candidate.

Our Pharmacy team embraces and champions equality, inclusion and diversity across the whole department. We are committed to consider all potential work life balance options for our posts. We can also offer fully funded training to help progress and development in the NHS. There are a wide range of courses and apprenticeships such as management/leadership, Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operation and many more.

Main duties of the job

To raise orders using the Pharmacy computer system, and ensure the placing of these with relevant suppliers, in accordance with standard operating procedures.

To ensure purchasing is in accordance with the Trusts' contracts, frameworks and purchase agreements.

To process eCommerce orders through the Powergate EDI system, and to help develop and maintain systems of electronic invoice reconciliation.

To enquire into and resolve problems with late, short, incorrect or damaged deliveries in liaison with the senior procurement officers.

To chase items on orders with manufactures and wholesalers in regards to them being outstanding. Supports with the investigation of replenishment dates.

To proactively identify potential issues arising from medicines supply chain problems. To work with the drug shortage officer to resolve and source alternatives.

To assist in ongoing audits of supplier performance. To maintain the database of wholesaler key performance indicators to inform performance discussions.

To identify when product ordered is eligible for off contract claim i.e. meets all requirements and to inform senior procurement colleagues to take the process forward

To monitor and respond to queries received to the pharmacy procurement inbox

To participate fully in the individual performance review and objective setting process of the Trust.

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology.