Job Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen within our procurement team for a Buyer Team Leader!



The post holder will oversee the Buying team and Workflow co-ordinator.



The post holder will be expected to perform a range of tasks operating within a team which will call for independent judgement and will be expected to operate within procedural guidelines to ensure public accountability.



The post will not receive constant, direct supervision and will require the post holder to exercise initiative in the provision of service to customers with only occasional supervision and guidance.



The Buyer Team Leader will co-ordinate and supervise work for a team of purchasing staff, cultivating a team approach and ensure that they make the most effective contribution to the service offered by the Department. Ensure that all staff are appropriately motivated and supported.



To secure for customers the purchase of supplies, which represent best value for money in the context of price and quality, which should be consistent with need as and when required.



The post holder will be required to adopt a flexible approach towards any supplies activities undertaken.



To be aware of the markets in the post holders commodity area so as to secure the best value for money in a dynamic supply situation and to provide customers with appropriate advice and guidance.



Utilise as appropriate; purchasing arrangements/contracts provided by Central Purchasing Organisations including, SCCL, CCS, HTE and SBS CPS as part of the procurement service they provide to the Trust.



Ensure that all relevant details are included on the requisition for the production of a purchase order. Deliver cost-efficient benefits in line with departmental objectives and report these savings weekly.



Responsible for the implementation of Trust Policies which have relevance to duties and in particular Health and Safety. Understand appropriate legislation and guidance in terms of Corporate Governance and Standing Financial Instructions.



Deal with any questions or queries which result from purchasing activity and respond with appropriate advice and guidance. Assist with the production of specifications, information or estimates to ensure provision of procurement services to the Trust.



Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust serves a population of over 600,000 with a workforce of over 9000 dedicated and skilled staff across 21 sites.



We strongly believe that the communities we serve should all have access to Five Star Patient Care.

Our Services:

Acute Care



Providing emergency and maternity services at Whiston, Southport and Ormskirk hospitals, and medical and surgical specialties across all our sites.



Primary Care



Providing primary care services at Marshalls Cross Medical Centre situated in St Helens Hospital.



Community Services



Providing adult community services for St Helens and a wheelchair service in Chorley, South Ribble, and West Lancashire. Our inpatient unit at Newton Community Hospital is where patients needing acute hospital beds can continue rehabilitation, freeing up space for more unwell patients. We also provide urgent care at our Urgent Treatment Centre located in St Helens town centre.



Specialist Regional Services



We provide the Mersey Regional Burns & Plastic Surgery Unit at Whiston Hospital and the Spinal Injuries Unit at Southport Hospital to more than 4 million people across the whole of Merseyside, West Lancashire, Cheshire, Isle of Man and North Wales.

Achievements:

Rated Outstanding by CQC Inspection August 2018

Top 100 places to work in the NHS (NHS Employers & Health Service Journal)

National Preceptorship Accreditation (2023) for Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme



KEY DUTIES



To secure for customers the purchase of supplies, which represent best value for money in the context of price and quality, which should be consistent with need as and when, required.

The post holder will be required to adopt a flexible approach towards any supplies activities undertaken.

To be aware of the markets in the post holders commodity area so as to secure the best value for money in a dynamic supply situation and to provide customers with appropriate advice and guidance.

Utilise as appropriate; purchasing arrangements/contracts provided by Central Purchasing Organisations including, SCCL, CCS, HTE and SBS CPS as part of the procurement service they provide to the Trust.

Ensure that all relevant details are included on the requisition for the production of a purchase order.

Deliver cost-efficient benefits in line with departmental objectives and report these savings weekly.

Responsible for the implementation of Trust Policies which have relevance to duties and in particular Health and Safety.

Understand appropriate legislation and guidance in terms of Corporate Governance and Standing Financial Instructions.

Deal with any questions or queries which result from purchasing activity and respond with appropriate advice and guidance.

Assist with the production of specifications, information or estimates to ensure provision of procurement services to the Trust.

Purchase stock items in consultation with appropriate staff in so far as are relevant to commodity area.

The post holder will need to be familiar with the product catalogues, which will be available for reference.

Contribute to and ensure the maintenance of supplier catalogues and be aware of directories and other sources of information which will assist procurement.

Interview representatives and consult sales literature in order to maintain a knowledge of products and markets.

Assist in rationalisation and variety reduction exercises as and when required.

Provide appropriate cover for sickness and holiday absence to other members of the purchasing team.

Attend meetings relevant to duties and responsibilities.

Assist in research projects and in the provision of purchasing information to colleagues and customers.

Participate in audits and surveys of own and section's work activities.

Participate in Training and Education initiatives to assist both personal development and the development of staff for whom the postholder has supervisory responsibilities. Training may also involve customers to ensure that they are able to benefit from system developments as they are introduced.

Responsible for the implementation of Trust policies which have relevance to duties and in particular Health and Safety.

Liaise with colleagues in Accounts Payable to resolve price disputes and discrepancies that may arise relating to Supplier Invoices received.

Assist in any quotation/tender exercises/projects

To be responsible for any other relevant duties assigned by the Deputy Director of Procurement.



CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES



All activity must be undertaken within the CIPS code of Ethics.



ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBITLIES



The role includes adhering to the principles laid down in the Corporate Governance Manual and ensuring all practices are compliant with this.



TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSIBILTIES



The post holder is expected to maintain their own development and undertake analysis and encourage development of the team.



LINE MANAGEMENT / SUPERVISORY RESPONSABILTIES



This role involves management of a team, with duties such as (but not limited to):



Appraisals

Performance management

One to ones

Sickness monitoring and management