Job Description

The Procurement Department at SCL are looking to appoint a pivotal role of Head of Inventory Management and Information's Systems.
The successful candidate will have ultimate responsibility for the day to day leadership of inventory management, purchasing and Information functions for Synchronicity Care Limited and County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust : The Trust Group.
Leading the strategic oversight and operational management of the inventory and stock control processes, source to pay and supply data systems across the Trust Group ensuring optimal stock levels of medical and non-medical supplies and consumables. With the overall leadership of procurement systems and information.
If you are a highly motivated individual who has the drive, enthusiasm and ability to work in a challenging and rewarding environment then we'd like to speak to you so we can explain more about this exciting opportunity and why it's a great time to join our team at Synchronicity Care Limited.
The role offers a flexible hybrid working approach.
For an informal chat please call or e-mail Julie Warnett, Associate Director of Procurement on 07342071151 or email julie.warnett@nhs.net
Main duties of the job
The candidate will ideally have demonstrable experience within public sector procurement, inventory and information systems environment (however not essential).
The candidates will act as an advocate to drive improvements in the development and implementation of procedures, policies and ways of working to achieve best practice and compliance.
Leading and mentoring team members across the inventory and information team, supporting individuals to develop their knowledge and skills to progress and improve performance will be a key element of the role.
The post holder will report directly to the Associate Director of Procurement (ADP) and will work closely with the senior management teams across the Trust Group and wider external stakeholders.
The post holder will drive information, electronic inventory and procurement forward in the Trust.
Provides strategic direction to the Inventory Management, Purchasing and Information Teams to ensure systems, processes and practices are maintained and in line with the vision, aims and objectives of the Procurement Strategy and wider stakeholders.
About us
SCL is a wholly owned subsidiary of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) set up to deliver a range of non-clinical services The company is a separate legal body to CDDFT.
SCL offers its own Terms and Conditions of employment which differ to the national NHS Terms and Conditions. As an employee in the company you will benefit from:

• A Competitive salary
• Access to a pension scheme - National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) CDD Services will pay a 3% contribution (this is over and above the minimum contribution rate at the present time)
• Night Shift Working Allowances (where appropriate)
• Bank Holiday Working Allowances (where appropriate)

Bank work is offered on an 'as and when' basis with no guaranteed hours and will be paid on a pro-rata hourly rate for hours worked only
Details
Date posted
26 September 2025
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
74,378 a year per annum, pro rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working
Reference number
M9439-SCL273
Job locations
The Centre For Health
Traynor Way
Whitehouse Business Park
Peterlee
County Durham
SR8 2RU
Job description
Job responsibilities
To read more information about the advertised role, and the main job duties/responsibilities please head to the and Person Specification located under the supporting documents heading. Job description
Job responsibilities
To read more information about the advertised role, and the main job duties/responsibilities please head to the and Person Specification located under the supporting documents heading.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential

• Proven experience in developing and managing complex inventory management environment including year end stock taking process.
• Proven experience in developing and managing eProcurement systems and business intelligence analytical tools.
• Demonstrable experience in driving business improvements in an inventory and procurement information systems environment .

Desirable

• Experience
• Proven experience in developing and managing complex inventory management environment including year end stock taking process.
• Proven experience in developing and managing eProcurement systems and business intelligence analytical tools.
• Demonstrable experience in driving business improvements in an inventory and procurement information systems environment .
• Proven experience of managing large, complex programmes that cut across a variety of stakeholders.
• Proven experience of developing commercial relationships that provide benefit (include financial) to the organisation.
• Change management.
• Relationship management.
• Resource management.
• Budget management.
• Project management.
• Data analysis.
• Presentation skills.
• Staff development and mentoring.
• Proven experience of delivery year on year on strategic targets and objectives

Special Requirments
Essential

• A positive, enthusiastic, supportive team leader and player.
• Ability to work from and travel between any SCL / Trust site/location.

Special Skills and Knowledge
Essential

• At a senior management level, demonstrate expert knowledge in:
• Comprehensive knowledge of e-procurement and information systems and their application within public sector procurement or equivalent.
• Comprehensive knowledge of inventory management systems and working practices.
• Strong communication skills and persuasiveness in presenting, negotiating and resolving complex issues.
• Proficient in IT and Microsoft packages, including Outlook, Word, Excel and Power point.
• Leadership skills, including change management, coaching and mentoring.

Desirable

• Awareness of public sector procurement and its application within the public sector.
• Comprehensive knowledge of project management and project forward planning underpinned by applied experience.
• Proven track record of stakeholder relationships.
• Must be pragmatic and structured.
• Working knowledge of NHS National Procurement Strategies and associated plans.

Qualifications
Essential

• Qualifications & Training
• Appropriate degree level qualification or equivalent experience and academic ability for the demands of the post.
• Higher level Management / Leadership Qualification (such as Hons Degree, Post Grad or Masters) or equivalent experience and academic ability for the demands of the post.
• MCIPS (Member of Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply).
• Project Management Qualification (such as PRINCE2 practitioner) or equivalent experience.
• Evidence of continued professional development.
• Application Form & Interview

Desirable

• Higher level Management / Leadership Qualification (such as Hons Degree, Post Grad or Masters) or equivalent experience and academic ability for the demands of the post.
• MCIPS (Member of Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply).
• Project Management Qualification (such as PRINCE2 practitioner) or equivalent experience.
• Evidence of continued professional development.

Person Specification
Experience
Essential

• Proven experience in developing and managing complex inventory management environment including year end stock taking process.
• Proven experience in developing and managing eProcurement systems and business intelligence analytical tools.
• Demonstrable experience in driving business improvements in an inventory and procurement information systems environment .

Desirable

• Experience
• Proven experience in developing and managing complex inventory management environment including year end stock taking process.
• Proven experience in developing and managing eProcurement systems and business intelligence analytical tools.
• Demonstrable experience in driving business improvements in an inventory and procurement information systems environment .
• Proven experience of managing large, complex programmes that cut across a variety of stakeholders.
• Proven experience of developing commercial relationships that provide benefit (include financial) to the organisation.
• Change management.
• Relationship management.
• Resource management.
• Budget management.
• Project management.
• Data analysis.
• Presentation skills.
• Staff development and mentoring.
• Proven experience of delivery year on year on strategic targets and objectives

Special Requirments
Essential

• A positive, enthusiastic, supportive team leader and player.
• Ability to work from and travel between any SCL / Trust site/location.

Special Skills and Knowledge
Essential

• At a senior management level, demonstrate expert knowledge in:
• Comprehensive knowledge of e-procurement and information systems and their application within public sector procurement or equivalent.
• Comprehensive knowledge of inventory management systems and working practices.
• Strong communication skills and persuasiveness in presenting, negotiating and resolving complex issues.
• Proficient in IT and Microsoft packages, including Outlook, Word, Excel and Power point.
• Leadership skills, including change management, coaching and mentoring.

Desirable

• Awareness of public sector procurement and its application within the public sector.
• Comprehensive knowledge of project management and project forward planning underpinned by applied experience.
• Proven track record of stakeholder relationships.
• Must be pragmatic and structured.
• Working knowledge of NHS National Procurement Strategies and associated plans.

Qualifications
Essential

• Qualifications & Training
• Appropriate degree level qualification or equivalent experience and academic ability for the demands of the post.
• Higher level Management / Leadership Qualification (such as Hons Degree, Post Grad or Masters) or equivalent experience and academic ability for the demands of the post.
• MCIPS (Member of Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply).
• Project Management Qualification (such as PRINCE2 practitioner) or equivalent experience.
• Evidence of continued professional development.
• Application Form & Interview

Desirable

• Higher level Management / Leadership Qualification (such as Hons Degree, Post Grad or Masters) or equivalent experience and academic ability for the demands of the post.
• MCIPS (Member of Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply).
• Project Management Qualification (such as PRINCE2 practitioner) or equivalent experience.
• Evidence of continued professional development.

Skills Required