About this role
Job summary
To carry out specific strategic sourcing programmes for defined categories and provide effective management of the Trust procurement portfolios in line with Standing Financial Instructions, National Procurement Directives and UK Legislation.
The Assistant Buyer role will be responsible for different categories of relatively low value spend, volume, nature, and complexity; 'tail end spend'.
The post holder will provide clerical and administrative support to the Procurement Department. Processing of orders and requisitions onto the Departmental ordering system(s), ensuring compliance with end user deadlines and trust Standing Financial Instructions.
Main duties of the job
Please see the Job description and Person Specification that outlines the job responsibilities and personal qualities required for the role.
About us
You'll have the opportunity to work in one of the most diverse regions in the country, with the vibrant capital city just a stone's throw away and the invigorating North Sea coast to the east.At EEAST we bring together all our skills to provide 24 hour, 365 days a year urgent care to those in need of emergency and non-emergency medical treatment and transport in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.We are always looking to innovate our approaches and work together to offer the best possible patient care across our counties.
We aim to represent and value the diversity of our local communities through our workforce and service provision. We therefore positively encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as Black, Asian, or other ethnic groups, individuals with a Disability, or LGBTQ+ individuals who meet the specific criteria.
We at EEAST want to support our employees achieve a balance between work and other priorities, such as caring responsibilities, family commitments, further learning, and other interests. We therefore welcome flexible working requests.
Job description Job responsibilities
For a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the role, including all its specific requirements and responsibilities, please consult the attached Job Description and Person Specification. This document provides an in-depth overview that will give you a clear and detailed picture of what the position entails.
Please note, should you be successful in your application, you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks, prior to receiving an unconditional offer, if full employment checks cannot be achieved (this will include existing and unserved disciplinary sanctions), then your offer may be withdrawn.
How to applyStep 1 - Read the advert and the Job Description and Person Specification (attached)Step 2 - Complete the Supporting Statement - Your statement needs to indicate how you meet each of the criteria contained within the Person Specification.Step 3 - Complete the online application and upload your statement. Please note, CVs are not accepted.
Person Specification
Skills and Knowledge Essential
Proven track record in performance of delivery against tight deadlines with the ability to work objectively and ethically when under pressure Good communication (verbal and written) and presentation skills at all levels, internal and external to the Trust, of highly complex and sensitive financial and technical information. Ability to analyse and interpret highly complex, sensitive and/or contentious information. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to challenge the status quo in order to improve value. Numerate with good computer skills in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel, and experience of Purchase Order systems Ability to problem solve under pressure and provide accurate Procurement at all levels. Ability to contribute towards team building, coaching and motivating non-Finance staff, listening to and acknowledging the contribution from others.
Personal Qualities, Abilities and Attributes Essential
Professional approach with an ability to focus on customer service and quality orientation. Ability to work well under pressure, effectively planning and prioritising own workload. Ability to work at both strategic and tactical levels, achieving deadlines and delivering whilst working on a number of projects simultaneously. Ability to manage internal and external relationships with sensitivity and diplomacy. Able to develop successful relationships with internal colleagues and departments as well as externally with a wide range of stakeholders, and work with individuals and groups from a range of backgrounds, being immediately credible to internal and external stakeholders. Excellent telephone manner
Desirable
Ability to act in an entrepreneurial and innovative manner, on own initiative with minimal direct supervision.
Experience Essential
Substantial experience in Public Sector Procurement. Good knowledge of legislation on UK and EU Procurement Regulations. Experience in a Procurement/Supplies role.
Desirable
Experience of managing Procurement staff in the Public or Private Sector. Experience of working within the Healthcare Sector in a commercial role. Experience of using eProcurement, P2P and Finance systems. Category Management experience.
Qualifications Essential
Detailed understanding of the EU Directives and Public Contract Regulations, Standard Terms and Conditions of Contract and Contract Law. Thorough knowledge evidenced by being qualified in Procurement. Member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (Working towards CIPS Level 3 or above).
Desirable
Full UK Driving Licence, with up to 6 penalty points considered, to enable travel throughout EEAST and off site to meetings nationally.
Disclosure 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.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name East of England Ambulance Service
Address Lakeview House
Priory Business Park
Bedford
MK44 3WH
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.eastamb.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)