Exciting opportunity to join a newly established procurement service as a Category Buyer. NHS Devon Procurement Service (DPS) brings together expertise and buying power across Devon to deliver better value, stronger contracts, and improved outcomes for patients. We contract on behalf of:
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Torbay & South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Devon Partnership NHS Trust
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Livewell Community Services
By working as one, we are transforming healthcare procurement through scale, consistency, and innovation across all categories.
The job role is very varied, offering daily challenge with the opportunity to grow and develop as a procurement professional in a well-respected and high performing team. The main responsibility includes the management of procurement activity associated with designated categories of spend across multiple hospital and NHS sites.
We offer hybrid and flexible working, with office bases in Exeter, Barnstaple, Torbay, and Plymouth. Occasional travel across Devon will be required.
Previous applicants for this role in the last 3 months should not apply.
Work within the Medical and Surgical Procurement Team to support the delivery of the procurement Category Management (CM) non pay savings programme that informs the wider Procurement and Logistics strategy.
Ensure all Procurement is conducted in line with the procurement CM model.
Responsible for sourcing of goods and services to ensure value for money, meeting the needs of stakeholders and comply with corporate governance and UK legislation.
To provide procurement and commercial advice to internal customers and the wider Devon healthcare network.
***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***
We are a people business – where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment.
We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles.
Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Communication
a) Maintain relationships with suppliers to ensure performance and value, and collaborate with internal stakeholders to align category strategies with organisational goals.
b) Establish and maintain effective working relationships with external stakeholders, including collaborative partners, NHS Supply Chain, suppliers, and other NHS Trusts.
c) Present, explain, and defend commercial information in support of sourcing decisions.
d) Use communication, negotiation, and influencing skills to engage a range of staff to ensure the agreement is reached to minimise the level of procurement activity not subject to a full tender.
e) Build and maintain the reputation of the procurement service as a professional service with effective business partnering.
f) Demonstrate transparency to the procurement service, its Partner Trusts, and supplier organisations to maximise reputation and mitigate risks.
Knowledge, Training and Experience
Qualifications
a) Knowledge of professional purchasing principles acquired through degree or Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) e.g. CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply, or equivalent training and experience.
Training
b) Evidence of NHS and/or wider public-sector procurement training programmes.
c) Evidence of professional development through workshops, seminars, and courses related to category management.
For further details please see attached JD&PS.
