Job summaryAre you passionate about making a difference to people's lives? Do you have experience of procurement, commissioning services or knowledge of clinical settings in the NHS? If so, then we have a great opportunity for you to join us as a Senior Buyer. The Trust has two vacancies for Senior Buyers working on contracts for services (both 30 hours per week). The roles will involve working with clinical and non-clinical teams across the acute and community hospitals to purchase services whilst ensuring best value for money and compliance with public procurement regulations.Are you organised and able to manage your own workload?Are you keen to achieve value for money?Are you passionate about delivering excellent services for the people of Somerset?Do you have knowledge/experience of procurement regulations and tendering processes? This would be an advantage but full training will be given.Do you have good relationship building skills, an eye for detail and a can-do attitude?If you answered YES to these questions then we would love to hear from you!Main duties of the jobCarrying out tenders for goods and services using an e-tendering system;Managing a complex portfolio of contracts, in compliance with contract KPIs, and best value for money is achieved;Raising purchase orders and keeping contract records up to date.You will need to develop excellent working relationships with operational colleagues in both clinical and non-clinical roles and ensure the correct processes are followed. You will need to be well-organised, with the ability to prioritise your own workload. We are a friendly, supportive team and work closely together.The first role will be working on contracts to support the Trust's capital development programme. This is a newly created post and an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to establish strong relationships and build the portfolio.The second role is working on clinical service contracts, e.g. radiology, pathology and surgical, and will involve establishing close relationships with busy clinical stakeholders across the Trust. We would welcome applications from individuals with a clinical background who may be new to procurement and are looking for a different challenge. Training and support on procurement regulations will be provided to the right candidate.This role is predominantly home-based with hot-desking facilities available at County Hall, Taunton. On some occasions there is also the requirement to be able to travel to any of the Trust's sites across Somerset.About usAs an organisation, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust offers employees a wide range of benefits including flexible working, NHS pension scheme, generous annual leave allowance and a commitment to career development.You will be eligible for our Blue Light Card and a wide range of NHS exclusive shopping & leisure discounts.We are proud of our skilled, diverse workforce and as an inclusive employer we welcome applications from all backgrounds.Working in Somerset enables you to enjoy the idyllic countryside, areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable.Somerset offers the countryside and the cosmopolitan -- there is truly something for everyone!Job descriptionJob responsibilitiesThe post holder will be responsible for a complex portfolio of contracts, carrying out tendering for goods and services using an e-tendering system. Contracts will be managed effectively to ensure products and services are delivered on time, in compliance with contract KPIs and best value for money is achieved. The post holder will develop excellent working relationships with stakeholders and will influence end users to help standardise and rationalise products and services. They will proactively manage contracts, monitor usage trends in support of compliance to contract terms to enable achievement of best value for the Trust. In addition they will implement change/improvements and support and enable self and others to enhance expertise and help build procurement capability.Please see attached Job Description for full details.Person SpecificationQualificationsEssentialSee attached Job Description.Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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.Employer detailsEmployer nameSomerset NHS Foundation TrustAddressCounty HallThe CrescentTauntonSomersetTA1 4DYEmployer's websitehttps://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)